Have you ever played a game that truly moved you? That’s exactly what you’ll find in Until Then, a visual novel set in the Philippines. You play as Mark, a teenager navigating life’s complexities while experiencing strange glitches in his reality.
In this article, we’ll be giving a full review of the game and ranking it from decaf to fully caffeinated.
Prefer to watch the video version? Check it out here
Story
Until Then’s narrative unfolds in a picturesque, well-off area of the Philippines, but the serenity is shattered by the aftereffects of a series of natural disasters that ravaged parts of the country.
We won’t delve into spoilers here, but the story that unfolds is nothing short of captivating.
It masterfully weaves a gripping mystery with relatable, everyday moments that will have you reminiscing about your own teenage years. Mark struggles with balancing friendships, explores the complexities of young love, and grapples with the challenges of forging his own path in life, all while a larger, supernatural mystery unfolds around him.
This isn’t just a story about fantastical events; it’s a story about real people dealing with real problems, making the fantastical elements all the more impactful.
While Until Then boasts a phenomenal story, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s a slow burn.
The first few chapters focus on establishing the characters and setting the scene, and the pacing can feel glacial at times. Don’t be discouraged, though!
The lack of voice acting might initially feel like a drawback, but the story is meticulously crafted to be told through text messages, social media interactions, and the expressive pixel art characters.
This unique approach allows you to immerse yourself in Mark’s world and truly understand his thoughts and feelings. There are also multiple endings to discover, adding significant replay value for those who want to delve deeper into the world and uncover all of its secrets.
While the initial slow burn might test your patience, the story ultimately grips you in a way that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating, making it a Fully Caffeinated experience.
GAMEPLAY
Admittedly, visual novels aren’t for everyone, and Until Then leans into the genre’s more passive gameplay style.
You’ll spend most of your time navigating environments, progressing dialogue by button presses, and interacting with social media posts. There are occasional mini-games sprinkled throughout to break up the monotony, but the core gameplay loop revolves around reading.
The pacing can be agonizingly slow at times, especially for those who crave fast-paced action. However, the intriguing story acts as a saving grace, constantly pulling you forward to see what happens next. As you delve deeper into the narrative, you begin to appreciate the deliberate pacing, allowing you to soak in the details of each scene and fully understand the characters’ motivations.
Overall, the gameplay definitely grows on you. I would’ve like to see more options to potentially speed up the gameplay and possibly an option for a shorter experience for those who want to play the game but don’t necessarily have 8-10 hours spend playing.
For gameplay, Until Then earns a Buzzed rating.
DESIGN
The story might be the star of the show, but Until Then’s design is what truly makes it shine. The visual aesthetic is a pixel art style heavily influenced by anime comics. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity, though! The artists manage to convey a wealth of emotion with minimal frames.
The game is a visual treat, building a captivating and richly detailed world. The use of creative framing techniques, strategic lighting effects, and a beautiful soundtrack combine to create a truly cinematic experience. While the character bouncing can be a bit distracting at first, you get used to it over time.
It’s a visual masterpiece that will leave a lasting impression so for design Until Then is undeniably Fully Caffeinated
ORIGINALITY
While I haven’t played every game ever made, Until Then feels unlike anything else I’ve encountered. The masterful combination of the art style, the moving soundtrack, and the exceptional storytelling creates an immersive experience unlike any other. The story’s blend of relatable mundanity and supernatural mystery transcends the boundaries of gaming. It’s a story that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Until Then is a Fully Caffeinated experience in originality.
THE FINAL BREW
Until Then is a unique blend of emotional narrative, stunning visuals, and a beautiful soundtrack, all culminating in a fully immersive experience. While the slow pace and passive gameplay might not appeal to everyone, it doesn’t diminish the game’s impact. The story unfolds organically, allowing you to connect with the characters and truly feel invested in their journeys.
If you’re looking for a game that’s more than just shoot-em-up action or mindless puzzles. Until Then is a Fully Caffeinated experience – it will invigorate your senses, challenge your intellect, and leave you feeling emotionally stirred.
Until Then is available on Steam (Windows/Mac/Linux) and Playstation 5. You can find more info here.
Until next time, stay caffeinated!