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What Comes After

SteamVR, PC (Microsoft Windows), Meta Quest 2 • 2020

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Quick resume

What Comes After is a side-scrolling adventure and a short heartwarming story about learning how to love yourself. Help Vivi in her journey on the train to the afterlife and back.

Global score

90/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Indie

Pros

  • Heartfelt and emotional story
  • Thought-provoking themes on life and death
  • Simple and charming art style
  • Soothing soundtrack
  • Accessible gameplay suitable for all players

Cons

  • Very short playtime
  • Minimal gameplay mechanics
  • Limited replayability
  • Some dialogue feels surface-level
  • Achievements had minor bugs

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players control Vivi's movement and choose to talk to various characters, but narrative choices are limited to two endings, indicating moderate player control."

  • Competence
    -3

    "Gameplay is simple walking and dialogue interaction with no skill-based challenges, focusing on narrative rather than technical mastery."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements or comparison to others; experience is personal and introspective."

  • Continuation
    1

    "Short playtime (~1-2 hours) with some replay for alternate endings and achievements, but generally a one-time experience."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience focused on individual reflection without multiplayer or teamwork."

  • Creativity
    1

    "Limited player creativity; some interaction with environment (petting animals) but mostly predefined narrative."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are empathetic and equal."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game to reflect, find comfort, and escape real-life stress through emotional narrative and themes of life and death."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for personal meaning and emotional connection rather than obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    -3

    "Gameplay is linear with limited exploration of mechanics; focus is on story rather than experimentation."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Exploration of different characters and their stories on the train offers some discovery, though environment is limited."

  • Expression
    -4

    "No character customization or player-driven expression; presentation is fixed and narrative-driven."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Game features imaginative afterlife setting with ghosts, animals, and plants personified, blending fantasy with real-life themes."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Experience is solitary and introspective, with minimal social or community interaction."

  • Growth
    5

    "Strong emphasis on personal development, self-reflection, and emotional growth through narrative."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention on reading and narrative; not designed for background or idle play."

  • Intimacy
    3

    "Emotional and intimate themes foster deep personal connection, though social interaction is limited to narrative."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; player follows a set narrative path."

  • Progression
    2

    "Progression is narrative-based with unlocking achievements and two endings, but no item or power accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Calm pacing, soothing music, and reflective tone promote relaxation and emotional catharsis."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Simple visuals and music provide gentle sensory stimulation without intense excitement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social status or recognition mechanics; experience is private and personal."

  • Story
    5

    "Core focus on narrative immersion with deep, emotional storytelling and character interactions."

  • Strategy
    -5

    "No strategic or problem-solving gameplay; linear story progression."

  • Thrill
    -4

    "No suspense or risk; experience is contemplative and emotionally steady."

  • Value
    3

    "Players perceive good value in emotional impact and meaningful story despite short length."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No violence or combat; focus on constructive, empathetic interactions."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat mechanics; stable, safe narrative environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026