Coping with the loss of someone dear is not simple. In the visual novel game "Afterlove EP," we follow Rama, a budding musician from Jakarta who becomes the main character after losing his girlfriend Cinta. He finds himself struggling emotionally and cannot shake off memories of her voice.
Even though he still grapples with grief a year later, a crucial performance looms ahead. The group is eager to unveil their inaugural significant extended play. With time slipping away, Rama aims to surmount his individual turmoil and reclaim his role as the lead singer of the band.
Following his earlier independent titles "Coffee Talk" and "What Comes After," "Afterlove EP" marks the concluding project from video game creator Mohammad Fahmi, who died in 2022. This narrative delves into themes of loss, fresh starts, and the impact of music through a calm and poignant storyline. Instead of emphasizing action-oriented gameplay, this title centers around an emotionally rich experience.
During many dialogues, you select from various choices which affect how the game progresses. You also have opportunities to delve into exploring Jakarta, along with brief recurring sections where you strum guitar riffs similar to those found in "Guitar Hero," typically giving off a somber vibe that aligns well with this independent title’s atmosphere.
The artwork for "Afterlove EP" can be characterized as having a hand-drawn 2D appearance reminiscent of manga aesthetics. Despite the simplicity of some animation sequences, these elements come across as highly dynamic and contribute to an enchanting ambiance. These visual components are complemented by an exceptional musical score that beautifully enhances Rama’s individual narrative.
The 'Afterlove EP' is priced at approximately €20/$20 across platforms including PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC. It has been rated suitable for ages 12 and above.