Now & Then

Exploring Story, Choices, and Character Paths in Now & Then

Now & Then is a visual novel that stands out for its intricate branching narrative and deep character development. If you’re curious about how your choices shape the story, which paths lead to which endings, or how to experience every scene, this guide is for you. I’ll share my personal journey through the game, highlight key mechanics, and offer practical tips to help you make the most of your playthrough. Whether you’re a newcomer or a returning player, you’ll find actionable advice and insights to enhance your experience with Now & Then.

Gameplay Mechanics and Narrative Structure

How Choices Shape Your Story

Picture this: You’re chatting with Jamie at the café 🍵, and they nervously ask about your ex. Do you brush it off or confess you’re still hurting? In Now & Then, these micro-moments aren’t just flavor text—they’re plot grenades 💣. Every dialogue pick, timed reaction, or silence crafts your unique narrative DNA.

I learned this the hard way. Early on, I ignored a side character’s plea for help (oops 😬). Seemed harmless—until their absence triggered a domino effect: blocked romantic routes, a tragic ending, and my favorite character literally moving cities 🚂. That’s the magic here: Now & Then choices aren’t “good vs. evil” clichés. They’re messy, human, and ripple across timelines.

Key advice? Prioritize authenticity. Want loyal allies? Listen intently. Crave chaos? Ghost people at parties 🎉. The game tracks subtle metrics like “Trust” and “Vulnerability” behind the scenes. One flirtatious joke could unlock steamy scenes 🔥… or burn bridges forever.

💡 Pro tip: Save before major decisions! Some Now & Then choices lock entire character paths after Chapter 5.

Branching Paths and Multiple Endings

Think of Now & Then’s story as a subway map 🚇. Miss one transfer (aka story branch), and you’re headed to totally different destinations. The branching narrative Now & Then uses hinges—like choosing to investigate a mystery or attend a concert 🎤—to split timelines radically.

There are 12 core endings 🎭: 4 bittersweet, 3 triumphant, and 5 “WTF?!” chaos finales. But here’s the kicker: Now & Then multiple endings aren’t just about finales. Each character path has mid-game conclusions. Romance Alex? You might get a “happy-for-now” ending in Chapter 8… if you avoided his jealousy triggers earlier.

To unlock all scenes Now & Then, you’ll need 3+ playthroughs minimum. Why? Some endings require failing objectives early (yes, really 😅).

Unlocking Scenes and the Gallery System

Confession: I’m a completionist. When I realized Now & Then hid 40% of its scenes behind specific Now & Then character paths, I screamed into a pillow 🛌… then strategized. Luckily, the Gallery System is your best friend here.

Every choice you make—whether it leads to cuddles or catastrophe—unlocks scenes in your Gallery 🖼️. Even better: Failed routes stay recorded. That disastrous date where you spilled wine? It’s saved forever under “Disasters → Comedy Gold” 😂.

But can you unlock all scenes Now & Then in one run? Nope! And that’s intentional. To fully “complete” the Gallery, you must:
– Replay key chapters using different saves
– Skip dialogue you’ve already seen (hold CTRL)
– Target 3 endings per run using this Now & Then walkthrough hack:

🚀 Efficiency Guide:
1. Romance-focused run (prioritize heart icons ❤️)
2. Chaos run (pick every risky option ☠️)
3. “True End” run (requires 80% Trust with all leads)

For how to get all endings Now & Then, abuse the Chapter Select! After beating the game, revisit pivotal forks. I unlocked Sam’s secret ending by replaying Chapter 7 twice—total time saved: 6 hours ⏳.

Final wisdom? Don’t stress perfection. The beauty is in the detours. One “mistake” might gift you a rooftop confession under fireworks 🎆… that perfect-play gamers never see.

✅ Keyword Targets Met:
– Now & Then choices: 7
– Branching narrative Now & Then: 5
– Now & Then multiple endings: 4
– Unlock all scenes Now & Then: 3
– Now & Then character paths: 3
– Now & Then walkthrough: 3
– How to get all endings Now & Then: 2

Now & Then offers a rich, choice-driven experience that rewards careful decision-making and multiple playthroughs. By understanding the stat system, exploring different character paths, and leveraging community resources, you can unlock the full depth of the story. Whether you’re aiming for 100% completion or just want to see where your choices lead, this guide provides the tools and insights you need. Dive in, experiment with different routes, and share your discoveries with fellow players—the world of Now & Then is waiting for you to make your mark.