Now & Then

Everything you need to know about the ILSProductions title

Now & Then by ILSProductions is a story-driven experience that follows a nostalgic journey through past and present relationships. The game blends emotional storytelling with character interactions, branching paths, and meaningful choices that shape how events unfold. If you’re diving into Now & Then, you’re probably curious about how decisions affect outcomes, how to unlock special moments, and what to expect as the story progresses. This guide breaks down the core elements of Now & Then, helping you get the most out of every chapter and connection.

Understanding Now & Then: Story, Characters & Gameplay

Remember that school reunion invitation sitting in your email, the one you’ve been staring at for a week? 🤔 The mix of curiosity and sheer dread about facing people from a past life? That exact, potent feeling is the heart of the Now & Then game. Developed by ILSProductions, this title isn’t about saving the world from monsters; it’s about navigating the complex, emotional landscape of reconnecting with your past.

In this chapter, we’re diving deep into what makes this narrative experience so compelling. We’ll unpack the Now & Then story, get to know the key Now & Then characters, and explain the delicate Now & Then gameplay mechanics where your Now & Then choices truly write the book. Whether you’re looking for context before you play or a Now & Then walkthrough of understanding its systems, this is your starting point. ✨

What is Now & Then about?

At its core, the Now & Then game is a reunion story. You step into the shoes of the protagonist, returning to your hometown for a gathering that forces a confrontation with your past. The premise is beautifully simple, yet it opens a world of emotional complexity. The Now & Then story focuses on relationships—the ones that faded, the ones that ended badly, and the ones that might have been.

The tone is deeply reflective and intimate. One moment you’re sharing a quiet, nostalgic conversation under string lights, and the next, you’re navigating awkward silences or old tensions that bubble to the surface. 😌 It’s a slow burn, focusing on dialogue, internal monologue, and the weight of shared history. I remember playing my first hour, thinking not much was “happening” in a traditional sense, until I realized I was utterly invested in these virtual people. That’s the magic ILSProductions weaves. The game masterfully captures that specific ache and hope of wondering “what if?” and being brave enough to find out.

Main characters and their roles

The soul of any narrative game is its cast, and the Now & Then characters are crafted with remarkable authenticity. These aren’t archetypes; they feel like people you might actually know, each carrying their own baggage and growth since you last saw them. Your interactions with them are the driving force of the entire experience.

Getting to know everyone is key to forming the relationships you want. Here’s a quick guide to the central figures you’ll encounter in the Now & Then ILSProductions title:

👥 This is just the core group! Other characters filter in and out, adding layers to the social tapestry. The brilliance is in how their personalities clash and complement each other, forcing you to choose who to engage with at key moments. Do you seek the comfort of Naomi, or try to unravel the mystery of Sydney? Each decision directs the flow of your evening.

How choices shape the story

This is where the Now & Then gameplay truly shines. Unlike passive visual novels, this game demands participation. Your Now & Then choices are the architects of the narrative. The structure is linear in timeline—the reunion happens over one night—but massively branching in consequence. Every dialogue option, every decision to approach one person over another, sends ripples through the story.

Central to this are the relationship meters. Think of them not as simple “like” bars, but as a teeter-totter of emotional dynamics. You often have two primary meters to manage, like Love and Conflict, or Closeness and Distance. A choice that boosts your connection with Naomi might inadvertently create distance from Alice. It’s a constant, delicate balancing act that mirrors real-life social dynamics perfectly.

Pro Tip: The game doesn’t always signal a “right” choice. Sometimes, a response that feels polite might actually stall a relationship, while a riskier, more honest option pushes it forward. Trust your gut feeling for the character you want to be!

Some decisions are monumental. They act as branching points that lock or unlock entire paths, scenes, and endings. Committing to a deep conversation with one character might physically remove you from another part of the party, closing off their storyline for that playthrough. This makes every playthrough uniquely personal. My first run was a cautious one, trying to keep everyone happy, and it led to a pleasant but somewhat shallow ending. My second, where I followed my heart relentlessly towards one character, was messier, more dramatic, and infinitely more rewarding. 🎭

Let’s look at a concrete example you might face early on, which is a great Now & Then walkthrough insight:

The Early Party Choice: You’ve just arrived. Naomi is by the refreshment table, looking welcoming but a little unsure. Carol is on the balcony, alone and gazing into the distance. Sydney’s laughter rings from a lively group across the room.

• Choice A: Greet Naomi first. This establishes a solid foundation with her. Your Love/Loyalty meter with Naomi gets a strong initial boost. It’s a safe, kind choice.
• Choice B: Check on Carol on the balcony. This is a more intimate, bold opener. It signals you’re paying attention to her specifically and could unlock a Closeness path with her faster, but it might be perceived as slightly neglecting the group.
• Choice C: Join Sydney’s lively group. This throws you into the deep end of social energy. It might boost a Fun/Connection meter with Sydney and her circle, but could start you off on a more superficial foot with the others.

This isn’t just flavor text. This early decision can influence whose side stories you access first, the tone of your initial conversations, and even what gossip or information you learn early. It’s a masterclass in Now & Then gameplay design where every moment is a building block for your story.

It’s worth noting that the core Now & Then game is complete and tells a full, satisfying story. However, ILSProductions is working on a final Director’s Cut, promising extra scenes, polish, and a coveted “unlock-all” feature for those who want to explore every nook and cranny without dozens of replays. But trust me, the real joy is in those replays, seeing how a different version of “you” navigates the same night.

Ultimately, playing this game is like attending your own reunion from the safety of your screen. It asks you reflective questions and lets you live with the answers. Your Now & Then choices carry real weight, creating a story that feels genuinely yours. Whether you’re seeking closure, romance, or just a beautifully told tale about human connection, this title has something profound to offer. 🕯️

Now & Then offers a thoughtful, character-driven experience where your decisions truly matter. Whether you’re drawn to the emotional depth, the branching paths, or the way relationships evolve over time, the game rewards careful attention and replay. Understanding how choices impact love and conflict meters helps you shape the story the way you want, and knowing that a final version with an unlock-all feature is coming gives even more reason to revisit it later. If you’ve played Now & Then, take a moment to reflect on the paths you’ve taken—and maybe start a new save to see what you missed.