Out today: Afterlove EP, the visual novel about grief and rock music from the creator of Coffee Talk

Afterlove EP is a new visual novel and heartbreak album created by Indonesian developers Pikselnesia. The story follows Rama, a musician in Jakarta, as he tries to piece his life back together and reconnect with his old bandmates after the loss of his girlfriend, Cinta. What makes the story unique is that Cinta’s presence lingers in Rama’s mind, engaging in conversations throughout the 28-day storyline.

Afterlove EP was originally conceived by Mohammad Fahmi, known for Coffee Talk and What Comes After, who tragically passed away in 2022. His colleagues at Pikselnesia have worked on completing his vision, dealing with their own grief in the process. As I review Afterlove EP, I am struck by its focus on grief and the various ways it manifests – from exploring and unpacking it to simply coexisting with it. The game, though short, offers a deep narrative experience complemented by hand-drawn art and indie rock music.

Given the emotional depth of the game, I have chosen to forego the review embargo to give it the time it deserves to resonate. If you’re interested in experiencing Afterlove EP for yourself, you can find it on Steam.