Recently, I’ve come to appreciate from games like Despelote, Closer the Distance, and Afterlove EP show that games as a medium isn’t just viable for poignant storytelling, it’s uniquely suited to fully immersive narrative experiences. Until Then carries that forward with a striking 2.5D coming-of-age story that blends love, grief, and friendship in 2010s Philippines, with a subtle supernatural undercurrent that I’ll try not to spoil.

The game follows Mark, a slacker teen who coasts through school with little ambition and plenty of isolation, spending most of his time gaming and procrastinating. As the story unfolds, he connects with a growing cast, texting and messaging friends on social media including forming a bond with newcomer Nicole. Every so often light gameplay will occur, such as skewering fishballs with a stick, rhythm game sequences when Mark is learning to play piano, or playing a series of games at a local fair, all of which add a brief amount of variety that fit into the narrative. But Polychroma’s richly detailed pixel art is the real showstopper, bringing the Philippines to life through vibrant, lived-in spaces, where cultural touchstones and food-centric moments create a deeply immersive, emotionally resonant world, whether you share that background or not. Though it takes its time, the story’s endearing cast draws you in, building toward a devastating emotional payoff that lingers long after.

Whether you’re reliving your teenage years or still living them, this visual novel feels instantly familiar. Over my 18-hour playthrough, Until Then made me laugh, pause in awe, and even tear up. While the coming-of-age narrative stands strong on its own, the added breathtaking pixel animation, engaging mystery, and cultural backdrop firmly cement it as essential for anyone who loves narrative-driven games. 

– Raymond Estrada