Eulogy for Nonno is a short narrative-driven adventure that places the player in the role of an outsider caught in a case of mistaken identity. The protagonist arrives at a funeral wake, only to be embraced by the grieving family as a missing cousin they have been expecting. From that moment on, the challenge is to learn about the deceased and to maintain the fragile illusion of belonging. The game builds its atmosphere around this blend of tension, secrecy, and discovery.
Mechanics and structure
The game adopts a point-and-click style that emphasizes simplicity. Players can move around the house, interact with furniture and objects, and engage in dialogue with relatives. Each click can reveal new information or trigger a line of conversation that helps fill in the gaps of the protagonist’s knowledge. An inventory system supports light puzzle-solving, where items uncovered in one part of the environment can be used to prompt progress in another.
Player’s main responsibilities
Throughout Eulogy for Nonno, players engage in repeated activities that structure the experience:
· Talking with relatives to gather insights about Nonno’s life
· Observing items that provide context or unlock new dialogue
· Choosing conversation responses carefully to avoid suspicion
· Using found objects to unlock hidden details or opportunities
· Revisiting characters with new knowledge to reveal additional story paths
These responsibilities emphasize patience and observation, making dialogue management as important as exploration.
Themes and narrative depth
The story gradually unfolds through both casual remarks and serious conversations. Relatives share memories of Nonno that highlight his character and the legacy he left behind. At the same time, the player’s false identity creates moments of humor and discomfort, contrasting with the solemn nature of the wake. This tension highlights themes of family, memory, and the roles people play in social gatherings. The game encourages reflection on how fragile identity can be when defined by perception rather than truth.
Replay and experience
Although the game is short, its branching dialogues and optional discoveries create value in replay. Different choices can lead to alternate responses, some of which reveal new aspects of the family or the deceased. Hidden interactions may only be noticed on a second or third playthrough, rewarding players who return to experiment with different strategies. Eulogy for Nonno uses its compact scope to deliver a layered story, where each attempt uncovers more about both the family’s grief and the protagonist’s place within the mistaken role.
