#SoITriedIt: Why The Game 'Until Then' Resonates with Filipino Culture

Alright, first of all, a massive massive shoutout to Polychroma Games—Until Then is a must-play for those reading. It’s rare to come across a game that not only entertains but also genuinely connects with its audience, and you’ve nailed it. 

From Until Then Oficial Website

This game is a shining example of great Philippine representation. If you are irked about it being in English, its latest update has a full-on Filipino language setting. 

Spoiler Warning! I’ll try to keep this spoiler-free, but a few details might slip. Trust me, though; this is a game you want to experience firsthand.

From Steam Official Website

My first interaction

I’ll be honest: I tend to zone out with games like this, but Until Then was different. From the moment I started, I found myself hooked. The story, the characters, the emotions—it all kept me awake and fully engaged, which is saying a lot for someone who usually dozes off with almost any game. Yes, that includes FPS games, where I dozed off during the round. 

What truly stands out is how the game requires multiple playthroughs. It’s not repetitive, though—far from it. Each time you play, the story unfolds differently, exploring new layers of its narrative. You have the “happy ending,” “sad ending, and then the “true ending.” Now, the central theme revolves around loss, and the stages of grief are cleverly integrated into the gameplay, where every run is new and weighted. I say this because each reset somewhat has an eerie creepiness as you follow along with the protagonist, Mark Borja. 

From Until Then Official Website

Do you know that meme with Leonardo DiCaprio pointing at the television? That was me for like 80% of the whole playthrough. Representation and symbolism are Until Then’s bread and butter. The black butterfly motif? Spot on. When I saw it, I immediately thought, “Hey, it’s _______.”

Polychroma Games nailed it because the detail, setting, and sound cues were intentional. With a good pair of headphones like the JLab Audio Studio Active Noise Cancelling On-Ear Headphones, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience, feeling like a character truly living in The Philippines. If you already live here, just open your window you can experience the vibe first-hand. 

Gameplay

From Until Then Official Website

At its core, Until Then is a visual novel, but it’s packed with interactive minigames that keep the gameplay dynamic. While the story is the show's star, these minigames enhance the overall experience without derailing you from the narrative. 

Let’s not forget the romance. I love a good ship, and Until Then delivers moments of love and tenderness that make me feel kilig. At one point, I caught myself blushing. The way the game nurtures relationships is genuine, and it utilizes the concept of Tadhana into it. 

From Until Then Official Website

Until Then isn’t just a game; it’s an experience—a love letter to storytelling and Philippine culture. I am exceptionally pleased that I started 2025 with this masterpiece.