Now & Then
Play Now & Then
Now & Then review
Discover branching paths, steamy scenes, and replay secrets in this captivating visual novel
Ever stumbled upon a game that hooks you with its mix of heartfelt choices and intense intimate moments? That’s Now & Then for me—a visual novel where every decision shapes steamy relationships with characters like Naomi, Sydney, Alice, and Carol. Released by ILSProductions on itch.io, this adult game blends branching storylines, relationship stats, and replayable scenes that keep you coming back. Whether you’re chasing love paths, unlocking threesomes, or exploring endings with pregnancies and conflicts, I’ve got your back. Dive in with me as I share how I navigated its 16+ chapters and what makes it a standout in adult gaming.
What Makes Now & Then a Must-Play Adult Visual Novel?
I remember scrolling through itch.io late one night, completely fed up with the same old game loops 🎮. I stumbled upon a title called Now & Then, and the gorgeous, emotive preview art pulled me right in. I downloaded it thinking, “Okay, let’s give this a shot.” Fast forward an hour, and I was hooked. Not just by the stunning visuals, but by a choice—a simple, intimate moment with Sydney that felt genuinely earned and surprisingly impactful. My mouse hovered over the option, and I realized this wasn’t a passive story; my decisions were building a real, complex world of relationships. That’s the magic of this adult visual novel Now & Then. It’s a captivating experience where every choice carves out your unique path through romance, conflict, and survival.
So, what is the Now & Then game? At its heart, it’s a choice-driven visual novel set in a beautifully rendered world. You play as the protagonist, navigating life after a personal tragedy and building new connections in a fresh city. The core gameplay is deceptively simple: you read through the narrative and make choices at key moments. But don’t be fooled—these aren’t just cosmetic decisions. Every dialogue option, every gesture of affection, and every moment of conflict adjusts hidden love and conflict stats for the main characters. Flirt with Naomi? You might see “+1 Love (Naomi)” pop up, but that could come with a “-1 Love (Carol)” consequence. This elegant system is the engine that makes the Now & Then visual novel so incredibly replayable. You’re not just watching a story; you’re actively writing it with every click.
How Branching Choices Shape Your Now & Then Experience
The true genius of the Now & Then game lies in its intricate branching system 🌳. This isn’t a story with one “good” and one “bad” ending. It’s a sprawling web of possibilities where early, seemingly innocuous choices can lock or unlock entire story arcs, intimate scenes, and character endings chapters later. Think of your save file as a living record of your relationship status with each character.
I learned this the hard way on my first playthrough! I was trying to orchestrate a particular threesome scenario (a major draw for many players), but it never triggered. I was confused until I replayed and paid closer attention. I had neglected a specific, non-romantic interaction with one character much earlier in the story. That single oversight built a slight stat deficit that made the special scene impossible. The fix? I loaded a much older save, made that one different choice, and continued. Bingo! The path unlocked. This taught me the golden rule of Now & Then: save often and in multiple slots! You’ll want to go back and explore the “what ifs.”
To truly master the branches, you need to think about your primary goal. Are you aiming for a dedicated, deep romance with one character? Or are you exploring the more complex, drama-filled paths of balancing multiple relationships? The game respects both approaches but will challenge you accordingly. My actionable advice? On your first run, play intuitively and see where your heart leads you. Then, for replays, use a notepad or a simple text file to track major choices and their stated stat impacts. Aim to achieve “Main Lover” status with your chosen character by the mid-game for the most content-rich path.
Pro Tip: There’s a fantastic community-created mod for Now & Now Then on itch.io that allows you to see the real-time stat changes for every choice. It’s a game-changer for completionists who want to unlock every branch in the gallery without a dozen blind playthroughs!
Key Characters and Their Intimate Relationship Dynamics
The soul of any great visual novel is its cast, and the Now & Then characters are a masterclass in depth and desire 💖. Each one has a fully realized personality, backstory, and set of needs that react dynamically to your choices. Managing these relationships is the core challenge and joy of the game.
Here’s a breakdown of the central figures you’ll be getting to know (and potentially getting close to):
- Naomi: The confident, charismatic friend who can become so much more. She presents a bi option, opening the door for one of the game’s most sought-after paths: the threesome potential with another female character. Pursuing Naomi often means making bold, forward choices.
- Sydney: Often the gateway to the game’s early sex scenes, Sydney’s route is passionate and direct. She doesn’t play many games, making her path feel intense and rewarding quickly, but it can create immediate conflict with others.
- Alice: Her route is filled with emotional weight and a huge, game-changing revelation: the pregnancy reveal. This story branch dramatically alters the narrative stakes and leads to some of the most unique endings.
- Carol: She is deeply affected by your early choices. Being kind, supportive, and patient with Carol is crucial if you want to open her romantic path later. Neglect her early on, and that door may close permanently.
The dynamic between them is a delicate balance. You cannot max out everyone’s love meter in one run. The game forces you to prioritize, creating authentic drama and consequence. To help you navigate, here are five character-specific choice impacts to watch for:
- Choosing to comfort Naomi after her argument: +1 Love (Naomi), -1 Love (Carol)
- Accepting Sydney’s bold invitation for a private drink: +1 Love (Sydney), -1 Love (Alice)
- Supporting Alice’s independent decision publicly: +1 Love (Alice), +1 Conflict (Sydney)
- Helping Carol with her project late at night: +1 Love (Carol), -1 Love (Naomi)
- Suggesting a group outing instead of a one-on-one date: Minor increases to multiple characters, but locks out deep romantic progression for that chapter.
| Character | Route Style | Key Stat to Monitor | Unique Path Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naomi | Charismatic & Bold | Love (Naomi) vs. Love (Carol) | Bi/Threesome Paths |
| Sydney | Passionate & Direct | Love (Sydney) vs. Conflict (Alice) | Early Intimacy Scenes |
| Alice | Emotional & Complex | Love (Alice) & Trust | Pregnancy Storyline |
| Carol | Gentle & Slow-Burn | Love (Carol) built from early Ch. | Easy to lock out if ignored |
Latest Updates: Chapters 13-16 and Beyond
The development of Now & Then has been a thrilling ride to watch 🚀. The game is continually evolving on Now & Then itch.io, with the developer providing substantial, narrative-rich updates. The latest major release, often referred to as v0.25+, is a colossal addition that answers the common question, “What is the Now & Then game building towards?” — endings!
Chapters 13 through 16 represent a climactic story arc where the consequences of all your choices come to a head. We’re talking about pivotal confrontations, heartfelt resolutions (or dramatic breakups), and the first set of proper character endings. Did you nurture a single relationship to its peak? You’ll likely get a satisfying, romantic conclusion with that person. Did you try to juggle too many partners? Be prepared for potential fallout and a more dramatic, open-ended finale.
This update is packed with content:
* 400+ new high-quality renders that bring the emotional climaxes to life.
* 10+ new animations for the game’s most intense and intimate moments.
* Multiple ending variations based on your primary love interest and your overall conflict level.
* Expanded gallery scenes for unlocking, rewarding thorough exploration.
For players who have been following the story, these chapters are the payoff. They provide closure to long-running arcs like Alice’s pregnancy and Naomi’s complex relationship with the protagonist. The replay value here is insane 🔄. Seeing how Sydney’s ending differs from Carol’s, or unlocking the special conditions for a polyamorous resolution, adds dozens of hours of fresh gameplay. It transforms the Now & Then visual novel from a great story into a compulsion to see everything.
And the future looks bright! The developer’s roadmap hints at more polish, additional side scenes for side characters, and perhaps even extended epilogues. The community on itch.io is active, with the dev often sharing sneak peeks, which makes supporting this adult visual novel Now & Then feel like being part of its journey.
Why is this game so addictive? It’s the unparalleled replay value. Beyond the initial thrill of the story, there’s a deep drive to unlock every beautiful render and animation in the gallery. You’ll find yourself starting a new game, determined to see what happens if you’re cold to Sydney or completely devoted to Alice from day one. Each playthrough peels back a new layer of the characters and the story, making Now & Then a gift that keeps on giving. It’s more than a game; it’s a collection of parallel lives and loves, all waiting for you to discover them.
FAQ
How many chapters are in Now & Then?
The latest stable public build includes 16 core story chapters, which encompass the main narrative from beginning to its current climax and multiple endings. New updates may add side stories or extended content.
Does Now & Now Then have pregnancy endings?
Yes, absolutely. One of the major character routes, Alice’s, features a pregnancy storyline that is central to her arc. The choices you make throughout her route directly influence the outcomes and endings related to this plot, making it one of the most emotionally charged and consequential paths in the game.
What are the upcoming features for Now & Then?
While the developer focuses on polishing the existing content, the community anticipates potential extended epilogues, more side character development, and technical enhancements. The best way to stay updated is to follow the game’s official page on Now & Then itch.io, where the developer posts progress reports and roadmaps.
Now & Then stands out with its deep branching paths, evolving relationships, and those unforgettable intimate scenes that reward multiple playthroughs. From my own runs chasing Naomi’s bi route to unlocking Sydney threesomes, it’s a game that blends emotion and excitement perfectly. Grab it on itch.io, experiment with saves, and uncover every secret ending. What’s your favorite path? Share in the comments and let’s swap tips—your next playthrough awaits!