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.

98%Game Brain Score

story, emotional

optimization, stability

98% User Score Based on 4,203 reviews

Critic Score 79%Based on 15 reviews

Platforms

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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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

98%

Audience ScoreBased on 4,203 reviews

story1k positive mentions

stability13 negative mentions

Incredible storytelling that evokes a wide range of emotions, making players laugh and cry.
Beautiful pixel art and immersive soundtrack that enhance the overall experience.
Relatable characters with well-developed backstories that resonate with players.

Pacing can be slow at times, especially in the early chapters, which may deter some players.
Some mini-games feel clunky and may disrupt the emotional flow of the story.
The ending may feel rushed or unsatisfying for some players, leaving unanswered questions.

story
2,245 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
52%
2%
The story of "Until Then" is widely praised for its emotional depth, relatable characters, and intricate narrative that explores themes of loss, grief, and acceptance. Many players found themselves deeply invested in the characters' journeys, with the storytelling evoking a range of emotions, from joy to heartbreak. While some noted pacing issues and a linear structure, the overall consensus is that the game delivers a compelling and unforgettable experience, making it a standout in the visual novel genre.
- “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 telling 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 fall asleep in front of the monitor.”
- “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.”
- “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.”
emotional
914 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of "Until Then" is overwhelmingly praised by players, many of whom report experiencing profound feelings of sadness, nostalgia, and connection to the characters and story. The game effectively explores themes of love, loss, and personal growth, often leading players to tears through its heartfelt narrative and evocative soundtrack. Reviewers describe it as a deeply moving experience that resonates long after playing, making it a standout title for those seeking an emotional journey in gaming.
- “I felt a 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.”
- “This game is truly moving; if you're looking for an emotional journey that will really make you think, then this is the game for you.”
- “Until then is more than just a game—it's an emotional journey that resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impact.”
- “From start to finish, it heavily relies on the original soundtrack to push your feelings in certain directions, and the soundtrack never once lets a moment down. Where is the soundtrack, 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.”
- “The game tries to evoke deep emotions, but it often feels forced and manipulative, leaving me more frustrated than moved.”
- “While there are moments that aim for emotional depth, they often fall flat due to predictable storytelling and lack of character development.”
music
505 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
49%
1%
The music in the game has been universally praised for its emotional depth and beauty, with many players noting how it enhances the storytelling and overall experience. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of original compositions and classical pieces, effectively evokes a range of emotions, from nostalgia to sorrow, making it a standout element of the game. Overall, the music is described as a vital component that elevates the narrative and immerses players in the game's world.
- “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 music is nothing special, except some notable parts, especially the piano parts.”
- “The only bad thing is that sometimes the music didn't sound right, it would cut out and sound weird.”
- “There are just moments where it feels like it's missing music.”
graphics
443 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
40%
1%
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning pixel art style, which effectively captures emotions and enhances the storytelling experience. Reviewers highlight the unique blend of 2D characters in a 3D environment, noting the meticulous attention to detail in animations and backgrounds that evoke nostalgia and cultural resonance. Overall, the visuals are described as breathtaking and integral to the game's emotional impact, making it a standout in the visual novel genre.
- “The immaculate pixel artwork 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.”
- “The pixel art style is so good that you are even able to read every tiny little detail and expression out of the characters' faces without a problem.”
- “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.”
- “However, while the graphics are charming, they could benefit from a bit more polish, although they fit the overall aesthetic of the game.”
- “Sadly crashes every time after 2 minutes approx, I don't know if it's my potato PC or something, but I have every graphic setting in 'low'.”
gameplay
206 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
72%
5%
The gameplay of this game is primarily narrative-driven, featuring minimal interactive elements and mostly consisting of walking and reading text, akin to a visual novel. While there are some engaging mini-games and dialogue choices that provide brief interactivity, many players feel that the gameplay serves mainly to enhance the storytelling rather than stand on its own. Overall, those seeking a rich narrative experience may find the gameplay satisfying, but those looking for more traditional gameplay mechanics might be disappointed.
- “The gameplay complements the narrative beautifully.”
- “While the gameplay is primarily narrative-driven, there are engaging mini-games scattered throughout that add a fun and interactive element.”
- “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 consists of slowly walking and reading text, so adjust your expectations accordingly.”
- “This is basically a visual novel, with few gameplay elements save for a rhythm piano playing game, so its main aspect is the story.”
- “The gameplay is very basic; it is mostly interacting with scenarios and characters, but there are some mini-games here and there that are effective in either building the relationships between different characters or developing Mark's character.”
humor
77 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised for its clever integration of Filipino culture, internet memes, and relatable character interactions, making players laugh while also evoking deeper emotions. Reviewers highlight the balance between comedic moments and poignant storytelling, with many noting the charm and personality of the characters that enhance the overall experience. Despite some translation issues, the writing is considered genuinely funny and engaging, contributing to an immersive and memorable gameplay 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.”
- “The characters are charming, funny, compelling, and more!”
atmosphere
59 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
32%
5%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and deep cultural representation, particularly reflecting Filipino traditions and daily life. 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 heartfelt, nostalgic, and intricately detailed, enhancing the storytelling and player engagement throughout.
- “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 background noise is so surreal, like you’re really there from the loud jeepneys of Manila, tricycles, and manong taho shouting to attract customers, to the school atmosphere of students chatting and bells ringing. It's so unreal hearing them in a 2.5 pixel art game!”
- “The music and atmosphere consistently enhanced the experience, creating an immersive and poignant setting.”
character development
29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
34%
10%
The game features exceptional character development, with a touching narrative that resonates through relatable storytelling and emotional music. Players appreciate the nuanced growth of characters, particularly in their relationships and personal struggles, which are well-paced and impactful. The rich worldbuilding and attention to detail enhance the overall experience, making the character arcs feel organic and satisfying.
- “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... or maybe to break them.”
- “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
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
16%
68%
16%
Overall, 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 appreciate the game's design and content, there are notable concerns regarding loading times, sound quality, and the performance of certain gameplay elements, particularly on lower-end PCs. Developers may need to address these optimization bugs to enhance the overall experience.
- “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.”
- “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.”
- “I saw nothing go down in performance the whole game except for one minigame which was very lighting-centric.”
- “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 it is confusing on what to do next.”
- “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.”
- “Sadly crashes every time after approximately 2 minutes. I don't know if it's my low-end PC or something, but I have every graphic setting on 'low'. The game has just been released, and it could be due to optimization bugs or something like that.”
stability
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's stability has received mixed feedback, with players reporting various bugs, including visual glitches, sound issues, and occasional crashes that can disrupt gameplay. While these problems can be frustrating and sometimes require restarting the game, many users still find the overall experience enjoyable and worth playing despite the technical shortcomings. Caution is advised for potential buyers, as the stability issues may impact immersion, but the compelling story and design often outweigh these concerns.
- “The above listed bugs were really frustrating to receive on multiple occasions. If you were 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 the 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.”
- “The story is so compelling, despite a bit of a slow start, that the only thing that could get me to put the game down was the visual glitches which forced me to shut the game down.”
grinding
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
44%
44%
Reviews indicate that while the initial hours of gameplay can be enjoyable, the grinding aspect becomes increasingly tedious and frustrating, particularly after the first ten hours. Players express dissatisfaction with the pacing and repetitive dialogue, which detracts from the overall experience, making it feel overly long and disjointed. Additionally, some minigames are criticized for lacking clear instructions, further contributing to the grind.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “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. 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.”
- “And 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
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
17%
50%
The game boasts impressive replayability, with players noting the potential for different scenarios and new insights gained from multiple playthroughs. While many find the replay value high and engaging, some caution that subsequent runs may feel similar, potentially limiting the experience for those seeking significant variation. Overall, it offers a compelling reason to revisit the game for its rich narrative and emotional depth.
- “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.”
- “It has some replay value as well, which I do like in a game like this, new things learned with a second and third play-through.”
- “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.”
- “If you plan on adding this game to your library, let me just say it is very replayable!”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players generally view the monetization of the game positively, appreciating the value for the price and the effective advertising that piqued their interest.