Summary
Until Then is more than just a game; it’s a narrative cinematic masterpiece that immerses players in a thought-provoking exploration of memory, reality, and emotional turmoil. At its core, the game introduces players to Mark’s profound struggles with self-doubt, anxiety, and loneliness, weaving these themes into a deeply personal journey that resonates long after the game is over. By the end of the journey, players are left not only pondering the mysteries of Mark’s world but also reflecting on their own perceptions and assumptions. Until Then is not just a game to be played; it’s an experience to be felt, remembered, and cherished for its ability to provoke thought and evoke emotion.
Developer – PolyChroma Games
Publisher – Maximum Entertainment
Platforms – PS5,PC (Reviewed)
Review copy given by Publisher
The World Hasn’t Ended….. Yet.
Not too long ago I reviewed the Steam Nextfest demo for Until Then and since then I’ve been craving to dive in and play more, and finally, the game has launched!
In case you didn’t read my steam nextfest demo review, Let’s recap and expand on my thoughts, now that we know more about the game.
In Until Then, players step into the shoes of Mark Borja, a high school student navigating the ups and downs of teenage life in the Philippines, a world still recovering from a catastrophic event. The game opens with Mark’s everyday routines: waking up in his familiar bedroom, practicing piano, rushing to finish homework, and experiencing the daily insecurities and fleeting joys of adolescence. The ordinary rhythm of school life and the complex dance of building and burning relationships create a relatable backdrop, grounding players in a seemingly familiar world. This setting introduces players to Mark’s struggles with self-doubt, anxiety, and loneliness, setting the stage for a personal and emotional journey.
Mark’s sense of normalcy is shattered when a fateful meeting sets off a chain reaction, plunging his life into chaos. People start to disappear, and memories become unreliable, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. As Mark and his friends delve deeper into the enigma that has upended their lives, they uncover hidden truths and confront unsettling revelations. The narrative pulls players into a race against time to solve the mystery before it’s too late, blending elements of suspense and discovery with the emotional turbulence of high school life.
When it comes to one of the main reasons I’ve fallen in love with Until Then, it’s definitely the Cinematic Visual Experience the game offers .
Until Then presents a unique visual style that blends hand-drawn pixel art with modern 3D lighting effects. This combination creates a visually striking and immersive experience, reminiscent of classic games while still feeling fresh and innovative. The cinematic visual experience is one of the standout features, drawing players into its world with meticulously crafted environments and character designs.
The soundtrack of Until Then is an essential component of its immersive experience also . It dynamically adapts to the mood and situation of each scene, enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative and gameplay. The sound effects are well-crafted, adding depth to the game’s world and making interactions feel more tangible and engaging.
Until Then is more than just a game; it’s a narrative cinematic masterpiece that immerses players in a thought-provoking exploration of memory, reality, and emotional turmoil. At its core, the game introduces players to Mark’s profound struggles with self-doubt, anxiety, and loneliness, weaving these themes into a deeply personal journey that resonates long after the game is over. By the end of the journey, players are left not only pondering the mysteries of Mark’s world but also reflecting on their own perceptions and assumptions. Until Then is not just a game to be played; it’s an experience to be felt, remembered, and cherished for its ability to provoke thought and evoke emotion.
