Backwater Eulogy

About

Backwater Eulogy is a single player action game. It was developed by Wurm Fud and was released on August 26, 2024. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

"Backwater Eulogy" is a kinetic visual novel that explores loss and grief through a linear, autobiographical narrative set in the rural Midwest. The game features over 100 hand-pixeled scenery panels, hand-animated elements, and a run time of 10-15 minutes. It contains mentions of animal death and is intended to be experienced in one sitting.

Genres & Tags

Indie

Play Modes

Single-Player

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100%

Audience ScoreBased on 56 reviews

emotional16 positive mentions

The game features beautiful pixel art and a hauntingly resonant soundtrack that enhances the emotional storytelling.
It offers a heartfelt exploration of grief and complex relationships, making it relatable for anyone who has experienced loss.
The narrative is well-written and immersive, effectively capturing the essence of personal memories and the healing process.

The experience is very short, with some players noting it can be completed in under 10 minutes.
It is a linear story with limited interactivity, which may disappoint those looking for more gameplay choices.
There are no achievements or Steam cards, which some players might find lacking in terms of engagement.

emotional
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its heartfelt storytelling, stunning visuals, and evocative soundtrack, which together create a deeply immersive experience centered on themes of grief and loss. Many players found the writing to be personal and touching, prompting reflections on their own experiences with sorrow, often leading to tears. Overall, it is described as a poignant and expressive journey that resonates with the universal feelings of remembrance and emotional connection.
- “A heartfelt and expressive read whose visuals and soundtrack populate well its fulfilled intention of illustrating the all-too-common feelings of loss and our memories of the past.”
- “The writing is very beautiful--it made me think about my own grief and loss again, which was touching and emotional.”
- “A very touching short visual novel about grief.”
music
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
71%
29%
The music in the visual novel is widely praised for its emotional resonance and seamless integration with the narration, enhancing the themes of loss and memory. Reviewers highlight the beautiful soundtrack as a key element that complements the heartfelt storytelling and stunning visuals, creating a deeply immersive experience. Overall, the combination of music, art, and writing is noted as exceptional, contributing significantly to the game's impact.
- “A short visual novel that features beautiful art, resonant music, and sincere writing.”
- “Great short story in visual novel form, speaking on death and acceptance, with some lovely pixel art and music to guide you through.”
- “The narration and music blend in perfectly.”
story
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
71%
15%
14%
The story in this visual novel is a poignant exploration of grief, loss, and acceptance, resonating deeply with those who have experienced complicated relationships with loved ones. Its beautifully crafted narrative, often poetic in nature, is complemented by stunning pixel art and music, creating an immersive and emotional experience. Overall, it is a relatable and thought-provoking tale that effectively captures the nuances of personal sorrow and connection.
- “The stunning art and emotional story create an immersive experience.”
- “A beautiful short story, filled with moments of 'who knew your grief could look so much like mine?'.”
- “This visual novel's story hits home all too well and is very relatable if you had a complicated relationship with a loved one and they passed on.”
- “Then again, the more I read, the more I realize that an 'I' is speaking to a 'you', that the story is so well-written at times it feels like poetry and that the protagonist is trying to deal with loss, sadness, disease, memories, and personal gentleness and cruelness.”
graphics
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The graphics are praised for their detailed visuals and beautiful animated artwork, effectively conveying themes of loss and nostalgia. The combination of stunning visuals and a poignant soundtrack enhances the emotional depth of the experience, leaving a lasting impact on players. Overall, the graphics are described as humbling and thoughtful, perfectly complementing the narrative.
- “A heartfelt and expressive read whose visuals and soundtrack effectively illustrate the all-too-common feelings of loss and our memories of the past.”
- “Done extremely well with detailed visuals and beautiful music, capturing both the past and the present.”
- “Humbling and thoughtful, every line paired with beautiful animated artwork leaves you with a tear-tinted reverence.”
gameplay
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
The gameplay is characterized by easy-to-learn mechanics, making it accessible for players of all skill levels.
- “The mechanics are easy to learn, making it accessible for new players.”
- “The gameplay features easy-to-learn mechanics that enhance the overall experience.”
- “I love how the game has easy-to-learn mechanics that allow for quick mastery.”