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Grief can make us do weird and wonderful things. However, it is how we deal with our emotions and the aftermath of loss that defines our personality. Afterlove EP takes us on this dark and often uncomfortable journey. This visual novel experience isn’t the most pleasant I’ve encountered. The sense of self-loathing and twisted mindset made me grit my teeth. Yet, the snippets of light and wonderful relationships kept me digging through the dirt.
This visual novel was developed by Pikselnesia and published by Fellow Traveller. Moreover, it has some rhythm-based elements that break up the sense of melancholy. However, at its core, it has many traditional visual novel elements. Consequently, you will build relationships, encounter good and bad endings, and carve a path amongst the most trying of moments.
Afterlove EP tells a tale of loss and destruction.
You play the role of Rama, a young musician who is struggling to move on after his girlfriend Cinta passes. His band needs him, but the young hero is wallowing in self-pity and remorse. Furthermore, he is driven to distraction by the voice of Cinta and her judgemental ways.
The story is set in the vibrant city of Jakarta. This should have created a vivid and electric setting for a music-inspired game. Yet, the sombre nature of the plot drags you across hot coals. Additionally, the protagonist is a bit of a buzz kill as his moping ways and reliance on the words of his dead girlfriend create a sense of melancholy.
Moving on never felt so good.
Where Afterlove EP excels is the realisation that moving on has never felt so good. Luckily, the hero has a great set of friends. Moreover, they are well-loved in the city and people are willing to forgive. Accordingly, new friendships and relationships open up throughout the relatively short story.
The exceptional characters and interesting dialogue help to bat away the sense of misery. Unfortunately, Rama and Cinta are divisive leads. I found Cinta’s continuous backbiting and jealousy to be a real downer. Yet, if you can overlook her sniping and jealous ways, you’ll enjoy the healing process and the friendships that blossom.
If you can put aside your disdain for the protagonists, you’ll enjoy a fulfilling story. The character development and the setting are particularly good. Furthermore, the rhythm-based moments break up proceedings nicely. What’s more, I adored the blend of characters and how each personality shapes Rama’s present and future.
Afterlove EP is a picture of pastels.
I’m a fan of Anime and Manga visual novels. Afterlove EP is a little understated with its setting and character portraits. Unlike its peers, it has a softer approach. This matches the sombre elements but isn’t as striking as other games in the genre. The portraits lack the OTT emotions. Instead, the writing creates each emotive layer. This was a shame as I enjoy the razmataz of other visual novels.
The audio is relatively repetitive but pleasant to listen to. The calm music matches the atmosphere and every character has some voiceover work. The exception is Cinta who haunts you at every turn with her cutting dialogue. This was overwhelming and uncomfortable to experience. Yet, it delivers a sense of oppression that matches Rama’s downtrodden mindset.
Simple controls.
If you want a simple game to play, then a visual novel has to be on your radar. You can fast-forward any unwanted dialogue and sit back and enjoy a drink as the story unfolds. Thankfully, when accuracy is key during the action moments, Afterlove EP doesn’t let you down. The well-labelled inputs are easy to follow and the controls are responsive and accurate.
Most visual novels have exceptional replay value and longevity. Together We Live is a VN I’ve recently covered and it was sadly lacking in both. However, Afterlove EP doesn’t disappoint. There are plenty of different endings and fans of the game will be able to return for more.
Afterlove EP is touching, uncomfortable, but oddly enjoyable.
Death, mourning, and loss rarely go hand-in-hand with entertainment. Yet, Afterlove EP has delivered that with its sombre but touching story. The blend of characters and the charming gameplay kept me interested throughout. Additionally, I loved the new friendships that formed and the interesting subplots. Though the protagonists weren’t my cup of tea, I liked how things unfolded. Accordingly, it is a good visual novel and I recommend buying it here! Losing someone doesn’t mean the end. Learn to grieve, lean on your friends, and evolve personally.
