this is one of the first games i've finished after moving into a new home. the past few months i've dealt with eviction, finding a new home with a love of mine, and, finally, settling into what (thankfully) is a beautiful new space. my little home of three lovely friends happily split into two groups after years of learning so much about our needs, desires, and ways of being in this wild world. now we're off to figure out what's next! i couldn't be starting off with a game more perfectly suited!

"Real love doesn't necessarily come from stability. It's not limited to any one place, person, or lifestyle. It just comes from caring for others, and putting effort into making their lives better."

'ale & aftercare' is an 18+ kinetic fantasy slice-of-life visual novel about running an inn with your long term partner. your inn is gentle respite, a place off the road for adventurers to catch their breath. as the game states, some just want security, solidity, and belonging. your inn is here to help meet those needs by offering food, shelter, warmth, a listening ear, and, sometimes, and only if mutually desired, sexual comfort.

relationships (of all kinds) are where 'ale & aftercare' truly shines. for one, the main character's relationship with their long term partner is fantastic - there's so much sass, complete freedom, and they're a true home to one another in their shared trust and love. their partner is also nonbinary and asexual, and they're both in full, loving (and sometimes teasing) support of however they choose to connect with others.

the player is treated just the same! explicit content may be skipped, if you'd like. and, if not, you'll find some incredibly well done scenes. i can't really speak to how hot all of them are as i'm not sexually attracted to men, but hey. i still loved the emphasis on consent and what it means to truly tune in to someone else.

the lead also captures some of the most beautiful aspects of domming, imo: that consistent reminder to your partner that yes, right now they can surrender their heaviest worries to you, even if just for the moment, and yes, they do deserve to feel this good. i love how the main character applies this philosophy to their barkeeping. i am definitely similar when working customer service, anyway. there's so much magic in just creating a comfy space for others to be and feel loved, pockets of joy in unexpected places, flowers found blooming from the pavement. it makes me miss being more connected with my local community - hopefully i can get back to that in the future.

the awkward bumps in connection are included, of course... trying to swallow the weight of pride or fear to express a need or boundary, seeking to feel together without shutting down or giving in to reactiveness. not easy feats, but when approached with care, they're things that don't have to be done alone.

i also found this comfortable to play with a migraine, aside from two quick flashes of white light at the end and a brief scene where the camera shakes. it wouldn't induce a migraine attack for me, but wasn't super comfy when in an attack. just a heads up.

'ale & aftercare' is suuuch a warm exploration of polyamory (and relationship anarchy). the fantasy elements are a bit of a backdrop, so i recommend this as a nice slice of life story with a focus on characters, intimacy, learning to trust yourself and others, and finding connection on your own terms. there was kne twist that wasn't my favourite... but at a time in my life where i find myself with fewer people around than usual - although the ones with me are incredible - what cozy inspiration for how love will always find you, one way or another.

"You never really 'give yourself' to anyone. You're not a limited resource. You're not anyone's to have. You just... share yourself. With whoever you think deserves it."