Until Then is the visual novel game that’s sure to tug your heart strings with its story.
In the previous years, games made by Filipino developers were slowly growing in numbers. These games always incorporate the beauty of Filipino culture and traditions, such as Lola’s Lutong Bahay by Senshi Labs and Galà by Kendikorp. This year, Polychroma Game’s Until Then joins the roster.
Released on June 25, 2024, Until Then is a remarkable, coming-of-age story that captured the hearts (and tears) of many. It was developed by Polychroma Games, an indie game studio based in the Philippines. The game development started in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and completed four years after.
The Story of Until Then
Until Then tells the story of Mark Borja and his friends as they navigate through their high school life amidst the chaos around them. His life takes a mysterious turn after a fateful meeting. In an unexpected twist of fate, people around him starts disappearing and memories become hazy.
Graphics and Art Style
The sheer beauty of Until Then‘s pixel art style is a product of the development team’s efforts and dedication. The director of the team, Mickole Klein Nulud, cited The Last Night as one of the inspirations of the game. The team worked on a number of pixels to develop the sprites of the characters and locations.
Until Then's Perfect Portrayal of Filipino Culture
From your favorite carnival games to the streets where you grew up, Until Then captures the Filipino culture all too well. Since the game’s development started during the pandemic, the team couldn’t visit places due to restrictions. As a result, the developers had to brainstorm and make art from their own memories and Google Earth.
Although the game is not wholly based in real life, you can easily recognize the locations in the in-game art. Mark’s school resembles a regular public school in the Philippines. There’s also the train station that’s similar to Manila’s LRT2 transit line. And most of all, you can’t miss the familiarity of the designs of the convenience stores and street signs.
Until Then also dabbles on beliefs and traditions commonly known in the Filipino culture. Aside from that, it also incorporates the modern habits and entertainment, such as the use of social media and memes.
Structure and Pacing in "Until Then: A Journey Through Friendship and Grief"
“Until Then: A Journey Through Friendship and Grief” is not just a story, but an interactive experience. The game’s structure and pacing are meticulously designed to reflect the ebb and flow of grief and the enduring power of friendship.
A Non-Linear Narrative:
Unlike traditional linear games, “Until Then” embraces a non-linear structure. Players are not bound to a rigid sequence of events. Instead, they explore memories, revisit pivotal moments in the characters’ lives, and delve into their emotional landscapes at their own pace. This reflects the fragmented nature of grief, where thoughts and emotions often drift unpredictably.
Pacing that Mirrors Grief:
The game’s pacing carefully mirrors the stages of grief.
- The Initial Shock: The game begins with a sense of urgency, mirroring the suddenness of loss. Quick-time events and intense sound design simulate the overwhelming emotions of shock and disbelief.
- Denial and Anger: Players may encounter choices that reflect denial or anger, leading to different outcomes and emotional responses.
- Bargaining and Depression: The pacing slows down, allowing players to linger in moments of reflection and sadness. The game may present melancholic music and offer opportunities for quiet contemplation, mirroring the introspective nature of depression.
- Acceptance and Hope: Gradually, the pacing shifts towards a more hopeful tone. Players may encounter moments of joy, find solace in memories, and witness the characters’ gradual acceptance of their loss.
Here is the trailer for Until Then:
Recent News and Updates for Until Then
Though the story is already complete with different endings to reach, Polychroma Games continue to excite players with updates.
In the recent patch 1.3 released on October 12, 2024, new content and bug fixes were added in the game. New additions such as bonus post-credits, content warning screen, “skip text” feature, and a new videoke minigame are now available for players to enjoy. Moreover, several adjustments were made in order to improve the other features. Some of there were mini-game timings, achievements, typographical errors, and various visual improvements.
Until Then is available for download in Steam (demo included if you want to try out before buying) and PS5. In addition, the official soundtrack is out now on Youtube and Bandcamp.
Check out GameEels for more news about Until Then and all your favorite games.
