Mark, an average irresponsible high school student, tries to get by and find purpose in a humdrum life of scrolling, cramming, and traffic. He meets friends, both old and new, and embarks upon a seemingly never-ending trouble, until nothing is ever the same again.
Until Then is a contemporary adventure game inspired by the Philippines, its lifestyle, and culture. Featuring a smartphone where mechanics of modern living come into play, chat with your classmates and explore the depths of social networks, where your replies and interactions may pose consequences.
Until Then is a game that stands out for its audiovisual storytelling, offering a story that is both captivating and moving.
The undercooked mystery backdrop is a small blemish because they nailed the writing and character development. Even an underwhelming soundtrack can't diminish the heart on-display through emotionally raw dialogue and facial expressions. Give yourself the experience of reigniting those moments that were powerful at the time but seem small in retrospect....
Until Then is a powerful narrative that explores both bigger- and smaller-picture issues of adolescent life. Despite some very confronting themes, the game handles its heavy tale with sensitivity and care, and the result is an experience that will undoubtedly leave its mark on anyone who plays it.
Until Then is a text adventure with an impactful narrative and beautiful direction that make it a strong example of what the genre can do. It's a must-play, be it on Switch or other platforms, especially for those who love the genre or personal growth tales and human drama.
Gameplay is understandably pretty limited, and you’ll spend most of your time simply pressing ‘A’ to advance the dialogue. Occasionally, you’ll be able to move left or right through the environment, and developer Polychroma Games has also seen fit to include a bunch of fun little minigames.
