Introduction

The path to grief is rarely a straight line, much like the game Afterlove EP. Created by Indonesian game studio Pikselnesia, this visual novel (part dating sim, part rhythm game, and some hefty themes of loss) hits the PlayStation 5 with all the subtlety of a sad song. Here's what it has to offer amidst the melancholic strumming of soap opera guitar solos.

Gameplay

You play Rama, a wannabe rock star who faces an ultimatum: write an extended play album for his band in just twenty-eight days or face life without music (and friends—because we all know how tight-knit those bands can be). Set against the vibrant backdrop of Jakarta, you’ll navigate a world where two actions each day (morning and evening) could mean the difference between rocking out hard or drowning your sorrows in a blender of existential dread. Rama interacts with diverse characters and can even attend therapy. I can already hear your internal monologue: ‘Isn’t this just like my daily life?’ If you want to spice it up with randomness, brace yourself for the mind-bending, ghostly vocals of his late girlfriend Cinta, who chimes in at the most inopportune moments—like every good ex does. In a joyful twist, the rhythm sections involve tapping buttons in time with visuals coming from the left and right... but the catch? Your ability to serenade your way through these doesn’t impact your character interactions. So, if you just mashed buttons in fear of failing, don’t panic; you’re probably still going to have dinner with your crush, even if you failed to impress the girl with your tapping skills. Nobody likes a game overload. Navigating the game feels akin to being caught between a rom-com and a therapy session with its unique blend of humor and earnest life lessons—perfect for darkly comic moments that remind you that life is a series of thoughtful dialogues punctuated by on-screen emotions—a bit like watching your friend try to flirt while accidentally quoting their therapist.

Graphics

Visually, Afterlove EP stands out with a hand-drawn art style that lands between ‘I can actually see this on Instagram’ and ‘this is probably a therapy doodle’. The colors pop in a soft, muted way—imagine a hipster cafe aesthetic that somehow feels both vibrant and nostalgic, while also making you a million times more aware of your own artistic abilities—or lack thereof. The visuals perfectly accompany the game’s heartwarming, gut-punch storytelling, effortlessly sweeping players into a world riddled with relatable quirkiness. The rhythmic minigames offer simplistic graphics that exist primarily for function and fun rather than flaunt. They might not win any awards, but they serve their purpose: forcing you to think of your stunning coordination while grappling with the intricate emotional tapestry of the visuals surrounding them. It’s like trying to walk a tightrope while sipping a cherry soda—you know it’ll end badly, but isn’t it just breathtakingly beautiful?

Conclusion

Afterlove EP is a mixed bag of laughter and tears, catering to those who enjoy a blend of narrative depth and rhythmic challenges. While the rhythm sections don't profoundly affect the storyline (thankfully!) and you'll definitely misstep more often than you'd like on your musical journey, the real treasure lies in its emotional beats and relatable narratives. Overall, Afterlove EP serves as a fantastical journey that turns heartache into stirrings of creativity while echoing familiar themes of growth, grief, and love. It's like the ultimate mixtape of your own deep thoughts set to delightful visuals. A solid 7/10—because while it hits a few wrong notes, it’s still got a great tune. So grab those tissues and get ready to wade through a story that balances at the edge of ‘I’m definitely crying’ and ‘Okay, who ordered pizza?’. Now, where's my guitar?

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