Now & Then

Dive into branching stories, steamy scenes, and replayable adventures

Ever stumbled upon a game that hooks you with its mix of heartfelt choices and sizzling encounters? That’s ‘Now & Then’ for me—a captivating adult visual novel where every decision shapes your journey through romance, rivalry, and passion. Developed by ILSProductions, this gem on itch.io features branching paths with characters like Naomi, Sydney, Alice, and Carol, packed with over 430 shots, animations, and evolving chapters up to 16 and beyond. I remember my first playthrough, agonizing over love stats that led to unexpected threesomes and endings. Whether you’re chasing specific scenes or mastering all branches, this guide shares my insider tips to maximize your experience in ‘Now & Then’. Let’s unlock it all together.

What Makes Now & Then a Must-Play Adventure?

I still remember the night I stumbled upon Now & Then on itch.io. 🕵️‍♂️ I was just browsing for something new, a story to get lost in, and the compelling artwork caught my eye. I downloaded the first chapter, thinking I’d give it a quick look. Fast forward three hours, and I was utterly hooked, my mouse hovering over a choice that felt like it carried the weight of the world. That’s the magic of this Now & Then visual novel—it doesn’t just tell you a story; it makes you live it, for better or worse. If you’re wondering what is Now & Then game, at its heart, it’s an immersive narrative where every decision tangibly shapes your relationships and the world around you.

This isn’t a passive experience. You play as a young man navigating life, survival, and complex relationships in a compelling setting. The core mechanic is deceptively simple yet profoundly impactful: branching choices Now & Then are everywhere. Talking to someone, deciding how to spend your day, or reacting in a tense moment—they all feed into a detailed stat system tracking love and conflict with the key characters. Choosing to spend time with Naomi isn’t just a nice moment; it’s often +1 Love (Naomi) and potentially -1 Love (Carol), a delicate balance that makes every interaction meaningful.

The true genius of the Now & Then game is in this cause and effect. There’s no “right” path, only your path. Want to pursue a romantic future with the assertive Sydney? Your choices need to reflect that commitment, often at the expense of other connections. The game remembers everything, and these tracked stats are the invisible rails guiding you toward one of many endings. I learned this the hard way on my first playthrough, aiming for a close bond with Naomi but accidentally tipping the scale into major conflict with Carol by being too aloof. The resulting story was gripping, painful, and completely mine—which is exactly why I immediately started a new save.

How Branching Choices Shape Your Story in Now & Then

So, how do these famous branching choices Now & Then actually work? 🤔 Think of it as a narrative ecosystem. Every significant dialogue option and action is tied to the relationship metrics of the Now & Then characters. It’s a constant push and pull. The game brilliantly uses a “teeter-totter” system where gaining favor with one person can sometimes mean losing it with another, especially in love triangles.

The consequences aren’t just emotional; they’re narrative. Your accumulated stats determine which scenes you unlock, which characters confess their feelings, and ultimately, who stands by you in the finale. For instance, reaching a high love level with Naomi or Alice can lead to a pivotal pregnancy reveal in the game’s concluding chapters, a huge narrative payoff for your dedication. Meanwhile, romancing Sydney or Carol can lead to in-game pregnancies, which become central, ongoing story arcs.

This is where the Now & Then visual novel shines: replayability. You can’t see everything in one go. A choice that opens a door for Sydney might permanently close a window for Carol. My biggest piece of actionable advice? Save often, and save strategically. Before any major story beat or conversation, create a new save file. This lets you explore those branching choices Now & Then without losing dozens of hours of progress. For the ultimate completionists, there are community mods that let you unlock all paths, which is a fantastic tool for experiencing the full scope of the story after you’ve played through organically first.

To visualize how early choices can ripple into late-game outcomes, here’s a simplified look at a common branching path:

Key Characters and Their Steamy Relationships

The soul of this Now & Then game is its cast. These aren’t just archetypes; they’re complex individuals with desires, fears, and tempers. Your relationships with them form the entire emotional core of the experience. 🥰 Understanding their personalities and what drives them is key to navigating the story.

• Naomi: Often a central figure, she’s caring but can be complicated. Pursuing her is a classic, emotionally rich path. High love with her leads to one of the most talked-about conclusions.
• Sydney: Assertive, bold, and full of personality. Romancing Sydney is a passionate and often dramatic route that significantly alters the group’s dynamics.
• Carol: Sweet and sometimes vulnerable, Carol’s path is about building trust and protection. Her story is deeply intertwined with themes of family and security.
• Alice: A more reserved or mysterious option, depending on your choices. Unlocking her full path often requires specific attention and can be incredibly rewarding.
• Supporting Cast: Don’t sleep on the other characters! Relationships with friends and other figures can provide crucial support, unique scenes, and even affect the main romantic arcs.

To help you keep track of the delicate dance of affections, here are the top 5 stats you should always be mindful of:

• Naomi’s Love vs. Carol’s Love: This is the most dynamic tug-of-war. Openly favoring one usually cools things with the other. Decide early on who resonates with you more.
• Sydney’s Romance Flag: Unlike the teeter-totter, Sydney’s path is often about consistent, bold choices that show your direct interest in her. It’s more of an “on/off” switch that, once activated, changes everything.
• Alice’s Trust: Think of this as a hidden meter. She won’t always wear her heart on her sleeve. Choose supportive, understanding options to slowly build a connection.
• Group Conflict: This overarching stat can rise if you play favorites too obviously or make selfish choices. High group conflict can lock you out of peaceful resolutions and happier endings for everyone.
• Personal Resolve: Your character’s own stat! Certain choices build your confidence or morality, which can unlock unique dialogue options in critical moments.

Mastering these relationships is what defines the Now & Then characters experience. It’s about more than just picking the “flirty” option; it’s about understanding who these people are and what they need from you.

Latest Updates: Chapters 11-16 and Beyond

For both new and returning fans, the Now & Then updates have been nothing short of spectacular. The developer has consistently expanded the world, deepened the relationships, and raised the stakes. If you played a year ago, you’re looking at a game that has almost doubled in content and refinement. 🚀

Chapters 11 through 16 are where many storylines reach their boiling point. Chapter 11 alone added over 430 new renders and animations, drastically enhancing visual storytelling and those intimate, steamy scenes. But the narrative expansions are the real draw. We see pregnancies for Sydney and Carol become central, emotional arcs, and the finales for Naomi and Alice’s paths deliver powerful, game-long payoffs.

Now, for the truly exciting Now & Then updates: Chapter 16 introduced a legendary scene for those who master the game’s replayability. By meeting very specific conditions across your entire playthrough, you can unlock a special threesome scene. This isn’t just handed to you; it’s the ultimate reward for careful planning and exploration of the branching choices Now & Then.

The developer noted on itch.io: “The threesome in Chapter 16 is a special unlock. It requires Naomi to have explored her bisexual interest earlier in the story, and for the player to have successfully maintained a strong romantic path with Sydney. It’s meant to be a rare and rewarding outcome for players who invest in those specific dynamics.”

This perfectly encapsulates the philosophy of the Now & Then visual novel. The most memorable moments are earned, not given. Looking beyond Chapter 16, the developer’s roadmap promises even more epilogue content and refinements, ensuring that the world of Now & Then continues to grow.

So, is Now & Then a must-play adventure? Without question. It sets a gold standard for choice-driven narrative, where your decisions carry tangible, emotional weight. The Now & Then characters feel real, their stories are compelling, and the sheer volume of content in the latest Now & Then updates offers unbelievable value. Whether you’re in it for the deep story, the complex relationships, or the thrill of seeing your choices unfold, this Now & Then game delivers an experience you’ll want to revisit again and again. Ready to dive deeper? Next, we’ll get up close and personal with each character’s motivations, secrets, and ideal romance routes.

From my endless replays of ‘Now & Then’, it’s clear this game thrives on smart choices leading to unforgettable moments—like that heart-pounding threesome or surprise endings. You’ve got the tools now: track those stats, experiment with paths, and dive into every branch. My biggest takeaway? Patience pays off in the evolving chapters. Grab it on itch.io, start your adventure today, and share your wildest outcomes in the comments—I’d love to hear how your story unfolds. Happy gaming!