Afterlove EP emerges as a poignant visual novel developed by the Indonesian team at Pikselnesia, encapsulating the bittersweet experience of navigating grief through the lens of a musician named Rama. With its narrative set in Jakarta, this game revolves around Rama’s attempts to rebuild his life after the tragic loss of his girlfriend, Cinta. The innovative storytelling format presents Cinta not merely as a memory but as an ongoing dialogue, offering players the chance to engage in heartfelt conversations with her voice that exists solely in Rama’s mind. This dual existence elevates the narrative, making the experience both introspective and interactive.
Tragically, the game’s conceptualization comes from the late Mohammad Fahmi, known for his previous works like Coffee Talk and What Comes After. His untimely passing in 2022 cast a shadow over the development of Afterlove EP, as his colleagues at Pikselnesia grappled with their collective loss while piecing together his vision. This added layer of poignancy to the game’s creation underscores the emotional weight imbued in its storyline. It’s not just a game about grief; it also stands as a testament to Fahmi’s creativity and the sorrow of those who loved him.
An Exploration of Grief
The central theme of Afterlove EP revolves around grief—a highly personal and multifaceted emotion. Set over a span of 28 days, players accompany Rama as he engages in conversations that encourage reflection, introspection, and eventual acceptance. This game invites players to not only witness Rama’s struggles but to empathize with the complexities of grieving a lost loved one. It’s crafted to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced loss, making it a potentially powerful tool for therapeutic reflection. Although it spans only five to eight hours, the time spent engaging with the game feels much longer, enveloping players in its emotional embrace.
Complementing its narrative depth, Afterlove EP is enriched by evocatively hand-drawn art and a soothing indie rock soundtrack. These elements create a compelling atmosphere that enhances the player’s connection to the story. The aesthetic quality is notably scruffy yet heartfelt, echoing the internal turbulence Rama endures throughout the game. The music serves as both a backdrop and an emotional conduit, enveloping players in Rama’s world and amplifying the sensations of love and loss.
As players navigate the storyline of Afterlove EP, they are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences with grief. The conversations with Cinta challenge players to face their emotions, confront unresolved feelings, and ultimately find peace in their memories. The intent behind the game’s design is to validate the experience of loss while also promoting the idea that grief is a deeply personal journey that one can share even in silence; the shared experience between player and character breathes life into the narrative.
Afterlove EP is not just another video game; it’s a deeply moving exploration of love, loss, and human connection. It stands as a thoughtful tribute to the creative vision of Mohammad Fahmi and offers players a safe space to process their own experiences with grief, making it a profoundly impactful visual novel worthy of exploration.