Afterlove EP is a tender narrative journey that examines the pain of loss and the uncertain path towards healing — reflections of its own development. Crafted by Indonesian indie studio Pikselnesia, founded by the creator of Coffee Talk, the game carries a touching legacy.
During the development of Afterlove EP, lead designer Mohammad Fahmi passed away, leaving the game unfinished.
“We did it, @fahmitsu. We finished your game. It wasn’t easy without you here directing us, telling us that we did a good job, or throwing your usual random jokes to cheer us up… But we did it. And we hope we are making you proud, wherever you are now.” — Pikselnesia on X
The team at Pikelnesia picked up where he left off. Through a few years of extra work, the team has carefully brought Fahmitsu’s swan song to life, crafting a beautifully written adventure that transforms grief into a shared, stirring human experience.
A Story of Love, Loss, and Moving Forward
Afterlove EP is a deeply moving visual novel following Rama, a grieving indie rockstar in Jakarta, one year after his girlfriend Cinta’s untimely passing. Once the vibrant frontman of the band Sigmund Feud, Rama has withdrawn into isolation, leaving his life in disarray.
Rama’s journey back to everyday life is a delicate balance of rediscovering himself and learning to move forward without Cinta. Despite his turbulent relationship with bandmates Adita and Tasya, he works tirelessly to revive Sigmund Feud, creating fresh music and fully committing to their biggest ever performance.
Along the way, he meets new friends, navigates a new job, and slowly rebuilds the life he left behind. But the path to healing isn’t straightforward, Rama grapples with doubt, lingering grief, and moments of hesitation, forcing him to do some deep soul-searching before he can truly find himself again.
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Characters Who Shape a Journey of Healing
Over six immersive hours, Cinta’s voice, woven through heartfelt, voice-acted dialogue, provides solace, yet is a constant reminder of love lost. Throughout the city, Rama revisits places filled with memories of Cinta, reliving their moments together, both beautiful and painful. Her role deepens the narrative, turning Rama’s inner dialogue into a battleground as he struggles to let go her while holding onto what she meant to him.
Satria, the charismatic record clerk, quickly became my favourite character in Afterlove EP. His humour and authenticity breathe new life into Rama’s world, challenging him to reconnect with parts of his identity. His portrayal enriches the narrative, celebrating the strength and resilience inherent in queer identity and its community.
Throughout my playthrough, Rama and Satria developed feelings for one another offering Rama a chance to experience love again in an entirely new way. Their bond added warmth and sincerity, showing healing comes not just from the past but from new possibilities.
A Visual Novel at Heart, with a Touch of Rhythm and Adventure!
AfterLove EP unfolds as an interactive visual novel where every choice shapes Rama’s journey to reclaim his life. Over 28 in-game days, he strives to mend old friendships and rally his band for a monumental show. Amid a bustling cityscape, players navigate therapy sessions, band rehearsals and have intimate conversations that mirror the bittersweet process of healing.
In addition to branching dialogue paths, rhythmic sequences bring the band’s performances to life. Each song transforms into a simple button-pushing challenge, with inputs arriving from both sides of the screen. The music, composed by Indonesian band L’Alphalpha, infuses each rehearsal with raw emotion and determination.
The tracks range from upbeat pop to melancholic tunes, each with an indie rock feel reflecting the game’s rollercoaster of emotions. While the tracks did not hit as hard as I would have liked, the intricate melodies still gave me moments of hope and heartbreak.
The game offers difficulty options ranging from easy to normal, or even an automatic mode for those who prefer to focus on the story. Afterlove EP ensures that every player can experience the music in a way that feels right for them. These interactive segments meld gameplay with a genuineness that echoes Rama’s inner drive to overcome the obstacles within his band.
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A Hand-Drawn World Brought to Life with Music
Afterlove EP’s visuals are a work of art. Beautiful hand-drawn, manga-style graphics create an immersive environment that captures both the vibrancy and complexity of urban life in Jakarta. Every corner of the city, from run-down convenience stores, rooftop bars, and authentic Indonesian eateries, feels lovingly detailed.
The characters are equally charming, with expressive designs that bring warmth and personality to the story. Their hand-drawn aesthetic perfectly complements the game’s touching tone, making every interaction feel intimate and visually engaging.
A Bittersweet Journey Worth Taking
Afterlove EP tells an intimate journey of self-discovery, following a young man’s struggle to navigate life after loss. Rama’s internal battle is powerfully depicted, especially during the pivotal scene with his bandmates, where their impending breakup marks a turning point.
At his most vulnerable, Rama’s band, Sigmund Feud, is falling apart, and his friendships are strained by the lingering memories of Cinta. Left overwhelmed, he finds it difficult to reconnect with his music.
Dr Santi’s guidance helps him realise that honouring Cinta means rediscovering his passion and moving forward. Slowly, he begins to rebuild both his band and his sense of purpose, catching glimpses of light at the end of the tunnel.
With a memorable cast, including standout character Satria, Afterlove EP delivers a moving story of love, loss, and the courage to embrace life after heartbreak. It’s something I’m certain Fahmi would be proud of.
Afterlove EP is out now on all platforms.
A copy of Afterlove EP was supplied to Quest Daily for the purpose of this article.
