Progetto Ustica

Progetto Ustica: A Journey Through Memory

Progetto Ustica is a poignant exploratory game on PC that confronts players with the tragic history surrounding the shooting down of the ITAVIA DC9 over the Tyrrhenian Sea on June 27, 1980. This short experience invites players to engage with one of Italy's most painful events, shedding light on the complexities that unfolded during that ill-fated flight.

Capturing Historical Events in Gameplay

In this game, players find themselves in the cabin of the DC9 just after takeoff, taking on the role of a passenger trapped in a moment of history. The first-person viewpoint enhances the authenticity, as players interact with various objects and fellow characters. This interaction fosters a sense of presence, allowing exploration of not just the aircraft but the layered narrative hinting at the events leading up to the crash.

Expanding Perspectives Through Multiple Angles

Progetto Ustica enriches its narrative by offering players new perspectives through which they can comprehend the unfolding events. As players progress, they unlock unique viewpoints, including perspectives from military aircraft and a lone fisherman observing the sky. These varied lenses encourage reflection on the multifaceted nature of historical events and their interpretations.

Audio Transcripts Bring History to Life

The game goes beyond visual storytelling. Audio transcripts enhance the experience, offering players a raw glimpse into real-time communications between the DC9 and control towers, as well as exchanges among military aircraft. This auditory layer provides context, grounding players in the historical moment while presenting them with the tension and chaos of that night.

An Educational Experience Layers Contextual Information

While Progetto Ustica isn’t designed as a strictly investigative title, it weaves in contextual information that sheds light on military activities in the Tyrrhenian Sea at the time. Players delve into hints about subsequent investigations, cover-ups, and repercussions stemming from the tragedy. This informational tapestry serves as a call to remember, inviting players to explore further, even beyond the game itself.

A Collaboration for Remembering

Developed with the support of real-life advocates like Daria Bonfietti and Andrea Benetti from the Associazione parenti delle vittime della strage di Ustica, the project aims to keep the memory of the event alive. Conversations with cultural figures like Carlo Lucarelli further lend credibility to the experience, ensuring the narrative does justice to the lost lives and ongoing aftermath of the incident.

Memory and Reflection Over Accuracy

It’s essential to note that Progetto Ustica doesn’t claim to be a scientifically accurate retelling. Instead, it is designed for reflection and memory. Some details are grounded in truth, while others remain plausible interpretations of a complex saga. The game encourages players to research further and cultivate understanding from the layers of history that it presents.