[Review] Afterlove EP | Nintendo Switch

Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores, but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, all whilst including some lengthy gameplay, to give you, the reader, the chance to form your own impressions and views while reading and watching.

In this explanatory review, we’re covering Afterlove EP by developer, Pikselnesia:

Afterlove EP (Nintendo Switch)

First revealed as part of an Indie World Showcase, Afterlove EP, a music-centric narrative game, was announced as an upcoming title born from the creative mind that gave us Coffee Talk, but in the few short months that came after, tragedy would strike. Mohammad Fahmi Hasni, the Creative Director who founded Pikselnesia, sadly passed away in March 2022, and the development of Afterlove EP came to a sudden halt.

The development team that was hand-picked to purposefully work on Afterlove EP ceased all work on the game for three months before coming together to fabricate one of the best pieces of story-telling I have played this decade. So, let’s get right into it.

Set in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, Afterlove EP is the story of Rama, an aspiring musician, and one-third of the band, Sigmund Feud. As a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Rama had it all. He had a compassionate girlfriend in the form of Cinta, a fantastic friendship with both of his bandmates and a decent following and then, he had nothing. Mirroring the events of real life, with Mohammad Fahmi Hasni suffering from Asthma, Afterlove EP begins with Cinta having the same health issues. While she goes home, leaving Rami and his bandmates to celebrate another successful gig, the worst would happen.

Thanks to one drink too many, Rami would miss all of Cinta’s calls and messages and tragically, he would miss out on her final moments on earth. Racked with guilt and losing the love of his life, Rami’s life soon spirals, and everything that ever mattered to him, is lost to him. Fast forward to a year later, Rama’s life has not improved as he is still a recluse and the only bit of company he has, is the voice of Cinta plaguing his mind. Is the voice real and her ghost remains with him? Or is it simply the imaginings of a mad man, desperately clinging to the memory of a loved one?

This is a question that won’t get answered any time soon and is left to the choice of the player, but after one year of mopping, life must go on, whether Rama likes it or not. While love and loss are major themes that help to drive Afterlove EP’s multi-choice narrative, this game is as much about the past as it is about the future and moving on. So, for those reasons, players must take control of Rama and have him meet up with Adit so that his life can go on, starting with getting Sigmund Feud back together and navigating one month of preparation as the band has a gig lined up for the end of the month, but anything can happen in the meantime.

For a straightforward linear path, gameplay can easily consist of players navigating this version of Jakarta and trying to strengthen Rama’s relationship with his friends. But, as a game with multiple choice, Rama can form friendships elsewhere. In the form of Mira, Satria, and Regina, Rama can go from being a listening ear to being a full-time friend and love interest, should the player choose to make Rama pursue a relationship with their preferred NPC.

Players can make Rama busk in the street, perform songs, or attend therapy sessions, which prompts some of the best lines of dialogue Afterlove EP has to offer, as they are full of insightful comments and rewarding guidance. But, ultimately, it is down to the player to choose how Rama will spend his time. Just keep in mind that the decisions you make will dictate which ending you will receive.

In terms of gameplay, other than a lot of reading, each day allows Rama to conduct two interactions, which can be a date with another character, a band session, a therapy session, busking in the street, or coming across an event that triggers a touching memory of Rama’s relationship with Cintra. Players can take control of Rama and have him explore Jakarta and complete achievements, whereas the other main gameplay mechanic comes in the form of rhythm-based mini-games in the style of Guitar Hero, where Rama is performing and players must press the correct directional button when prompted to do so.

Other times, when Rama is singing, or performing at Coffee Chat café, players can choose their preferred song lyric to complete Rama’s songs. But for the players who wish to experience Afterlove EP and not have to deal with the button-mashing song sessions, you can change this in the game’s settings so it will do it for you, but it will restrict you from getting certain achievements.

Interestingly enough, all songs performed in Afterlove EP, are performed by L’alphalpha, an indie band based in Indonesia. Having worked with them before, Pikselnesia paired up with them once again, and in Afterlove EP, L’alphalpha gets a mention in the game’s story and has an album available in the game’s record shop.

Of course, L’alphalpha, like the developers that make up Pikselnesia’s dev team, isn’t the only piece of Indonesian talent, as a renowned manga artist, Soyatu is one hand and was responsible for creating the game’s art and character designs. Sure, it looks a little like something made with Microsoft Paint, but, given the impact of heavy themes in contrast to the simplistic designs and bold colors of Soyatu’s, it all perfectly complement one another and the bow that wraps this gift up, is Cinta’s voice.

While Rama is the only one who can hear her voice in his head in the game, leading to many awkward conversations and arguments between Rama and other characters, players can hear Cinta as well, thanks to spoken voice lines. Her upbeat nature and sweetness in her voice greatly showcase the many reasons why Rama fell for her the way that he did and it is interesting to see the stance she takes when Rama is pursuing other love interests and undertaking therapy. One minute she is supportive of everything Rama does and the next, she’s simply the voice of reason, even when it drives a wedge between Rama and others.

Afterlove EP is easily the greatest piece of poetry of the 21st century. It is both a love letter and a swan song for a creative mind that was struck down in his prime. It’s certainly not a game for those who prefer to shy away from emotions, but it is a work of art. From its pacing to its dialogue to its world-building and characters, Afterlove EP is a thought-provoking masterpiece, that perfectly captures the grieving process and how each choice can lead to a new opportunity, should you be brave enough to take the leap. To every member of the development team, we thank you for this experience and the journey it took us on.

May you rest in peace, Mohammad Fahmi Hasni. You have departed this world, but your words, your creations, and your legacy, live on.

Game Specifications:

Developer: Pikselnesia
Publisher: Fellow Traveller
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category: Adventure, Music
No. of Players: 1 (Single System)
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Price: $12.99
File Size: 3.9 GB
Nintendo.com Listing