Until Then on Switch: A Filipino Visual Novel That Stands Out

I’ll be honest: when I first caught wind of Until Then on Steam and PS5, the player chatter—not the marketing spiel—had me intrigued. Now that it’s on Switch (with a physical edition arriving December 4th), the question is simple: does this Filipino-made pixel adventure deliver something fresh, or is it just more indie soul-searching?

A Fresh Perspective in Pixel Art

Set in the bustle of Manila, Until Then follows Mark Borja, a fairly typical high-schooler juggling classes, band practice and online life. Yet the game’s Filipino setting is anything but typical for a VN. From jeepney rides under neon signs to local meme culture on social feeds, Polychroma Games injects authenticity in ways few Western or Japanese titles attempt.

The pixel-art style here isn’t a lazy nostalgia hit—it’s moody, expressive and tuned to the story’s mysterious undercurrents. Shadows grow long in school hallways, and small visual flourishes hint at the supernatural thread woven through everyday routines.

Interactive Mechanics and Narrative Depth

Rather than a “click to read” railroad, Until Then layers in mini-games and puzzles that reflect Mark’s state of mind. You’ll tap out messages on an in-game social app, solve simple pattern puzzles to unlock clues, and even play brief piano challenges that mirror the ups and downs of his friendships. These segments don’t just break up dialogue—they tie directly into plot twists and character growth, making every mechanic feel purposeful.

Of course, if you crave high-octane action or speedrun chaos, you’ll want to look elsewhere. But for anyone who prefers narrative beats punctuated by light interactivity, these systems deepen immersion and reward careful attention.

Why the Switch Release Matters

Portable screens have become the natural home for bite-sized narrative games, and Until Then fits that mold perfectly. However, a physical Switch edition is rare for a small studio—it signals confidence that this title can build a lasting audience. In a library crowded with indie visual novels, having a boxed version could help Until Then become a cult favorite rather than vanish in a digital blur.

Plus, Switch owners have shown they love emotional story games—from Coffee Talk to Omori—so there’s a real chance this Filipino perspective reaches players who’ve never experienced Southeast Asian storytelling in games.

What to Expect from Until Then

If you’re drawn to character-driven mysteries with cultural authenticity, Until Then is worth a look. Expect a slow burn: most of your time is spent reading, observing pixel scenes and making dialogue choices that subtly shift relationships. The supernatural elements creep in gradually, so patience rewards you with genuine moments rather than cheap scares.

That said, “emotional indie” carries baggage. Some story arcs may feel familiar, and pacing occasionally lags between big reveals. Ultimately, whether Until Then sticks the landing depends on your tolerance for introspective pacing and your appetite for regional flavor over blockbuster spectacle.

Final Verdict

Until Then isn’t reinventing the visual novel wheel, but it steers it into fresh territory. Its blend of Filipino culture, thoughtful mechanics and pixel-perfect mood creates an experience you won’t find elsewhere. If you value narrative ambition and don’t mind a measured pace, this Switch release deserves a spot on your digital—or soon, physical—shelf.