Eulogy for Nonno is a compact point-and-click adventure that explores themes of identity, memory, and social misunderstanding. The player attends a funeral for Nonno, a man they do not actually know, and is mistakenly identified by the family as a cousin who has been absent for years. This situation creates a tense but intriguing backdrop, where the protagonist must balance curiosity with caution while trying to maintain the illusion of belonging.

Gameplay and structure

The mechanics are simple and intuitive, focusing on exploration and dialogue. With basic point-and-click controls, the player inspects objects, interacts with characters, and uncovers fragments of the story. Every room in the house contains details that expand the narrative, from personal belongings to overheard remarks. Conversations act as both progression tools and potential traps, as one careless answer might reveal the truth. The brevity of the experience heightens its intensity, making each choice meaningful.

Main activities for the player

While moving through the wake, the player engages in recurring tasks that form the core of the experience:

•         Talking to family members to collect pieces of Nonno’s story
•         Inspecting items that unlock new dialogue opportunities
•         Choosing responses that sustain the mistaken identity
•         Using objects or information to open hidden interactions
•         Exploring different dialogue branches to test outcomes

Together, these tasks create a cycle of observation, decision-making, and subtle deception.

Storytelling and tone

The narrative unfolds in a mix of humor and sincerity. At times, the absurdity of pretending to be the wrong person produces awkward, lighthearted moments. At other times, the funeral setting reminds the player of the seriousness of grief and memory. Each family member provides a different perspective on who Nonno was, painting a layered picture of his life. The player is positioned as both an outsider and an insider, caught between discovery and concealment.

Replay and significance

Eulogy for Nonno is designed to be replayed, with branching dialogues and hidden paths encouraging multiple runs. Some lines of conversation or details are easy to miss the first time, making curiosity essential. Because the game is short, replaying feels rewarding rather than repetitive, offering new angles on the same story. Ultimately, the game uses its mistaken identity premise to reflect on how people remember the past and how fragile social roles can be when trust is based on assumption.