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Until Then

Until Then is a story-rich adventure full of standouts: its beautiful pixel art, relatable protagonist, realistic character dynamics, and thoughtful representation of Filipino culture. It’s a coming-of-age tale worth experiencing.
88%Game Brain Score
story, emotional
optimization, stability
98% User Score Based on 8,406 reviews
Critic Score 79%Based on 15 reviews

Platforms

PCPCP5Playstation 5SDSteam DeckWinWindowsLinLinuxPlaPlayStation

About

"Until Then" is a narrative-driven game that follows the story of a young woman named Ada. Players will explore Ada's memories and experiences as she reflects on her life and the choices she has made. The game features a unique art style and immersive soundtrack, creating a compelling and emotional atmosphere. Through Ada's journey, players will confront themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.

Until Then screenshot
Until Then screenshot
Until Then screenshot
Until Then screenshot
Until Then screenshot
Until Then screenshot
Until Then screenshot
Until Then screenshot
Until Then screenshot
Until Then screenshot
Until Then screenshot

98%
Audience ScoreBased on 8,421 reviews
story2k positive mentions
stability26 negative mentions

  • Incredible storytelling that evokes deep emotions and resonates with players, making them reflect on their own lives.
  • Beautiful pixel art and immersive soundtrack that enhance the overall experience, creating a captivating atmosphere.
  • Well-developed characters that feel real and relatable, allowing players to form strong connections with them.
  • Pacing can be slow at times, especially in the early chapters, which may deter some players from fully engaging with the story.
  • Some mini-games feel clunky or out of place, potentially disrupting the emotional flow of the narrative.
  • The choices made throughout the game have minimal impact on the overall story, leading to a more linear experience.
  • story
    4,495 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Until Then" is widely praised for its emotional depth and relatability, particularly in its exploration of themes such as loss, grief, and personal growth. Players appreciate the well-developed characters and the intricate narrative that unfolds over multiple playthroughs, often leading to profound emotional responses, including tears. While some critiques mention pacing issues and a lack of impactful choices, the overall consensus is that the storytelling, combined with beautiful visuals and a captivating soundtrack, creates a memorable and immersive experience that resonates deeply with players, especially those familiar with Filipino culture.

    • “The story is fiction, yet so many parts feel so real and are things that happen in real life.”
    • “A visually stunning indie piece, with lovable characters, relatable situations, impactful storytelling and atmosphere - with a touch of sci-fi and using game medium/interactive space to make the audience more immersed into the story.”
    • “The story, characters, and writing are simply magnificent—one of the absolute best, if not the very best, in the medium.”
    • “After about 7 hours playing this game, I'm still saying to myself, 'wait a bit more, people say this game is fantastic,' but I don't see any change; the story until now is boring. Pressing the space bar to let the story progress is boring, and it happens often to sleep in front of the monitor.”
    • “The first 10 hours are good actually, the pacing can be bad sometimes and the walking simulator can become tedious, but after the 10-hour mark, it becomes more and more messy, and it gets to a point where I didn't even feel like continuing the story because I lost faith that the writers could lead it to a satisfying ending... and I was correct.”
    • “The ending felt rushed, and certain elements, such as Cathy's story, Nicole's perspective on the loop, and how Mark's mother and Jake were able to create them, need further development.”
  • emotional
    1,831 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of "Until Then" has been overwhelmingly praised by players, many of whom report experiencing profound feelings ranging from joy to deep sadness, often leading to tears. The game's narrative intricately weaves themes of love, loss, and personal growth, resonating particularly with those familiar with Filipino culture, which enhances its emotional impact. Players describe it as a masterclass in storytelling, with a beautiful soundtrack that amplifies the emotional weight of the story, making it a memorable and transformative experience.

    • “I felt true emotional connection to the characters, and was hooked the entire time... so much so that I couldn't stop playing and accidentally pulled an all-nighter.”
    • “Until then is more than just a game—it's an emotional journey that resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impact.”
    • “This game is an emotional masterpiece.”
    • “From start to finish, it heavily leans on the OST to push your feelings in certain directions, and the OST never once lets a moment down. Where is the OST, by the way? Some of those songs have made such an emotional impact on me; I would love to be able to listen to them on streaming services.”
  • music
    1,011 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Until Then" has been widely praised for its emotional depth and beautiful composition, significantly enhancing the game's storytelling and atmosphere. Players noted that the soundtrack, featuring both original pieces and classical music, effectively evokes a range of emotions, from nostalgia to sorrow, making it a pivotal element of the experience. Many reviewers expressed a desire for the soundtrack to be available for purchase, highlighting its impact on their overall enjoyment of the game.

    • “Whether it was the somber notes accompanying a moment of loss or the reassuring melodies in scenes of small hope, the music felt like an emotional extension of the story.”
    • “The soundtrack deserves special mention—its melodies amplify the emotional beats of the story, making each moment unforgettable.”
    • “The music is absolutely beautiful and helps elevate the emotional impact of the game to the next level.”
    • “The credits are like 4 minutes long, to the point where the music even runs out.”
    • “Some cons are; I had performance issues with the piano stuff, sometimes the music cuts off entirely until I reach a certain point, and sometimes confusing on what to do next.”
    • “The only bad thing is that sometimes the music didn't sound right, it would cut out and sound weird.”
  • graphics
    888 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Until Then" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning pixel art style, which effectively captures emotional nuances and enhances the storytelling experience. Reviewers praise the unique blend of 2D characters in a 3D environment, noting the meticulous attention to detail in animations and backgrounds that evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and cultural authenticity. Overall, the visuals are described as breathtaking, contributing significantly to the game's emotional depth and immersive atmosphere.

    • “The visuals are jaw-dropping, featuring perhaps the best use of pixel art I’ve ever seen.”
    • “The immaculate pixel art work brings even the subtlest facial expressions to life in a way that most AAA productions with realistic art styles can only dream of.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely stunning, bringing every scene to life with incredible detail.”
    • “Lowered all graphics.”
    • “Had a black screen early on somehow fixed by not playing in 1080p and disabling steam overlay, had a few graphical glitches where some assets didn't load properly, crashed a couple times when loading to a new scene, even lost my progress once but was fixed by finding a matching savefile or requesting for one from the devs.”
    • “While the choices throughout only give the illusion of choice, and the graphical performance leaves something to be desired, there's a surprising amount of meat to this game.”
  • gameplay
    413 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of this title is primarily narrative-driven, resembling a visual novel with minimal interactive elements, such as simple walking, dialogue choices, and occasional minigames that serve more as a change of pace than core mechanics. While some players appreciate the emotional depth and artistic presentation, others find the gameplay lacking and repetitive, emphasizing that the experience is more about the story than traditional gameplay. Overall, it appeals to those who prioritize storytelling over gameplay complexity, but may disappoint players seeking more interactive or challenging mechanics.

    • “The gameplay complements the narrative beautifully.”
    • “One of a kind storytelling combined with gameplay that's incredibly intertwined with the story and emotional beats.”
    • “The gameplay is refined, and feels like the logical evolution for visual novel-like games, moving away from endless textboxes and presenting the story through dynamic and cinematographic scenes that utilize a modern 2.5D pixel art style.”
    • “That being said, the game is pretty much entirely linear and the gameplay pretty much entirely consists of slowly walking and reading text, so adjust your expectations accordingly.”
    • “This is a very story-oriented game though, there are some dialogue options and minigames but the gameplay is kind of minimal and it puts all of its emphasis on the plot.”
    • “The entire game is basically just a story with very, very minimal gameplay (probably less than 30 minutes, total).”
  • humor
    154 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its clever integration of Filipino culture and internet memes, resulting in relatable and genuinely funny moments that resonate with players. Reviewers highlight the balance between humor and emotional depth, noting that the writing elicits laughter while also addressing serious themes, making the characters feel real and memorable. Overall, the game's comedic elements are described as charming, immersive, and integral to the storytelling experience.

    • “The devs have a great sense of humor and are well-versed in both Filipino culture and internet culture with their various parody references to video games, social media, and memes (the funniest to me was the pointing Wojak at the Minion Among Us plush).”
    • “This game has some seriously funny writing, but it also knows when to stab you in the gut.”
    • “I thought that the humor and storytelling was well executed (I laughed at almost every joke) and that the characters felt surprisingly real and relatable.”
  • atmosphere
    118 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and deep cultural representation, particularly reflecting Filipino life and traditions. Players appreciate the seamless integration of pixel art and 3D environments, which, combined with a captivating soundtrack, creates a rich and emotionally resonant experience. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as unique, heartfelt, and meticulously crafted, drawing players into its world and enhancing the storytelling.

    • “The world-building is detailed and atmospheric, pulling you into a universe where every element feels deliberate and meaningful.”
    • “The game blends powerful storytelling with surreal visuals and an atmospheric soundtrack that perfectly captures its emotional depth.”
    • “The atmosphere, the dialogue, and the emotional expression is, dare I say, a masterpiece.”
    • “The setting also does its duty by immersing you in an atmosphere that to say that it is faithfully reproduced down to the smallest details is an understatement; you really feel the warmth of Philippine culture and it makes me proud to be Filipino.”
    • “The atmosphere: you are basically transported into the Philippines, everything from the small details of the trash, the sounds of people yelling and talking, the school colors, the house looking like those traditional houses, it had me feeling giddy inside because I'm literally going 'OMG it's the Philippines!'”
    • “The background noise is so surreal, like you’re really there from the loud jeepneys of Manila, tricycles, manong taho shouting to attract customers, school atmosphere of students chatting & bells ringing; it's so unreal hearing them in a 2.5 pixel art game!”
  • character development
    58 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game features exceptional character development, praised for its relatable storytelling and emotional depth, particularly in the second arc where character arcs culminate in meaningful friendships and personal growth. Reviewers highlight the nuanced writing, organic progression of characters, and the incorporation of cultural elements, all contributing to a rich and immersive experience. Overall, the character development is considered one of the standout aspects, enhancing the game's narrative and emotional impact.

    • “This is one of the games that has a quite touching story, supported by the choice of beautiful music, easily relatable storytelling, well-paced character development, and of course, the colors and music in each scene that effectively build emotions.”
    • “Tons of character development, nuance and subtlety in the writing and plot, great timing and attention to detail.”
    • “The subtle character development of Mark Borja (the main character) and the value that 'don't take things for granted' taught by Cath was perfect.”
    • “I’m a sucker for characters who have unique stories of their own, because that’s the backbone of their character development and how they’ll be impactful to the story; you just need to add a bit of spice of their struggles to make it really flavorful for the player to enjoy.”
    • “The second arc is probably my favorite of the bunch since I think it has the best payoffs for Mark's, Cathy's, and Ridel's character development; the tender moments really sell you on their friendship as a trio, which the first arc doesn't manage to do quite as well.”
  • optimization
    38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization has received mixed feedback, with some players experiencing smooth performance while others encounter stuttering, crashes, and issues with specific minigames. While many users report being able to run the game at decent frame rates, there are notable optimization bugs related to loading times and sound quality that need addressing. Overall, the game shows promise but requires further polish to enhance the experience for all players, especially those on lower-end PCs.

    • “I just can't even wrap my head around how excellently crafted this was (minus the optimization for some minigames); it is truly an experience like no other.”
    • “Performance – I don't particularly have a strong PC, but I can run the game at 60 fps in most scenes.”
    • “While there are aspects that need to be refined (optimization for this game and story endings, in my personal opinion), I think it's still a fun and unique game that can be appreciated by a lot of other people.”
    • “Without spoiling anything too much, the planned ones were alright, but there are clearly some optimization bugs to iron out when it comes to things like loading, sound quality, and the like.”
    • “The game isn't perfect; the minigames notably being awkward to play, and game performance being all over the place.”
    • “Sadly, it crashes every time after approximately 2 minutes. I don't know if it's my low-end PC or something else, but I have every graphic setting on 'low'. The game has just been released, and it could be due to optimization bugs. If it turns out to be because of my PC, the game in the trailers looks pretty good.”
  • stability
    26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability has been a significant concern for many players, with reports of frequent crashes, visual glitches, and sound issues that can disrupt gameplay. While some users found these bugs frustrating, they still praised the compelling story and overall experience, suggesting that the game is worth playing despite its technical shortcomings. Players are advised to be cautious and prepared for potential glitches, which may require workarounds or restarts.

    • “The above listed bugs were really frustrating to receive on multiple occasions. If you are deciding on whether to buy this game or not, sure pull the trigger and buy it, great story and great overall, but be cautious of the amount of buggy visual effects, which become unplayable in this game.”
    • “Had a black screen early on, somehow fixed by not playing in 1080p and disabling Steam overlay. I had a few graphical glitches where some assets didn't load properly, crashed a couple of times when loading to a new scene, and even lost my progress once, but it was fixed by finding a matching save file or requesting one from the devs.”
    • “- frequent crashes (my computer meets minimum specs, followed troubleshooting guides)”
  • grinding
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Reviews indicate that while the initial hours of gameplay are engaging, the experience becomes increasingly tedious due to excessive grinding and poorly paced dialogue. Players express frustration with the repetitive nature of mini-games and the lack of clear instructions, leading to a sense of burnout and diminished motivation to continue the story. Overall, the grinding aspect is seen as a significant drawback, overshadowing the game's narrative potential.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “It is tedious having to work through the dialogue of the checkpoints to get to the mini-games themselves and then repeatedly make attempts to get the achievements; I can't say for certain that I'll have the capacity to go back to try for them all, but if you don't care about that, you can make it through just fine.”
    • “I'm frequently underwhelmed by games with good writing, but do not creatively incorporate the element of interactivity and end up being overlong from tedious gameplay loops.”
  • replayability
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game boasts impressive replayability, with players noting the potential for different scenarios and new insights gained from multiple playthroughs. While many find the experience engaging enough to revisit, some caution that subsequent runs may feel similar, potentially limiting replay value for those seeking significant changes. Overall, it is regarded as a worthwhile addition for players who appreciate depth in storytelling and character development.

    • “The replayability of this game is nuts!”
    • “It has some replay value as well, which I do like in a game like this; new things learned with a second and third playthrough.”
    • “If you plan on adding this game to your library, let me just say it is very replayable!”
    • “Honestly, I think I may replay the game again, even after finishing it, just to help solidify and form my thoughts/opinions on the game and its story/events. I will say, however, I would expect a subsequent playthrough to be similar - that is to say there's little replayability here if that matters to you.”
  • monetization
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players generally feel that the game's monetization is justified, expressing satisfaction with the asking price and appreciating the promotional ads that helped them decide to purchase it. Overall, the sentiment is positive regarding the value offered for the cost.

Buy Until Then

16h Median play time
15h Average play time
8-22h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 48 analyzed playthroughs

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