Backwater Eulogy
- August 26, 2024
- Wurm Fud
Get on Steam"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.
Reviews
- A beautifully written and immersive experience that effectively captures the complexities of grief and loss.
- The stunning pixel art and haunting music enhance the emotional depth of the narrative, creating a heartfelt atmosphere.
- The game offers a personal and relatable exploration of memories and relationships, resonating deeply with players who have experienced similar feelings.
- The game is a purely linear experience with no meaningful choices, which may disappoint players looking for interactivity.
- It is very short, taking less than 15 minutes to complete, which might leave some players wanting more content.
- There are no achievements or Steam cards, which could detract from the overall gaming experience for some users.
- emotional8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its heartfelt storytelling and stunning visuals, which effectively convey themes of grief and loss. Players describe the experience as touching and immersive, often prompting personal reflections on their own experiences with loss, making it a powerful and emotional journey. The combination of beautiful writing and expressive art resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impact on players.
“A very touching short visual novel about grief.”
“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.”
- story7 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- -14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The story is a beautifully crafted visual novel that explores themes of loss, grief, and acceptance through poetic writing and relatable experiences. Its emotional depth is enhanced by stunning pixel art and music, creating an immersive atmosphere that resonates with players who have faced complicated relationships with loved ones. Overall, it is praised for its earnest storytelling and thought-provoking narrative.
“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.”
“The story is so well-written at times it feels like poetry, but it often gets lost in its own complexity and fails to deliver a satisfying conclusion.”
“While the themes of loss and personal struggle are compelling, the narrative often feels disjointed and lacks the depth needed to fully engage the player.”
- music7 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its seamless integration with the narration, enhancing the emotional depth of the story. Reviewers highlight the beautiful and resonant soundtrack, which complements the visuals and writing, effectively conveying themes of loss and memory. Overall, the music is described as a significant contributor to the game's heartfelt experience.
“The narration and music blend in perfectly.”
“A heartfelt and expressive read whose visuals and soundtrack fulfill the intention of illustrating the all-too-common feelings of loss and our memories of the past.”
“A short visual novel that features beautiful art, resonant music, and sincere writing.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are highly praised for their detailed visuals and beautiful animated artwork, effectively conveying themes of loss and nostalgia. The combination of expressive visuals and a poignant soundtrack enhances the emotional depth of the experience, leaving a lasting impact on players.
“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.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
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.”
“I love how intuitive the gameplay is; it allows for quick mastery of the mechanics.”
“The game features straightforward mechanics that anyone can pick up and enjoy.”
