It's way too restrictive. Your game must include rewinding time. That's the only definition which works. I've started working on a game and got a lot of stuff in, but I've only got rewind into the plot.
I think you just lack creativity. you don't have to look at it so literally.
i will spoil the plot for my game as an example as i will likely not have enough time to finish it anyways (i joined in late).
My game is about a carpenter who goes out to find an old tree and make it into something new and young (this is also the main mechanic, take something old, make something new as a tool). In a way i guess you could think of it as rewinding time, but it is much more abstract then that.
the theme doesn't restrict creativity, it restricts us to an idea and helps our projects stay grounded and lowly scoped. But that idea can grow to anything with enough imagination. This is something we should strive for in all of our projects. all games need to restrict themselves to some extent, because as i said, it keeps them grounded and the scope to something manageable.
Although I do agree that the theme is very restricting, it is most likely intentional. Since a restrictive theme necessitates that you be more creative when interpreting the theme.
"Rewind" doesn't require you to interpret it as rewinding time, you have to be creative and find synonyms and other uses of the word rewind. Such as rewinding a VHS tape, or you could interpret it as something going backward; it doesn't have to be the time itself.
There's definitely ideas other than rewinding time. I considered doing a detective game where you have to solve crimes by rewinding videos, or audio files (maybe even make it a bit creepy with reverse message clues). I've gone for running an old video rental shop, having to rewind videos while keeping customers happy
I also had the idea of "Rewind time" and it would have nicely gone with my idea of a Zombie Apocalypse. But after 15 hours sticking with my original idea, I got an epiphany at 3 am the next day and my idea of "rewind" changed drastically.
Take your time thinking about the theme, think in how many ways you can use "rewind", literally and figuratively.
This is the most ridiculous thing i have ever seen posted. Try to be a little more creative perhaps? It doesn't have to be about rewinding time.
You could think of it in more of an abstract way. Or try looking for synonyms for the word Rewind.
Maybe you arnt manipulating time, perhaps you are rewinding videos/movies, which reveal something sinister when played backwards. Or perhaps you have to go back through levels from a different angle.
It's not like your game will be disqualified from the jam if it doesn't fit the theme so obviously.