Now & Then

Discover Gameplay, Choices, and Hidden Scenes in This Captivating Visual Novel

Ever stumbled upon a game that hooks you from the first choice, blending steamy encounters with deep storytelling? That’s Now & Then for you – the adult visual novel that’s got players raving about its branching paths and intimate moments. Developed by ILSProductions and hosted on itch.io, this gem throws you into a world of relationships with characters like Naomi, Sydney, Alice, and Carol. I’ve sunk hours into it myself, chasing that perfect ending, and let me tell you, the replayability is insane. Whether you’re new or stuck on a route, this guide breaks down everything from core mechanics to secret scenes. Ready to dive into Now & Then‘s seductive narrative?

What Makes Now & Then the Must-Play Adult Visual Novel?

I was scrolling through itch.io late one night, looking for something with a bit more substance than the usual fare, when the striking artwork for Now & Then caught my eye. 🎨 I downloaded it on a whim, telling myself I’d just try the first chapter. Fast forward several hours, and I was completely hooked—the characters felt real, the choices carried weight, and I was instantly invested in seeing how “my” story would unfold. If you’re looking for an adult visual novel that prioritizes a gripping narrative alongside its romance, you’ve just found your next obsession.

At its heart, the Now & Then game is a masterclass in branching storytelling. You play as a young man navigating complex relationships with the women in his life, where every dialogue choice and action directly shapes your path. The genius lies in its dual-stat system: Love and Conflict. It’s not just about saying the right thing; it’s a delicate balancing act. Pushing too hard for romance can create drama, while being too passive might mean missing a connection entirely. This creates a fantastically reactive world where your version of the story is truly your own.

The development is impressively active, with the latest updates (like Chapter 13) adding over 400 stunning new renders and more than 10 smooth animations. Finding this gem on Now & Then itch.io feels like discovering a secret club—one with a passionate community and a developer who genuinely listens to feedback. Let’s dive into what makes this visual novel so uniquely captivating.

How Does Now & Then’s Storyline Keep You Coming Back?

The Now & Then storyline is the engine that drives everything. It avoids simplistic tropes, instead presenting you with believable scenarios and characters who have their own ambitions, insecurities, and histories. You’re not just picking options from a menu; you’re actively managing the emotional temperature of every interaction.

What makes the Now & Then game so replayable is its commitment to consequences. Early choices with a character like Carol can lock or unlock possibilities chapters later. Discovering Alice’s pregnancy reveal isn’t just a plot point; it’s a narrative bomb that reshapes your relationships depending on how you’ve built them. This isn’t a story you watch—it’s a story you steer, and seeing the branches you didn’t take is a powerful motivator to start a new save file immediately.

The stat system is the secret sauce. Imagine a teeter-totter: one side is Love, the other is Conflict. A sweet compliment to Sydney might give you +1 Love, but choosing a possessive or jealous remark could add +1 Conflict with her, or even with another character who hears about it! 🎢 This creates those delicious, agonizing moments where no choice is perfectly “good.” Do you support Naomi’s independent decision, earning her respect but potentially losing a point of Love? Or do you intervene, showing care but sparking Conflict? This nuanced system ensures the Now & Then storyline feels fresh every single time.

Key Characters and Their Unique Paths in Now & Then

The soul of any great visual novel is its cast, and the Now & Then characters are some of the most well-defined I’ve encountered. They aren’t just archetypes; they feel like people with layered personalities and evolving stories that change based on your actions. Building a relationship with each one is a distinct and rewarding experience.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the core women who make the Now & Then game so compelling:

• Naomi: The complex best friend. Her route is deeply emotional, exploring the transition from friendship to something more. A major draw is her bi option, which thoughtfully opens the door for a potential threesome path, adding another layer of narrative possibility. Pursuing her requires patience and emotional intelligence.
• Sydney: The confident and driven figure. Her path is intense and passionate, featuring some of the game’s most memorable scenes. Her storyline bravely tackles mature themes like pregnancy, making your choices with her carry significant long-term weight for the overall Now & Then storyline.
• Alice: The kind-hearted neighbor. Alice’s route often feels like the “slow burn” romance, built on tenderness and gradual trust. The pregnancy reveal in her path is a masterful narrative twist that tests the foundation of your relationship and leads to some profoundly touching moments.
• Carol: The influential figure from your past. Carol’s path is all about power dynamics and history. Your early choices with Carol are absolutely critical, as they can open doors to a powerful, mature connection or close them off entirely, demonstrating the game’s brilliant use of long-term consequence.

To help you keep track of these fascinating Now & Then characters, here’s a quick reference guide:

Essential Tips for Mastering Choices in Now & Then

Diving into a branching narrative like this can be daunting, but with a few key strategies, you’ll be navigating the best Now & Then routes like a pro. The goal isn’t to “win,” but to craft the story you want to experience—and then go back and discover the others! 🔄

First, save often, and save smartly. This is non-negotiable. Before any major story beat or conversation with key Now & Then characters, create a new save file. I like to have one “core” save that represents my first, blind playthrough, and then dedicated saves at critical branching points for each love interest. The Now & Then itch.io page and community forums often highlight these key decision moments, so pay attention!

Second, embrace the teeter-totter. Understand that the Love/Conflict system is designed to create drama and realism. Sometimes, a slight bump in Conflict can lead to a more interesting, resolved relationship down the line. Don’t reload immediately if you see a Conflict point pop up; see where that narrative thread leads. Some of the most satisfying conclusions come from working through trouble, not avoiding it entirely.

Finally, talk to everyone, and pay attention. Information is power. A casual chat with one character might give you insight into another, revealing which dialogue options will be most effective. The game rewards observation. If you’re aiming for one of the best Now & Then routes, focus your energy on one primary love interest per playthrough, as juggling multiple paths can dilute your stats and lead to unsatisfying endings.

Pro Tip: Keep a notepad app open or use the in-game history! Jot down major choices and their apparent outcomes. You’ll start to see patterns and understand the personality of each character, making future playthroughs even more engaging.

So, is it worth it? Absolutely. Even with the occasional bug (as is common with actively developed indie titles on Now & Then itch.io), the experience is phenomenal. The community agrees—the depth of the Now & Then storyline, the authenticity of the Now & Then characters, and the sheer volume of content make it a standout title. My personal vote for the most rewarding path goes to Naomi’s, for its incredible emotional payoff, but you truly can’t go wrong. Each route adds a new piece to the puzzle of this fascinating Now & Then game.

Now & Then Beginner FAQ

What’s the most common mistake new players make?
Trying to romance everyone at once in a single playthrough. The stat system makes this nearly impossible and will likely lock you out of the deeper, more satisfying endings. Pick one primary interest and see that story through to the end for the best experience.

How crucial is the saving strategy?
It’s everything. This is a branching narrative where a single choice can alter your path hours later. Without multiple save files, you’ll be forced to replay huge sections to see different outcomes. Save at every major decision point!

Are there mods or walkthroughs I should use?
For a first playthrough, I recommend going in blind for the authentic experience. However, the community on Now & Then itch.io and dedicated forums have created excellent non-spoiler guides and mods that can fix minor bugs or add quality-of-life features. Use these on subsequent playthroughs to help track the best Now & Then routes you haven’t seen yet.

There you have it – your roadmap to conquering Now & Then, from nailing those pivotal choices to unlocking every steamy scene and heartfelt ending. I’ve replayed chapters countless times, and each run reveals fresh layers to Naomi, Sydney, and the crew. Whether you’re balancing love stats for a threesome or chasing pregnancies in the finales, this game’s depth rewards dedication. Don’t sleep on the latest updates with all those new renders and animations. Grab it on itch.io, start your journey, and share your wildest route stories in the comments – what’s your favorite ending so far? Dive in today and see why fans call it phenomenal.