Afterlove EP Review: A Timeless Swan Song
February 2025 marks ten years since I lost my father to cancer—something I’ve carried with me every day. I’ve known for a while that this month would feel particularly heavy, but one thing that helped keep my mind in check was knowing Afterlove EP was coincidentally launching just 13 days before the anniversary.
Fahmi always had a way of delivering a compelling narrative exactly when I needed it most. Coffee Talk provided a deep sense of connection and community when we were all in isolation. What Comes After helped me better understand my darkest moments and appreciate the preciousness of life. And now, Afterlove EP offers a lesson in integrating grief into daily life without letting it consume everything and everyone around us; something I’ve struggled with since February 27, 2015.
As the credits rolled on Afterlove EP, I was struck by a bittersweet realization: this would be the last time I'd experience a new story from Fahmi.
Afterlove EP follows Rama, an aspiring musician grappling with the sudden loss of his girlfriend, Cinta. One year after her death, Rama begins to emerge from his grief, preparing to take his first steps back into the world. The story unfolds over the course of a month, where Rama must face the consequences of ghosting his bandmates while picking up where he left off a year ago.
This is a review of a video game, and I could easily write a novel about how wonderfully realized Indonesia is, the beautifully fleshed-out characters you develop relationships with throughout the narrative, and dive into some of the pivotal moments of Rama’s journey. But I’d prefer to take a different approach. I want to focus on how Afterlove EP addresses the loss of a loved one and the immense challenge of attempting to live a normal life afterwards.
The highest compliment I can give Afterlove EP is how grounded it feels. Fahmi and Sasha Ariana, Pikselnesia’s narrative director who took on the lead role in the game’s development after Fahmi’s death, understand that even when someone is physically gone, they are never truly lost. The narrative could have easily taken a more spiritual turn, akin to What Comes After, and honestly, I was prepared for a supernatural twist for most of the game. But instead, Afterlove EP impressively restrains itself, keeping Rama’s experience firmly rooted in reality. It shows respect for the trauma of loss and the effects grief has on a person’s mental and emotional state, as well as on their loved ones.
While the game leans into the heaviness of grief and loss, Fahmi often crafts his narratives with a hopeful undertone. I was delighted to see Ariana and Pikselnesia not only continue these motifs of hope but also provide players with multiple paths to choose from when deciding how to move forward after loss. What makes humans remarkable is how unique we are. We all process trauma differently and find our own ways to emerge from it. The multiple routes and endings in Afterlove EP reflect this notion. Are you ready to explore a new relationship, or would you prefer to walk your own path for now? What are the benefits and consequences of each choice? As a game, it offers replayability, but as a study of human experience, it provides an interesting glimpse into the different ways people might navigate similar situations.
Speaking of branching paths, it's a good time to discuss the gameplay in Afterlove EP. Rama and the band have one full month to prepare for their first gig since Cinta’s death. Each day is an opportunity to rebuild relationships with Rama’s bandmates, rekindle forgotten memories with Cinta, and form new bonds with friends or potential partners. The balance between paths is so well-executed that I never felt like I was missing out on anything. The game gives you a proper warning before locking in a potential romantic relationship, so you can explore all options before making a decision, getting a full sense of who the characters are without fear of closing off any possible paths. The gig at the end of the month is a definitive plot event that happens regardless of your choices, but how you get there is up to you. It gives the player agency, making Afterlove EP feel personal.
Despite the branching paths, there is one major narrative decision I greatly commend the team for. As mentioned earlier, Fahmi, Ariana, and Pikselnesia understand the lasting impact loss can have on someone. We’ve all heard the phrase “time heals all wounds,” but the fact of the matter is that time only makes the wound a bit more bearable. There are days when the weight of loss feels heavier than usual, almost paralyzing. Moments when I’m still processing everything I've gone through or realizing how much regret I hold for one hell of a rough patch. Unfortunately, there's no perfect ending where we can fully move on. Without giving away spoilers, Afterlove EP doesn’t just respect that reality—it tells the players that it’s okay to not be okay.
Breakdown
Game: Afterlove EP
Developer: Pikselnesia
Publisher: Fellow Traveller
Availability: PC
Game Length: 8 hours for a single playthrough, though there are multiple routes and endings
Accessibility Options:
Rhythm game difficulty options
Auto play rhythm sections
The ability to skip rhythm sections altogether
Various text speed options
The ability to autoplay and fast forward through text
Reviewed on PC via Steam Deck
Final Thoughts
Afterlove EP is a beautiful swan song for Fahmi’s legacy as one of our generation's greatest storytellers. Taken at face value, it’s a compelling narrative adventure with interesting characters, unforgettable moments, a gorgeous aesthetic, and sensational music. But like his previous works, it transcends the video game medium. It serves as a therapeutic tool for anyone struggling with loss. With its release coinciding with a significant anniversary in my life, I’m incredibly grateful to Fahmi for one final story. Though he may be physically gone, like Cinta, Afterlove EP is just one of many examples of how his impact remains everlasting.