Mini Review: Afterlove EP – Musical Odyssey Emerging from Development Tragedy Is Worth the Trip

Despite the heartbreaking circumstances that surrounded the creation of the Afterlove EP, developer Pikselnesia chose to press on and deliver a profoundly moving and timely experience that is definitely worth your attention.

In this rephrased version, you portray Rama, a musician who’s been away for a year, grappling with the unexpected and heartbreaking demise of his partner. Upon your return, you find yourself in the challenging position of reconciling with your friends, reviving the band, and prioritizing your emotional well-being. The narrative is compelling, tackling weighty topics sensitively, albeit with moments where the finesse and subtleties may not be as consistent.

The movement across the game world resembles that seen in Persona, but without any battles. You’ll find your friends at specific locations and times, and it won’t be possible to complete everything in a single day. A sprint button and efficient fast travel system make navigating Afterlove EP effortless.

In simpler terms, the game’s rhythm mechanics could use some improvement. Although the visual representation of the notes and how to play them is clear, the areas where you should hit the notes (hitboxes) are inconsistent. Some notes register before they should, others after, sustains can suddenly stop during a note without explanation, making it quite confusing. Fortunately, the interactive musical sequences don’t appear too frequently to significantly impact the gameplay.

The game’s background music is fantastic and reminiscent of Akira Yamaoka’s style, enhancing the atmosphere beautifully. However, the Sigmund Feud band, with a captivating name, also produces quality music. Their sound, a blend of shoegaze, emo, and post-rock, makes for enjoyable listening, even if not always suitable for playing.

This game carries powerful, impactful themes revolving around loss and mental wellness. With its superb soundtrack and intuitive exploration features, it’s hard not to endorse the Afterlove EP, even with its occasional imperfections.

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2025-02-15 22:06