Until Then

This game. This frickin' game, man. This made me cry like a little girl. I'm not even going to say anything else just buy this game it's on par with OMORI, Undertale and OneShot. Maybe even above them.

Thought this would be a cute game. Now I'm crying at 3am and questioning my whole life choices. 10/10 game. Never doing this again. Highly recommended 👍

This game is truly a work of art—pixel art seamlessly blended into both hand-drawn and 3D assets. From quiet moments of the main character doom-scrolling the internet to the soul-crushing relationships that had me in tears by the end, it felt like something I had lived, not just played. I’ve played many story games—from The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante to old-school Flash games—but none of them hit quite like this one. I found myself relating deeply to the characters, and by the time the credits rolled, I was ugly crying. I used to be part of a close-knit friend group: Sean, Pauline, Colin, Login, Ben, and me. We’d known each other for years. From swimming at Sean’s house to playing Minecraft LAN servers at Pauline’s making minecraft youtube videos.(yes, we really thought we could’ve been the next big Minecraft YouTubers" yet are star never shined still have alot of our old videos though. But life, as it does, eventually pulled us apart. Pauline moved back to France during middle school, and I never really got a chance to say goodbye. Being the youngest of the group, always a grade behind, made it harder to keep up as we got older. By high school, it was tough just to find time together. Then, at the start of Junior year, something unexpected happened: Pauline moved back to our hometown for her senior year. Suddenly, we were all together again—one last chance to make the most of it. We tried to fit five years of missed time into one, and we did. making that year fly by in the blink of an eye. As Prom approached, we hit a small snag: only seniors were allowed. But there was a loophole—anyone from the high school could escort a senior. So I did, and I got to go to Prom with one of my closest friends. It was a night I’ll never forget. When you blink you have to open you eyes to blink once more and the year was over. Sean, Colin, Ben, Login had went off to college, and Pauline moved back to France, and I was left behind for my senior year. Most of them never really reached out as they had become to busy. Except for Kody—my online best friend and, honestly, the greatest friend I’ve ever had. He helped me get through losing everyone else. But even that couldn’t prepare me for what came next: the pandemic. My senior Prom never came. COVID-19 hit. And the “Just two weeks” turned into the last memory I have of high school. But the world didn’t end, not really. Even after losing my childhood friends to distance, change, and time, and after living through a global crisis, life kept moving. And it made space for healing, for growing, and for meeting people who would change everything again. One of those was my close friend, Mint, someone I saw as a sister. who helped me get out of a rough period of my life. Today, I have a fantastic group of friends who are like a second family. And looking back, I’ve learned how to let go of the grief I carried for those I’ve lost and cherish the memories we all share Writing this review has taken me down a road I didn’t expect. I wanted to review how this game quietly opened the floodgates of emotions I left stagnant in my mind. But I also wanted to write this as a love letter to the friends I’ve had over the years who shaped who I am, and it makes me want to reach out to some of these old names to see how lifes treated them. Play the game has made me cherish my friends more then ever. I won’t name names. But if any of you are reading this, you know who you are. I love you more than I ever say. the names in the review were changed from the real people. This will probably be the only game review I ever write. I highly recommend anyone to atleast give this game a try even if you arent big on visual novel type games. idk I just really related to this game. sorry for grammar wrote this right after finishing the game Until then, thank you for reading.

no notes, ill remember this beautiful game for eternity, and every day until then

I'm roughly 9 hours in but I've reached a point in the game that has me standing like Anton Ego by the windowsill and I just had to get this out. This is coming from someone who doesn't play alot of indie games, much less VNs. I'm the farthest from a cozy gamer. I've been reading through all the reviews both good and bad and I can understand that this really isn't for everyone because of the pacing and decisions regarding the story. But that's a good thing, because I can also see how deeply it resonated with those who like it. Just as I do. If a game was for everyone, this would just be another COD, or another Fortnite. The pace of the game lets you take it all in. The way the characters joke around, the everyday school life. You laugh with them, cry with them, its deeply personal. It captures the feeling of nostalgia that's hard to put into words, that no amount of graphical fidelity can manage. From the moment you click start, and go through those first 15 minutes, you'll know if this game is for you or not. It's okay if it doesn't, but if it does, you're in for a ride. "It's the slow blade that penetrates the shield".

If you are looking for an addition to a list of games that will break you emotionally, this is for you.

[h1] First run: [/h1] "Well, that was one hell of a roller coaster. Such a cute and touching story with happy, funny, sad and tragic moments. Many questions remained unaswered, but, well... i guess it doesnt really matter anymore. Ahh... what an amazing game." [h1] Second run: [/h1] [b] "WHAT. THE. ACTUAL. F***?!" [/b] [h1] Third run: [/h1] [spoiler]"I saved them all, but... [i] at what cost?[/i]" [/spoiler] This game is... wow. Just... wow.

Thanks [i]Game[/i]! Now my eyes are bleeding water. Hope you are happy now.... In all seriousness just get this game. It looks gorgeous, all characters are in some form relatable. The controls are sometimes a bit clunky but the story makes more than up for it. And who knows... It might change your perspective on some things ...or not... I mean i don't know you. Why are you still reading this! You have a green button to click up there!

Amazing visuals, characters, and soundtrack. Didn't really like the sci-fi plot towards the end though... that was pretty confusing. Definitely ruined the original impression of this game being more "rooted in reality". Give it a shot.

Wow, I’m just speechless. The beginning of the game might feel a bit slow, it even made me wonder, “Why does this matter?” I’ve grown out of high school drama. But that slow start actually helps you understand the characters on a deeper level their private struggles, hidden personalities, dreams, aspirations, and what their lives are like at home. Not many people know this, but the butterflies in the game are inspired by Asian beliefs that loved ones are reincarnated and return to the living world in butterfly form, often to check in on those they’ve left behind. *SPOILERS ALERT* This game deeply affected me. In the very first chapter, I lost my best friend and one of my parents and it brought back so many emotions. The pain of never getting closure, the guilt of not treating them better when they were alive, and the realization that my resentment was so small compared to the importance of just letting go and seeing the good in people. We’re all trying, even when it doesn’t look like it. I strongly recommend playing this game with no walkthroughs or spoilers. Just let yourself experience it. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that tackles grief, forgiveness, and growth in such a powerful way.

10/10 One of the best games that I've truly enjoyed. Because of this it made me want to relearn and play the piano again and I will be learning how to play memories and time is tearing us apart. Thank you Polychroma Games for making this gem

Game made me cry like no any other games or movies. 10/10 game. The visual is sooooo beautiful, made me nostalgic about the times when I lived in the Philippines a couple years back. Also made me experience things that I never got the opportunity to do so. SOBRANG NAKAKAIYAK PROMISE

O jogo mais triste que ja joguei :( recomendo, tudo nesse jogo é lindo, as artes, o estilo, as musicas, as aventuras e a historia por mais triste que seja vai te fazer pensar muito sobre a vida, 10/10, é o jogo perfeito

After playing the demo for 2 hours, I decided to buy this game because it had been in the desired state for a very long time. The demo version was just something. After playing the full version, I can say God, I've never played a game so emotional... The game is very catchy with its plot, thank you so much for making such a wonderful game! I was crying.

I loved this game and strongly echo what most other positive reviews mention. The art is sublime. The music was great and complemented the game's emotional tone splendidly. I loved that small things and choices I made actually were referenced again within dialogue, even something as simple as liking someone's post, it made the narrative feel more personal and it got me more emotionally invested. The game legit made me both laugh and cry. The friendship between the characters really felt genuine and [spoiler]the way grief and acceptance are portrayed felt so relatable, I really had a lot of feels when the characters opened up to each other.[/spoiler] I also really liked the slow-pace of the story (I'm a slow burn girly), I don't think the emotional impact of the game would be as great if it didn't focus on slice of life moments to build the relationships between the characters as much as it did. As much as I liked that aspect of the story, I cannot say it is flawless. I found the "big twist" in act 3 required way too much suspension of disbelief to actually work [spoiler]and honestly, what the hell is up with teasing that Marc and Nicole will find each other again in the other lifetime and then they never do??? I understand the Ruling doesn't happen, so Nicole never had to move to Marc's town; that part makes sense. But they don't even have a fateful encounter later on in life after all they've been through together?? SMH[/spoiler] Another annoyance were the mini games: many of them are not created equal. Some feel straight up janky and others will pop up on you without warning and without telling you what you're supposed to do/which button to press. But aside from this, Until Then was a pretty great game and I'm glad I played it. Cathy is my homegirl <3

This is the first game I’ve ever reviewed on Steam, and Until Then did not disappoint. The game hits so close to home. The locations, the details, and the whole atmosphere just felt so real. It brought back memories when I was still in the Philippines and made the story way more emotional. The pixel art is beautiful, the music fits perfectly, and the story?? Chef’s kiss. Major props to the local devs for creating such an amazing game and for capturing our culture. Kudos!!!

Holy crap, this game is a storytelling masterpiece. It stands comparable to an excellent movie in terms of writing, visual storytelling, shot composition, storyboarding, and the pure quality of the art. Made me cry a few times! If you enjoy a big story and a lot of sappiness, you'll eat this game up. My only gripe is that I was used to the pacing of the first major arc of the game, and afterwards it does feel a little faster. Those who have played may understand what I mean. I should also mention that the game is not ONLY story - there's a few decent minigames sprinkled in to keep you engaged. Definitely not the craziest in terms of gameplay, but it was good enough to keep me engaged, and since they usually involved more than one character, they were memorable moments in their own right. Overall, I give it a 9/10. PLAY THIS GAME.

I initially bought this because I just want to support local devs, but this game hit me like a truck. I've been thinking about it for weeks after that ending. I will go to my 2nd playthrough now.

Just beat chapter 5 and this game has taken control of me, by far one of the best indie games i've played. Cant believe how not talked about this game is and how its been under my radar until now. Such a emotional experience from just having played to the first ending, will 100% recommend to anyone that is even semi interested into visual novels or even if you just want a amazing story and better than amazing characters. adding onto this now that i have beat the rest of the game and i have to say this is on the top of my list of games out right now (will most likely stay forever), if there was one game i could forget everything and play blind again this one is it; the characters in this game are unmatched and have broke me completely, if they had voice actors i think i would've actually died. a actual gem & a amazing experience, until then! 10/10

Where do I even begin? This game is a literal work of art—from the stunning visuals to the unforgettable story, and don’t even get me started on the soundtrack. The OSTs alone deserve their own award. I’ve never been put through so many emotions in a video game before. One moment I’m smiling like an idiot, the next I’m questioning my entire existence. You can feel how much heart and soul the devs poured into this—it’s rare to see something crafted with this much care I’ll never forget this game. It’ll stay with me... until then.

My all-time fave visual novel. Cried like a baby when it ended. 10/10, I wish I could forget and play this game all over again.

This game is just.. mindblowingly beautiful.. I'm glad I sit for the whole game and finished it during the weekend

This game is a beautiful cinematic journey that will suck you in innocently and then shock your reality. The story and characters are complex and at times slips into a slice of life sim, but all the while slowing burning towards something bigger. Gameplay is very approachable and even minigames demanding a bit more key control are very forgiving. You can also revisit chapters after you've completed them to see what you missed later or simply to re-experience moments. You'll want a cozy blanket, tea, and tissues for this game.

the game is great but the ending ruins the entire thing even tho people think the pace was fine it was OK but the ending tho is just leave you with such a bad taste that ruin everything for me. probably not playing anything any game from them.

holy balls. one of the best storytelling games i've played in a long while. keeps you hooked through character interactions, the minigames are fun, and you actually get to see the development happen in a pace well-suited to how the game plays. i have my own personal gripes w the ending (RAGGHHH WHERE MY CLASSIC FILIPINO LOVETEAM TROPE) but overall i'd say it's a game you're never going to forget, and never regret buying. worth every peso (yes im filipino) i spent on it 100 percent (will edit to be more detailed in the future)

This is unlike any visual novel I've ever played. It's subtle in a way that's so gripping, and so cinematic. The artwork and character development are amazing. Can't recommend enough, holy shit. It'll change your life

My lord this game was perfect, every inch, bit, detail, and minute part of the game, from the art style, the characters, the dialogue, the music, and the plot, was perfect. My god especially the story, not only it is masterfully crafted, but it truly can guide you to become a much healthier and better person. If you have not played it yet, I highly recommend you to play it, it'll change your life somehow, and I know it has for me.

I don't think I've ever played a game that left me as devastated as Until Then, and I've played Omori and LISA: The Painful. Whilst those games are darker and in some ways more tragic (not to mention I enjoyed actually PLAYING those games more than Until Then), this game has a level of relatability in it's characters that I think makes it a whole lot more personal for the average person which makes everything all the more real. Honestly part of me wishes that I didn't play this game, I'm not saying that to discourage anyone from playing though, I'm just warning you, it'll hit you close to home, then it'll rip it all away from you unless you can let go and begin again... ...And again. 9/10 (SCREW THAT DAMN JEEPNY & KARAOKE MACHINE THOUGH)

Wow, I havent cried this hard for a game since Lee's death in Telltales TWD season 1. Man 5x more once I finished this game. Beautiful game that will put you on a roller-coaster of emotions to make you cry. Absolutely amazing game 10/10.

So fucking good. Both world building and character writing were very interesting and fun to read.

Oh boy where do I even begin? I saw a clip of someone playing this game on social media and I knew I had to buy it. I thought it was just an ordinary pixel art story game, but no, the devs turned it up to an 11. This game hit me so hard it made cry, and there are very few games that have been able to do that for me. This game is unlike any other game I’ve played before. The story, the characters, the environment, all of it was just so amazing. This game has definitely earned it self respected top 3 spot in my favorite games. I’d play it again and cry again just to see the beauty of it. This more than a 10/10, it’s exceptional. And the music, oh boy, don’t even get me started with how many times I teared up when half the soundtrack came on in the background of conversations and events during the game. I genuinely love that the music hit me so hard but also portrayed every single moment so beautifully and accurately so the game felt more real. The message(s) of the game are so beautiful and so true, but also gut punching in a good way. I was in shock during most of the game with just how amazing everything blended together… the music, characters, story, environments… everything. Truly a remarkable experience playing the game and I’m glad to have come across it and enjoy every single second of it. Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make such an amazing game and the impact it had on us the players who felt connected with the game from our lives as we’ve all have experienced hardships in life, but no that even when we think we may be alone… we aren’t. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back in time and play the game again without knowing what happens. The team who has worked countless hours on this game deserve all my thanks for a truly remarkable game. If you are considering playing the game, you definitely should.

Until Then is a game I went into very skeptical, and it was life changing, I remember the night I finished the game, I was a sobbing mess, and it hit me really hard. It genuinely is the most emotional game ive ever played

It's a great story. The beginning is a bit unclear in terms of where it's heading, but as you progress, it unfolds into something truly beautiful.

I give Until Then a slight up. It does pathos wonderfully, almost entirely. The underlying motivations and call to action are underdeveloped or outright faulty. It is worth a play, but it was not as perception shattering as I was hoping. (My longterm Filipino girlfriend and I broke up as I was playing this, but I don't think that colored my views that much.)

I absolutely loved every second of this game. If you love games with emotionally immersive stories like Before Your Eyes, absolutely spare the $20 and get this one.

This is the most beautiful game I have ever played. Everything about it is perfect. The visuals, the music, the dialogue, everything. It is filled with moments that make you want to cheer in excitement and moments that make you want to curl into a ball and cry. (Almost) every single character is extremely lovable and you quickly grow an attachment to (almost) every single one. I haven't cried in many years. Last time I cried was when my gerbil passed when I was like 10 or so, but this game is the closest I've come to crying since then. It captures the feeling of nostalgia perfectly. Once you realize how fleeting every moment is, everything becomes significant. Every line of dialog, change in facial expression, change in tone. This game gives you a new view on life. After playing this game and doing something as simple as texting my friend to watch Kpop Demon Hunters (which you should also definitely watch) I realize that though it may seem small now, but one day I'll look back on this small moment and smile and appreciate the people that are by my side. This game is a must play for anyone who wants to feel every emotion, good and bad, in the best way possible. One word to describe this game? Bittersweet. Later, folks. Until then...

This game....It's just something else... I bought this game with no hopes whatsoever.I thought this would be another game about just teenagers love or smth like this, but i was so wrong. This game...It's giving me all this emotions and ideas about perception to this world.Ideas,that i thought about myself countless times.Ideas like "I can't help everyone,I can't control everything that happens around me and people that i care about,and it's not my fault" That game felt so familiar,like it literally happening to me or like i have déjà vu... So, if you want a game,that will make you cry,like it did to me,just play it.I'm sure you won't regret it

Such a beautiful game. This is beyond my exceptions, made me cry countless times. I heavily recommend this game. You wont regret it. Beyond PEAK!

A true masterpiece. 10 out of 10. Man, brought me to tears after finishing the first act, now I have to finish the rest. Story is sooo sooo fvcking good. An excellent illustration of Philippine culture as well.

I have never cried while writing a pozitive review for a game before, seriously I have tears on my keyboard. You are making a massive mistake by not playing this game, Its enough to make a grown man sob while the credits play.

Before I begin with spoilers, this game is up there with all the other good story games like omori for example, though this one doesn't have any fighting, it's amazing, it made me cry, I haven't finished the entire game but I will later after I recover from what happened.... It's 100% worth playing, trust me SPOILERS UP AHEAD: Man, yeah I didn't finish the "true" ending but I sure hope it had a slightly better ending than the first one.. tho I still liked that ending, just very sad about the abuse and that she went away.. happy mark got with Nicole, good luck to everyone who played the game trying to recover emotionally afterwards <3

now my most favorite game of all time, sobbed like buckets full of tears, hits me right where it hurts. would recommend 100/10

Tried it because the art style looked really pretty and it really is insanely good! I've always liked pixel art but this game really took it to the next level, especially with the rain and just the city in general. What really hooked me though was the story and, more importantly, its characters! you can just tell that nearly every single person has a lot of work put into them and it reallyyyy shows in the game. Be it from the chats on your phone or just normal conversations, the dialogue is just a joy to read through. It is a VN still so don't expect anything too interactive, you are here to read and experience the story (which is amazing!). I've felt pretty much every emotion there is while playing this and i can fully recommend it to anyone that wants to enjoy reading a dramatic story with amusing characters and a beautiful art style !!!

as an Indonesian, I regard this game as Philliphine's answer to our A Space for the Unbound. Similar, similar story theme, it feels similar but entirely new and fresh. Kudos to our fellow SEA. While being a pixel graphics game, it succeed at giving of 2D breaking into 3D world, the minigames are fun and not overwhelming (something I kinda despised from ASFTU). The piano and musical pieces are beautiful, gameplay are easy so I can focus more on the story of our two protagonist Mark and Nicole. Although I lost the story flow in some parts of the end, the game manage to deliver its big theme of LETTING GO. and oh yes, you can't rewind the game once you start and I recommend once you reach Arc 3 Chapter 4, you better continue until finished. This game consists of 3 Arc of 5 chapters each. The first Arc is kinda slow as we are introduced to the world where Mark, Nicole and friends lived, the condition of their current living and their interpersonal relationship. It really take pace once you enter Chapter 5 of Arc 1. Recommended. 9/10 will cry.

I expected this to be a usual run-of-the-mill visual novel, but it's much more than that. The way the game portrays the characters made me care for them in such a beautiful way. I still haven't finished, but, if you're wondering if you should experience this game, just go for it. It's worth your time in every way. Edit: I just finished it, and man... it took my heart and made itself one of my favorite experiences in gaming.

The Art in this game is a masterpiece. Art alone is worth the money. The story has good moments but I didn't like the overall story. Twice as long as it needed to be and not as punchy as it should have been.

Yes, I highly recommend this game. it's a solid 9.5/10. I love all the characters, the story, the emotion is has. My only complaint is a spoiler so I won't talk about it. If you're thinking about getting this game, please do. it's a journey.

This game give you one of the most beautiful experience that you can have playing games. Is a masterpiece that have to play if you have the chance.

I would suggest anyone to try this game. Beautiful story and the ending caught me off guard and nearly made me cried. U might learn something too, just a simple thing that everyone can do it. Keep going on in ur life and hope the best of ur day.

This is the best story driven beautiful game i have ever played, the symbolism, lessons, the trial and error, everything about this game milked all the liquid out of my eyes! this game makes you care for pixel characters! PIXELS!