Afterlove EP – A Musical Visual Novel About Loss and Hope

Introduction

Afterlove EP is an indie narrative game from Pikselnesia (the studio founded by Coffee Talk creator Mohammad Fahmi) released in February 2025. The story takes place in Jakarta and follows Rama, a young musician whose girlfriend, Cinta, dies unexpectedly. A year later, Rama struggles to reconnect with his bandmates and his passion for music while living with the imagined voice of Cinta in his head. Blending visual novel, dating sim, and rhythm minigame elements, the game delivers an intimate tale of grief, lost love, and resilience. The project was completed by Fahmi’s colleagues as a tribute after his passing in 2022. Its overall tone is melancholic yet warm, with a slice-of-life approach that delicately explores difficult emotions.

Story and Characters

The narrative centers on Rama’s grief and its impact on his relationships. The death of Cinta fractures his band Sigmund Feud, and the game explores their attempts to reunite and heal. Cinta’s voice plays a pivotal role—it avoids forced monologues and serves as a window into Rama’s inner world. What begins as a comforting presence gradually becomes a barrier to moving forward.

Supporting characters add depth: bandmates Adit and Tasya, Rama’s therapist, local shop owners, and three potential love interests. Each has their own story and conversations that are honest, nuanced, and sometimes uncomfortable. The therapy sessions are highlights, gradually revealing Rama’s emotional state.

The story unfolds slowly, day by day, mirroring the gradual nature of emotional recovery. At times, tonal shifts between scenes feel abrupt, and the dating elements, while adding variety, can seem disconnected from the core grief narrative. Still, the result is a human, heartfelt story.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Afterlove EP follows a calendar-based structure. Each day, you choose two activities: meeting friends, rehearsing with the band, attending therapy, or simply walking around. Choices influence relationships but don’t drastically alter the story—there are no branching endings.

Rhythm minigames appear during rehearsals and concerts: pressing notes in time, filling in lyrics, or karaoke-style segments. They’re simple but well integrated, though some players noted mild sync issues or a lack of challenge.

Overall, the game is primarily reading. Players expecting rich interactivity may find it limited, but for those seeking an introspective narrative, it succeeds.

Art Direction and Technical Performance

The art is a standout. Hand-drawn visuals inspired by manga and comics depict expressive characters in animated panels. Jakarta is lovingly recreated, from rainy alleys to cozy cafés, immersing players in Indonesian daily life.

On Nintendo Switch, the art holds up well, especially in handheld mode. Minor technical hiccups exist—fast text skips, brief character glitches, or small freezes—but none break the experience.

Sound Design

The soundtrack, by Indonesian band L’alphalpha, blends mellow indie rock with melancholic tones that perfectly suit the story’s atmosphere. The only voice acting is Cinta’s, in English, delivered with a mix of intimacy and sorrow that makes her presence hauntingly real.

Text is English-only, which may be a barrier for non-English speakers. Ambient sounds, from city noise to subtle effects, complement without distracting.

The Good

• Deep, heartfelt narrative

• Well-written characters, especially in therapy sessions

• Distinctive hand-drawn art style

• Excellent soundtrack that fits the mood

• Cinta’s voice performance is powerful and moving

The Bad

• Limited gameplay variety

• Very slow pacing

• Abrupt scene transitions

• No Spanish localization

• Minor technical issues on Switch

Conclusion

Afterlove EP is a tender exploration of grief and healing. It avoids melodrama, instead offering a heartfelt slice-of-life story that lingers thanks to its characters and dialogue. Its art and music elevate the experience, making it both melancholic and comforting.

It won’t appeal to everyone—its slow pace, minimal interactivity, and lack of localization narrow its audience. But for those seeking a short, intimate, emotional journey, it’s a sincere and memorable work.

Final Score: 8/10

Recommended for:

• Fans of introspective visual novels

• Players who value grounded, personal stories

• Lovers of indie music and slice-of-life narratives

• Those looking for an emotional experience

Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S