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 your decisions shape steamy relationships and unexpected twists. Developed by ILSProductions, this gem on itch.io lets you navigate branching paths with characters like Naomi, Sydney, Alice, and Carol. From building love stats to unlocking intimate threesomes and pregnancies, it’s all about replaying chapters for every thrill. I’ve sunk hours into it, chasing that perfect ending, and I’m here to share how you can master it too. Let’s explore what makes Now & Then an addictive ride.

What Makes Now & Then a Must-Play Adult Adventure?

I still remember the first time I stumbled upon Now & Then on itch.io. I was browsing for something new, something with a bit more substance than your average adult title, and the intriguing premise—a tale of survival and romance in a post-pandemic world—caught my eye. I downloaded Chapter 1, thinking I’d just give it a quick look. Cut to three hours later, my coffee was cold, and I was utterly hooked. I’d clicked through an entire chapter, my heart genuinely invested in the fate of these characters. That’s the magic trick of this Now &hen visual novel; it makes you care before it makes you blush. 😊

So, what is the Now & Then game? At its core, it’s a masterfully crafted visual novel built on a foundation of meaningful branching choices. You play as a young man navigating a dangerous, transformed world alongside a group of compelling women. Every dialogue option and major decision isn’t just fluff—it actively shifts the delicate balance of love and conflict between characters. A +1 with Naomi might mean a -1 with Carol, and these stats silently shape your entire journey, locking or unlocking intimate paths and even determining who survives the narrative’s twists. This isn’t a linear dash from one scene to the next; it’s a delicate dance of relationships where every step counts.

I learned this the hard way on my first playthrough. I was charming, I was heroic, I thought I was doing great. But I made the classic rookie mistake: I focused too much on one connection and inadvertently alienated another. By ignoring certain subtle cues from Naomi early on, I found myself later staring at a closed door—both literally and figuratively—with a path permanently locked away. That moment of realization, that my choices had real, lasting consequences, is what cemented Now & Then as a must-play. This game’s depth rivals top VNs but with hotter, more emotionally charged payoffs.

How Branching Choices Drive the Story?

The genius of Now & Then’s gameplay loop is its elegant simplicity with profound depth. You read through beautifully rendered scenes, and at key moments, you’re presented with choices. These aren’t just “be nice” or “be rude.” They are nuanced decisions that reflect your character’s priorities, fears, and desires. The game uses a brilliant +1/-1 system that tracks your standing with each of the main women. 🧮

For example, choosing to side with Naomi in an early dispute might earn you a +1 with her (moving you closer to her romantic path) but could trigger a -1 with Carol, who sees you as taking sides against her. These stats are hidden, simmering beneath the surface, and they directly control the narrative branches available to you. Want to pursue a threesome path? That requires carefully cultivated relationships with two characters, not just one. It’s like tending a garden; you can’t just water one plant and expect the whole thing to flourish.

This system creates immense replay value. One playthrough might see you in a devoted relationship with Sydney, while another unlocks a passionate connection with the more complex Naomi. The branching choices in Now & Then ensure that no two adventures are the same. It encourages you to go back, save-scum at critical junctures (more on that later!), and explore every “what if.” The game even features a gallery that unlocks scenes as you discover them, serving as a tangible record of your branching journeys. For those who want to see everything, the modding community has created tools that let you explore all branches, which is a testament to how invested players are in this world.

Key Characters and Their Intimate Paths

The heart and soul of any great visual novel are its characters, and the Now & Then characters are some of the most well-developed in the adult gaming space. They feel like real people with fears, histories, and agency, which makes building relationships with them incredibly rewarding. Let’s meet the core cast you’ll be navigating this apocalypse with:

• Naomi: The brilliant, sometimes sharp-tongued doctor. Her path is one of the most intricate. She presents as a bi option, and her route is essential for unlocking one of the game’s most sought-after threesome scenarios. Winning her over requires patience and intellectual respect; she’s not won by cheesy lines.
• Sydney: The loyal, kind-hearted friend whose relationship with the protagonist has a deep history. Her path is often considered the “heart” of the story, full of emotional weight and tender moments. Pursuing her leads to some of the game’s most heartfelt and intimate scenes.
• Alice: The resilient and resourceful member of the group. Her path takes a dramatic turn with a major pregnancy reveal, adding a layer of profound responsibility and narrative tension that few other games attempt. How you handle this revelation defines a significant part of the mid-to-late game.
• Carol: Introduced early, she represents a pivotal early choice. Aligning with her can create immediate conflict with others, especially Naomi. She’s a wildcard, and her path is all about navigating volatility and passion.

To help you keep track of these intricate relationships, here’s a breakdown:

Latest Updates: Chapters, Scenes, and Renders

One of the most exciting things about following a game on a platform like itch.io is witnessing its growth. Now & Then isn’t a static product; it’s a living project that continues to expand in impressive ways. The developer is consistently pushing new content, making each revisit to the Now & Then itch.io page a potential treasure trove of new story. 📈

As of the latest updates, the narrative has soared past Chapter 16, with no signs of slowing down. A recent update alone added a staggering 400+ new renders, elevating the visual presentation and pulling you deeper into the story. But it’s not just about quantity. We’re talking about 10+ new animations and crucial new scenes that advance the central mysteries and character arcs. Major plot threads are weaving together, relationships are reaching new peaks (and potential crises), and the world itself is expanding.

For players, this means the replay value just keeps multiplying. A new chapter isn’t just one more scene; it’s a new set of branches for every save file you’ve cultivated. That careful balance you struck between Naomi and Sydney in Chapter 10? It pays off (or explodes) in Chapter 15. Speaking of Chapter 15, it’s a fantastic example of why strategic saving is key. This chapter often contains critical junctions for unlocking group dynamics, and having a save at its start lets you experiment without replaying dozens of hours.

This consistent, high-quality development is why Now & Then has such a dedicated fanbase. It delivers on its promises, deepening both the plot and the intimate connections with every update. You’re not just playing a game; you’re growing alongside a story.

Pro Tip: Always create a named save at the very start of each new chapter. It’s your safety net and your gateway to exploring different choice branches without committing to a full replay from scratch.

What makes this Now & Then game so relentlessly engaging is the emotional teeter-totter it creates. You’re constantly managing the fallout of your decisions, celebrating when a connection deepens, and groaning when you realize you’ve accidentally closed a door. It’s a powerful, character-driven experience that stays with you.

To make sure your first foray into this world is as smooth as possible, here are my top five practical tips:

• Save Strategically and Often. Don’t just rely on quick-save. Create multiple, named save files at the beginning of each chapter and before any major decision point. This is your single most important tool.
• Embrace the Replay. Your first run should be “blind”—enjoy making choices naturally. Then, use your chapter saves to go back and explore specific paths, like focusing solely on Naomi or seeing what happens if you side with Carol early.
• Pay Attention to Early Dynamics. Chapters 1-3 set the tone for everything. Notice who disagrees with whom. Your early choices here have the longest-lasting ripple effects on the branching story.
• Check the Gallery. The unlockable gallery isn’t just for rewards. It’s a great way to see which paths you’ve missed and hint at what might be possible, motivating your next replay.
• Manage Two Relationships for Threesomes. If you’re aiming for a group scene, you must diligently build your love stat with both involved characters. Letting one falter will lock you out. Patience and balance are key!

Now & Then stands out with its intricate choices, evolving characters, and rewarding replays that keep you coming back for more steamy moments and endings. Whether you’re chasing the Naomi-Sydney threesome or exploring pregnancy reveals, every path feels personal and thrilling. I’ve loved uncovering its depths—grab it on itch.io, experiment with saves, and craft your ultimate story. What’s your favorite route? Dive in today and let the adventures unfold.