Until Then is a 2D-pixel art interactive visual novel developed by Polychroma Games and published by Maximum Entertainment. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Until Then Review Overview
What is Until Then?
A chance meeting sets off an unexpected chain reaction that affects Mark’s life. People start to disappear, and memories become unreliable. Uncover the mystery with Mark and his friends in this story-focused adventure and reveal the truth before it’s too late.
Until Then features:
⚫︎ Cinematic Hand-Drawn Pixel Art
⚫︎ Mystery Coming of Age Drama
⚫︎ Interactive Visual Novel
⚫︎ Inspired by Philippine Locations and Culture
⚫︎ Simple but Creative Mini-Games
⚫︎ A Diverse Range of Different Characters
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Until Then's gameplay and story.
| Digital Storefront | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Steam |
 Playstation |
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| $19.99 | |||||
Until Then Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Gorgeous and Cinematic Visuals An Engaging Mystery Narrative A Wide Range of Interesting and Unique Characters |
Unlikable Protagonist (At Least for the First Few Hours) Some Cliche Tropes and Awkward Dialogue |
Until Then Overall Score - 88/100
Until Then isn't just about celebrating Filipino culture, despite what some headlines might say. While it does excel in its cultural representation, what really sets it apart is its gripping story that keeps you guessing from start to finish. It delivers a cinematic experience with beautiful art and memorable characters that leave a lasting impression, making it more than just a game—it's an unforgettable journey.
Until Then Story - 9/10
Until Then is a beautifully crafted mystery game that tells a relatable coming-of-age story with a diverse cast of characters who feel like genuine friends by the end. The unfolding mystery keeps you on the edge of your seat as new questions arise, leading to an amazing ending. While the game could have easily earned a perfect score in this aspect, it occasionally falls into cliché tropes and features a protagonist who can be quite annoying in the initial hours.
Until Then Gameplay - 8/10
Until Then doesn’t really stray away from being a visual novel, so you'll spend most of your time clicking through text and reading the story. Thankfully, it mixes things up with moments where you can walk around and play mini-games. These mini-games add some variety, but they're just okay and have a few glitches, which we hope will be fixed soon.
Until Then Visuals - 10/10
Until Then is simply beautiful, overflowing with attention to detail. From the stunning backgrounds to the expressive characters, every sprite bursts with life. The meticulous craftsmanship means even the tiniest details are thoughtfully included and beautifully rendered.
Until Then Audio - 8/10
The soundtrack complements the game's themes and tone well, but it’s not particularly memorable—it's not something I'd listen to outside the game. The background effects are decent, but the game missed an opportunity by not including voice acting, which could have really added to the overall immersion. However, there are definitely standout tracks that elevate certain scenes.
Until Then Value for Money - 9/10
The game is a must-buy for its truly unique and captivating story. However, it's important to note that it leans heavily into the visual novel genre, so expect to do a lot of reading—it's more like watching a movie than playing a traditional game at times. Despite this, the $20 price tag is well worth it, especially when compared to pricier titles that may lack polish or remain unfinished.
Until Then Review: An Unforgettable Filipino Coming-of-Age Journey
I was truly excited about diving into Until Then, drawn in by its breathtaking pixel art that the developers lovingly crafted, all inspired by their hometowns in the Philippines. But what I found exceeded my expectations: its immersive and deeply engaging storyline kept me hooked from start to finish.
Before diving into that, though, it's important to note that the game is predominantly text-based, with occasional mini-games and exploration moments that add a cinematic flair—it feels more like watching a movie than playing a typical game, which I found quite refreshing.
The visuals are absolutely stunning; the hand-drawn pixel art breathes vibrant, expressive life into the world and characters. According to the developers, the game draws inspiration from Metro Manila, which was remarkably recreated in the game.
From the bustling streets to the schools and train stations, each location felt meticulously crafted, immersing me deeply in the city's dynamic and sometimes reassuring atmosphere. They've succeeded in making these places feel like integral characters that enrich the overall narrative experience.
Beyond its visuals, the game's cinematic quality shines through in its direction of scenes and dialogue, reminiscent of an indie film. While mostly enhancing the experience, there are moments where it slips into clichés. Initially, the protagonist, Mark Borja, rubbed me the wrong way with his insufferable demeanor, but I'm glad to say he grows on you as the story unfolds.
Yet, what truly stands out are the supporting characters—they more than make up for Mark’s flaws. They're intriguing and memorable, each adding depth to the narrative without overshadowing the central mystery.
Without revealing too much, the game follows Mark through the highs and lows of high school life, encompassing themes of love, drama, and friendship while unraveling an enthralling mystery. The game beautifully embodies themes of grief, love, and the transformative journey characters undergo as they navigate these emotions.
Believe me, there's so much more I could share, but it would be a disservice to spoil the journey. Until Then is an experience you'll want to uncover for yourself—a testament to its depth and the richness of its storytelling.
Pros of Until Then
| Things Until Then Got Right |
|---|
|
Gorgeous and Cinematic Visuals An Engaging Mystery Narrative A Wide Range of Interesting and Unique Characters |
Gorgeous and Cinematic Visuals
You can really feel the game's three-year development journey right from the start. Every frame is filled with such intricate detail, and the hand-drawn pixel art, which draws inspiration from actual places in Metro Manila, brings the characters and locations to life beautifully. Beyond its stunning visuals, the game also gives off a cinematic vibe with its dynamic camera shots that set the scenes perfectly—it's almost like watching a movie rather than playing a game at times. Which isn’t a bad thing for visual novels.
An Engaging Mystery Narrative
I'm hesitant to divulge too much about the story because the game excels at slowly peeling back its layers of mystery. Though the narrative starts off gradually, the payoff is immense. You'll initially wonder if it's merely a slice-of-life experience, but as you delve deeper, you uncover profound, unsettling secrets. It's an emotional roller coaster that refuses to shy away from raw intensity, making it a standout in the realm of story-driven games and visual novels.
A Wide Range of Interesting and Unique Characters
Beyond its compelling mystery plot, Until Then
features a diverse cast of intriguing and relatable side characters, each with their own personal struggles and stories. This element transforms the game into a coming-of-age tale where Mark not only uncovers the mysteries around him but also navigates the complexities of teenage life and self-discovery. The characters feel authentic and flawed, grappling with the enigma that is life that resonates deeply. Personally, I found Cath, Mark’s best friend, and Nicole to be particularly compelling—they challenge Mark's perspective and stand out as memorable characters in their own right.
Cons of Until Then
| Things That Until Then Can Improve |
|---|
|
Unlikable Protagonist (At Least for the First Few Hours) Some Cliche Tropes and Awkward Dialogue |
Unlikable Protagonist (At Least for the First Few Hours)
Mark Borja is the main character in this game, but I'll be honest—he's very unlikable in the first few hours. In the beginning, he can be grating and difficult to deal with—I found myself needing to take breaks just to unwind from his behavior. While I appreciate flawed characters, Mark didn't quite click with me compared to the other characters. He's got this knack for being snarky, disrespectful, lazy, and always throwing out unnecessary comments, like your typical, irritating indie movie lead.
Even when the game tried to justify his behavior, it didn't make me empathize with him or find him more intriguing. There were even moments when I silently thought, Can you just stop talking, you pretentious douchebag?
Thankfully, he does evolve as the story unfolds and starts to cause less trouble. Yet, he's not among the standout characters, and I often found myself shaking my head at his choices.
I have to mention this upfront: Until Then is a visual novel that demands patience and engagement with its story. It takes its time to unfold, and initially, Mark can be quite off-putting, which might tempt players to drop the game—I myself had moments where I almost stopped playing because of him. However, I recommend sticking with it and giving it the time it deserves.
Some Cliche Tropes and Awkward Dialogue
While this game delivers an undeniably amazing story, it's not without its flaws. There are moments where scenes feel overly cliché, and the chemistry between characters can feel forced. The dialogue, at times, resembles scenes from an overly pretentious indie romance film, filled with unnecessary metaphors, banter, and eccentricities that don't quite mirror real-life conversations and can seem contrived.
Fortunately, these issues don't dominate the experience, and they improve as the game progresses. However, as a visual novel, it's worth noting that you'll spend most of your time reading, so you'll encounter these challenges, though they don't overshadow the overall experience.
Is Until Then Worth It?
Yes, but be Prepared to READ
Despite a few flaws, this game is an absolute must-buy. With stunning visuals, a captivating story that keeps you hooked, and evident dedication from the developers, it's clear this game was made with heart and soul. At $20, it's a bargain well worth the price, although be aware that it features a mostly linear narrative that focuses heavily on text-based storytelling.
| Digital Storefront | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam |
Playstation |
||||
| $19.99 | |||||
Until Then FAQ
Is the Game Available in Multiple Languages?
Yes, the game can be played in French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Ironically, Tagalog (the Filipino language) is not an option.
What are the minimum and recommended specs for the PC Steam version of the game?
Minimum:
⚫︎ OS: Windows 7
⚫︎ Processor: Intel Core i5-4460 / AMD FX-8320
⚫︎ Memory: 4 GB RAM
⚫︎ Graphics: GeForce GTX 750 Ti / Radeon R7 260
⚫︎ Storage: 3 GB available space
⚫︎ Additional Notes: 64-bit only
Recommended:
⚫︎ OS: Windows 7 or later
⚫︎ Processor: Intel Core i5-6400 / AMD Ryzen 5 1400
⚫︎ Memory: 8 GB RAM
⚫︎ Graphics: GeForce GTX 1650 / AMD RX 570
⚫︎ Storage: 3 GB available space
⚫︎ Additional Notes: 64-bit only
Does Until Then Have Multiple Endings?
Yes, but not in the way one would expect…
What are the different kinds of minigames?
There will be many different types of minigames to enjoy! From something as mundane as buying a train ticket, to shooting balloons with friends, to playing the piano.
What Writing System is Used in the Sub-Text of the Game?
Until Then features the Baybayin alphabet which is a Philippine script consisting of 18 characters.
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Until Then Product Information
 |
|
| Title | UNTIL THEN |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 26, 2024 |
| Developer | Polychroma Games |
| Publisher | Maximum Entertainment |
| Supported Platforms | PC (Steam), PS5 |
| Genre | Visual Novel |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | RP |
| Official Website | Until Then Official Website |
got my eyes on this game since it was announced, so cool to see a Filipino game being reviewed by a Filipino author. hopefully you guys review Lappelduvide too!
MABUHAY PHILIPPINES!!!
PINOY PRIDE
PINOY PRIDE