Tails Noir

 PC
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Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 48 Ratings

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  • Summary: Backbone is a post-noir roleplaying detective adventure. Become raccoon private eye Howard Lotor as you interrogate a diverse cast of characters, collect evidence, and explore dystopian Vancouver, BC inhabited by animals.

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22 Minutes of Backbone Gameplay

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Screen Rant
    Jun 7, 2021
    100
    Howard's journey ends far, far away from where it began and each step continuously develops the emotional investment for everyone in this world. While there are minor mechanical issues such as the "interact" input not always being immediately responsive, each element of Backbone is polished and expertly crafted. Backbone is a must-play GOTY contender that deserves every bit of mainstream recognition it receives, and exceeds the usual reach of its genre, making for a compelling experience that even those with little interest in point-and-click adventures will find difficult to put down.
  2. GameCritics
    Sep 14, 2021
    85
    Backbone’s narrative and character work are thrilling, complex, and thought-provoking, and the writing deserves all the praise it can get. That said, there is some feeling of the pacing being slightly off, since the final acts feel like they follow too quickly after the introductory ones. Whether it’s due to a lack of time or inspiration, the story could’ve done with at least two more chapters of narrative substance during the middle stretch. Any other issues I might raise with Backbone are mostly trivial. With its inspired script that accentuates themes of dystopia and desperation, this detective story delivers one of the most inspiring narrative-driven titles I’ve played in some time.
  3. Gfinity
    Jun 14, 2021
    80
    Backbone is a simple game to play, meaning that the dialogue and theme development had to carry the experience. While the narrative rushes to an uneasy finish, the story gives you a lot of meat to sink your teeth into.
  4. Checkpoint Gaming
    Jun 13, 2021
    70
    Backbone is full of potential for greatness and makes a terrific first impression. With its compelling lead and supporting cast, and a fascinating setting full of tantalising lore and mysteries to solve, I spent most of my experience excited to find out where it was all leading. Unfortunately, much of the detective gameplay and plot start to come apart by the end, leading to an oddly inconclusive and unsatisfying conclusion.
  5. Edge Magazine
    Jul 17, 2021
    70
    This is a fine debut. Backbone uses its seductive looks to enrich a conceptually thoughtful and carefully plotted-out world, and delivers real surprises within a genre that is all about adhering to time-honoured conventions. [Issue#361, p.116]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. 4P.de
    Aug 6, 2021
    65
    Quotation forthcoming.
  7. GameSpew
    Jun 8, 2021
    60
    Is Backbone worth a look? Yes, particularly if the idea of playing as an anthropomorphic animal appeals to you. There are times when it’ll have you on tenterhooks and there are several characters that are strong enough to stand out. It’s admirable that this was achieved on a small budget, but ultimately the developers have tried to cram too much in for Backbone to be truly successful.

See all 34 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 24
  3. Negative: 4 out of 24
  1. whack-bat
    Jun 9, 2021
    10
    Backbone won't be for everyone, but it's a genuinely incredible ride that I'm glad I went on. The art is beautiful, and it's the kind of storyBackbone won't be for everyone, but it's a genuinely incredible ride that I'm glad I went on. The art is beautiful, and it's the kind of story that sticks with you after you finish playing it. I really loved this game.… Expand
  2. Dwoki
    Mar 10, 2022
    9
    Starts off as a regular detective story with an engaging plot and characters before going completely insane in a way that I never could haveStarts off as a regular detective story with an engaging plot and characters before going completely insane in a way that I never could have imagined and did enjoy. The game ended where the specific story being told ended, but it felt like a prequel to a long running tv show that doesn't exist because the world building is so good. I'm glad there is a sequel on the way since certain plot threads get no resolution, though there are hints as to what those resolutions could be.… Expand
  4. Dimasborzn
    Nov 1, 2021
    9
    My personal rating of this game is 9.5 out of 10. For many reasons I was satisfied, namely the dialogues, the story, the characters,My personal rating of this game is 9.5 out of 10. For many reasons I was satisfied, namely the dialogues, the story, the characters, unexpected plot twists, and of course the amazing soundtrack, which has now stuck in my playlist for a long time. The gameplay does not cause any special sensations, but the emphasis was far from it. Well, after completing the game, the game leaves you with certain thoughts that will sit in your head for a long time.… Expand
  5. dredgman
    Jun 25, 2021
    7
    Delightful, even if the subject matter isn't, Backbone builds an intriguing, rich world in its brief runtime. A missing person case leads to aDelightful, even if the subject matter isn't, Backbone builds an intriguing, rich world in its brief runtime. A missing person case leads to a grander conspiracy, exploring themes of corruption, castes, and class struggle with truly unexpected turns. The dialogue is generally intriguing, though the gameplay elements are uneven at times, with investigation largely giving way to more of an interactive novel in the later acts. Nevertheless, Backbone's world is one I'd love to get back to and continue to explore.… Expand
  6. p1menta
    May 5, 2022
    6
    another game full of potential that fell a little short. It's worth an afternoon on gamepass, yeah, but it's ending is a bit frustrating for me
  7. zelki
    Jul 3, 2021
    5
    If you played and liked the prologue, do not buy the full game. There is no point. The game only gets worse, the ending makes no sense, and itIf you played and liked the prologue, do not buy the full game. There is no point. The game only gets worse, the ending makes no sense, and it does not change no matter what dialogue options you went with. Everything seems rushed. The only good things in this game are the prologue, the graphics and music. I was so hopeful and hyped after the prologue. This game had so much potential. This is just sad.… Expand
  8. depade4895
    Sep 13, 2021
    3
    Looks pretty good but plays worse than the worst point-and-click you've ever played, and the writing is so mediocre that it would have beenLooks pretty good but plays worse than the worst point-and-click you've ever played, and the writing is so mediocre that it would have been better if it were outright bad.… Expand

See all 24 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

90
#90 Most Discussed PC Game of 2021

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