Cover A video game still from 'Until Then'
A video game still from 'Until Then'
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Telling a story of love, loss and teenage naïveté, ‘Until Then’ tasks players with difficult choices as they navigate the crumbling world around them
Inspired by Japanese films and anime, Until Then is Polychroma Games’ breakthrough entry into the industry. The indie game developer based in the Philippines had previously published Let’s Go There and Wander Nowhere, a short and experimental story-driven game that dabbles in abstraction. With the recent release of its visual novel, Polychroma Games allows players worldwide to see and experience Filipino culture for themselves. ‘‘It’s what we set out to do in the first place—to resonate with people—and seeing it doing exactly that makes us really happy,’’ says Mickole Klein Nulud, director of Polychroma Games.
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Above A day in the life of Mark Borja in ‘Until Then’
A day in the life of Mark Borja in ‘Until Then’
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In following the character of Mark Borja, players take on the role of a high school student who has yet to explore the complexities of love, loss, and friendship. Set in the fictional city of Liamson—the game’s version of Metro Manila—Until Then features multiple locales that can be seen in the real world. From the underground train station of Katipunan Avenue to Quezon City Memorial Circle and public school classrooms, the game gives Filipino players a sense of familiarity while exposing others to our unique environment.
Above A minigame where players try to skewer more fishballs than their friend
A minigame where players try to skewer more fishballs than their friend
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More Filipino references appear within the game in the form of minigames. What may seem mundane in real life is seen in a different light in Until Then. Whether competing against your friend to get fishballs at a food stand or passing change to pay for the jeepney fare, it’s easy to find yourself practising for hours to get better at it—even if it’s something you do so commonly every day.
“It’s one thing to represent the Philippines, but it’s another thing to get out particular references that perhaps only Filipinos would get. Whenever someone points out a reference, that makes it worth it,” shares Nulud
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Above The characters of ‘Until Then’ at the carnival
The characters of ‘Until Then’ at the carnival
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While the game is classified as a visual novel, Until Then offers more interactivity with the world—with your decisions affecting the ending of your playthrough. As a purely narrative game, there’s no pressure to level up to fight stronger enemies and no finding money to buy powerful items. Until Then mirrors real life and encourages the player to make mistakes as a high schooler would. Whether you’re focusing on building (or burning) meaningful relationships, rushing to complete homework, or even idling the hours away in your bedroom, it lets older audiences reminisce about simpler times while giving younger players a peek at what’s to come.
“It’s like a movie but much longer. But unlike movies, we exploit the interactivity that’s exclusive to the medium of video games in a way that’s impactful to the story. How? You’ll have to find out for yourself!” says Nulud.
Above Mark playing video games in his room
Mark playing video games in his room
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Development for the Until Then started in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Nulud, the small team’s creative and development process was different from the iterative loop that most games would undergo. Their process was similar to films or anime—starting with a script, then a storyboard, moving on to artwork, and finally building the scenes.
“How a shot is framed, how these characters look, the atmosphere, the sounds, and minute details subconsciously matter to me… As the director, all of these elements come together and form an experience that has to feel right,” he shares.
Above A still scene at the carnival in ‘Until Then’
A still scene at the carnival in ‘Until Then’
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Since its release, fans worldwide have been praising its heartwrenching narrative. As of writing, the game has over 2,000 positive reviews on Steam. Its accurate portrayal of teenage life and supernatural elements make for an exciting turn of events.
“We think Until Then tells a story that might just resonate with you or even change your outlook towards life,” quips Nulud.
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Credits
Images: Polychroma Games
About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
