Is “Until Then” a masterpiece or a trash game? Will this title, scheduled for release on March 26, 2026 (Thu), betray your expectations, or will it deliver emotions that exceed them? Aren’t you wondering about that? In this article, based on official information for Until Then (releasing March 26, 2026 (Thu); platforms: PlayStation5 / Nintendo Switch), we整理 the pre-release expectations and concerns and, using our own evaluation criteria, predict whether it will be a masterpiece or a trash game. It has been confirmed that Beep Japan will handle the domestic physical package release. We will also present concrete data to help with your purchase decision, including information on limited-time first-print bonuses and prices for the Standard and Limited Edition versions. By reading this article, it will become clear whether you should buy it on release day or wait and see. By reading on, you should be able to find the best purchase timing and play style for you.
- What is Until Then?
- Good points of Until Then
- Bad points of Until Then
- Frequently asked questions about Until Then (FAQ)
- Settings, environment, and peripherals to enjoy Until Then to the fullest
- A must-check list of related titles and recommended masterpieces for fans of Until Then
- Until Then vs. AI: The Somnium Files – which should you buy?
- Voices of anticipation and concern for Until Then on social media
- Is Until Then a masterpiece or a trash game? (Conclusion)
What is Until Then?
Development and release background
This title is being brought to the domestic market through collaboration between an overseas development team and a publisher. Development involvement by Polychroma Games and Maximum Entertainment has been confirmed, and Beep Japan will handle domestic physical distribution. The release date is set for March 26, 2026 (Thu). A physical package release has been announced, with both a Standard Edition and a Limited Edition lineup. The price range is reported as 4,840 yen (tax included) for the Standard Edition and 7,920 yen (tax included) for the Limited Edition. As pre-order or first-print bonuses, bundled items such as art cards and Butterfly game logo stickers, code vouchers, and reversible cover sheets have been announced.
Genre and features of the work (visual novel / narrative core)
In terms of genre, this title is classified as a visual novel. It is expected to have a story-focused structure, with text-based scenarios, direction using character portraits and background art, and branching elements through choices serving as the core. The key to its evaluation will be the visual novel-specific appeal of “narrative” and “meticulous presentation.” Specifically, the following points are notable:
- Scenario depth: The richness of character depiction and the tightness of foreshadowing and payoff will influence its evaluation.
- Branching and multiple endings: The weight of choices and replayability will enrich the gameplay experience.
- Visual presentation: The quality of backgrounds, character art, and animation effects will directly impact immersion.
- Music and sound effects: BGM and sound effects that match each scene will help boost emotional engagement with the story.
- Localization quality: Whether the Japanese text translation and expressions feel natural will be important for domestic evaluations.
At the time of writing, detailed information such as fine-grained game systems and the full cast has not yet been made public. Given the current state of pre-release information, it is important to gauge both expectations and concerns around the elements above.
Product information (key points summary)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Until Then |
| Release date | March 26, 2026 (Thu) |
| Platforms | PlayStation5 / Nintendo Switch |
| Developer / Publisher | Polychroma Games, Maximum Entertainment (development) / Beep Japan (domestic distribution) |
| Price (reference) | Standard Edition: 4,840 yen (tax included) / Limited Edition: 7,920 yen (tax included) |
| First-print / pre-order bonuses (examples) | Art cards, Butterfly game logo sticker, code voucher, reversible cover sheet, etc. |
Good points of Until Then
Here we整理 the appealing aspects of Until Then (PlayStation5 / Nintendo Switch version releasing on March 26, 2026 (Thu)) that can be expected from current official information and past reports.
High expectations for powerful storytelling and script
This title is positioned as a visual novel, and its biggest attraction is the scenario-driven experience. From the structure conveyed in official information and the package bonuses, we can infer that the creators are putting strong emphasis on story-building. Therefore, we can have high expectations for elements such as foreshadowing and payoff, character depiction, and multiple endings.
High-quality package and appeal of the Limited Edition
A physical package release has been confirmed, with both a Standard Edition and a Limited Edition. Since the Limited Edition comes with collector-oriented bonuses such as art cards, it is highly valuable for users who emphasize collectability. Also, the price range (Standard Edition: 4,840 yen / tax included, Limited Edition: 7,920 yen / tax included) is clearly indicated, which makes purchase decisions easier.
Convenience of cross-platform release
Because it will be available on both PlayStation5 and Nintendo Switch, players can choose according to their play environment and preferences. With the handheld mode of Switch, you can play on the go, while PS5 suits users who want high resolution and comfortable readability—these are practical advantages in terms of how you play.
Robust localization and bundled bonuses
Since Beep Japan is handling the domestic physical release, we can expect Japanese text support and a good standard of localization. Furthermore, the pre-order bonuses such as art cards and stickers serve as effective purchase incentives.
Bad points of Until Then
Based on the pre-release information and general issues with visual novels, here are some concerns to keep in mind before purchasing.
Gap between expectations and reality due to lack of information
At this stage, information such as the cast, detailed systems, and the number of endings has not been sufficiently disclosed. Because of that, there is a possibility that pre-release hype could outpace the actual level of polish. The lack of information you would normally want to confirm before purchasing is a risk factor.
Balance between volume and price
The Standard Edition is clearly priced at 4,840 yen (tax included), but in visual novels the sense of value is often judged by the balance between playtime (amount of text) and price. If players feel the volume is insufficient, there is a risk that its cost-performance evaluation will be low.
Concerns about port quality and optimization
With a simultaneous multi-platform release, there are often concerns about frame rate, loading, and UI optimization on the Switch version. If the high-resolution presentation aimed at PS5 and the portability focus for Switch are not both handled well, differences between platforms may become noticeable.
Launch bugs and translation issues
Even if localization quality is generally high, things such as inconsistent terms, translation errors, or awkward expressions discovered right after launch can negatively affect user reviews. In addition, reports of early bugs or save-related issues could impact the initial evaluation of the game.
Frequently asked questions about Until Then (FAQ)
Here we整理 questions that are likely to come up before purchase and answer them based on official information.
Q: What platforms is it available on?
A: The supported platforms are PlayStation5 and Nintendo Switch. A physical package release has been confirmed, and it will be purchasable on either platform.
Q: When is the release date?
A: The release date is March 26, 2026 (Thu). The availability of first-print or pre-order bonuses will differ by retailer, so be sure to check each retailer’s information before purchasing.
Q: What about prices and editions?
A: The current reference prices are Standard Edition: 4,840 yen (tax included) / Limited Edition: 7,920 yen (tax included). The exact contents of the Limited Edition will differ depending on the sales format, so check the official information and retailer listings.
Q: Will it have full Japanese support?
A: Since domestic physical distribution by Beep Japan has been confirmed, there is a high likelihood it will support Japanese text (localization). However, details such as the quality of the translation and whether voice acting is included will need to be confirmed in official announcements.
Q: Should I pre-order it?
A: If you are interested in the Limited Edition or first-print bonuses such as art cards, it is worth considering a pre-order for the bonuses. However, there is no harm in waiting for post-release reviews if you are mainly concerned about how the game itself plays.
Settings, environment, and peripherals to enjoy Until Then to the fullest
Here we explain recommended settings, peripherals, and preparation before playing so you can comfortably experience the title.
Recommended settings by platform
Switch version: Make sure the text size is easy to read even in handheld mode. Especially for text-heavy titles, adjusting font size and screen brightness is important. PS5 version: Since it may be designed with large-screen displays in mind, optimizing resolution and subtitle size will heighten immersion. Also check button mappings for the controller and assignments for features like fast skip.
Recommended audio and play environment
- Because the game is story-focused, using headphones to enjoy the BGM and sound effects will greatly improve immersion.
- We recommend turning off notifications from smartphones and other devices so you can focus fully on the game.
Peripheral recommendations
- A foldable controller grip or stand for long, reading-like play sessions.
- If you are worried about hearing dialogue clearly, noise-canceling headphones are recommended.
Preparation before playing
Before your first playthrough, set aside save slots, back up your settings, and learn the shortcut operations for reviewing scenes so you can play comfortably. Especially if you plan to go for all branches and trophies (achievements), planning your save management in advance will make replays more efficient.
A must-check list of related titles and recommended masterpieces for fans of Until Then
Here are some real-world titles recommended for people who like visual novels and story-heavy games.
Recommended titles (actual works)
- AI: The Somnium Files — A suspense adventure that has earned high praise for its story and presentation.
- 428 ~Shibuya Under Lockdown~ — Attractive for its multi-story structure and tightly written script.
- STEINS;GATE — A masterpiece visual novel strongly supported for its blend of sci-fi elements and emotional highs and lows.
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses (not purely story-focused, but recommended for players seeking a weighty script)
These serve as reference works that complement the kind of “story experience” that Until Then is aiming for. In particular, users who prioritize script quality, foreshadowing and payoff, and multiple endings should adjust their expectations by comparing it with the titles above.
Until Then vs. AI: The Somnium Files – which should you buy?
Comparison table (key points)
| Item | Until Then (prediction) | AI: The Somnium Files (actual performance) |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Story-focused, with expectations for foreshadowing and multiple endings | Highly rated for its complex plot and distinctive presentation |
| Presentation | Expected to focus on visual novel-style direction | Characterized by psychological and experimental presentation |
| System | Assumed to be choice-based and reading-focused | Appealing for its exploration and fragmented scene combinations |
| Price | Standard Edition: 4,840 yen (tax included) | Varies by release period and edition (often discounted) |
| Recommended users | Players seeking a pure story experience and Limited Edition collectors | Players who enjoy complex plots and experimental presentation |
Conclusion: which should you buy?
In short, if you purely prioritize script and emotional engagement, Until Then is the pick (though you should still check post-release reviews). On the other hand, if you want to prioritize a title that already has a strong track record of positive reviews, AI: The Somnium Files is the safer choice. If you are worried about launch bugs or localization issues, it is reasonable to wait and see for a few weeks before deciding on Until Then.
Voices of anticipation and concern for Until Then on social media
Here we整理 notable pre-release opinions from social media (all based on impressions and predictions before launch).
Voices of anticipation
- “The package bonus art cards look amazing. I want to collect them.”
- “As a visual novel fan, I’m really looking forward to the depth of the story.”
- “I’m happy it’s coming to Switch too. I want to read through it in handheld mode.”
Voices of concern
- “Will the translation and localization quality be okay?”
- “I’m worried about performance and optimization on the Switch version.”
- “There isn’t much information yet, so it’s hard to decide whether to buy it.”
Is Until Then a masterpiece or a trash game? (Conclusion)
Based on official information as of now (release date: March 26, 2026 (Thu) / platforms: PS5 and Nintendo Switch / indicative prices: Standard Edition 4,840 yen / Limited Edition 7,920 yen), here is a comprehensive evaluation of expectations and concerns. The following is a predicted evaluation (before release).
Five parameters for evaluation (points and explanation)
| Parameter | Max score | Predicted score this time | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Story | 30 | 24 | Expectations are high as a visual novel, but with details still unknown it falls short of a perfect score. |
| Presentation (graphics / sound) | 20 | 16 | Official visuals and pack-in items suggest strong emphasis on presentation, but actual quality must be confirmed after release. |
| Controls / UX | 15 | 12 | Visual novels generally have low input burden, but this will vary depending on the degree of multi-platform optimization. |
| Cost-performance (price vs. volume) | 20 | 14 | The price is clearly stated, but with text volume and additional content unknown, we have taken a cautious approach. |
| Replayability / longevity | 15 | 11 | While there are expectations for branches and number of endings, the lack of information keeps the evaluation restrained. |
| Total score (out of 100) | 77 / 100 points | ||
Final conclusion (purchase recommendation)
At this point, the most realistic stance is “You can buy it, but it’s not too late to wait for reviews after release.” If you place high value on the collector aspects of the Limited Edition and package bonuses, it is worth considering a pre-order. On the other hand, if you want to avoid early bugs or localization issues, we recommend waiting and watching for a few weeks. That concludes the current comprehensive evaluation and analysis of Until Then (releasing March 26, 2026 (Thu)).
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