UPDATED THOUGHTS BELOW. This review is a couple years old, and some things have happened since I played this game. Please read.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

I scarcely write reviews, but I feel the need to say something about this one.

I was one of many who played the prologue a couple years ago, and I've been stoked about this game ever since. I don't usually follow games like that. Nor do I spend a lot of time on too many games anymore. But Backbone had me very much invested. I got something out of it. I'm not entirely sure what, but it was something. The whole thing is a mixed bag really.

The art style is, of course, beautiful. The tone can be really great, and atmospherically it nears perfection at certain points. Much of the dialogue is incredibly well written, and very much memorable. The music is truly incredible. Some stuff within this overall will stick with me for awhile, in a very much good way. I love the characters, too. I couldn't stop thinking about certain conversations, between Howard and Renee, or even simple characters met by Howard on the street. And I also really love Howard as a character alone. These components, at least initially, are organic and ones of beauty. There are some really great elements here. I think, however, things stretch thin very fast.

As a lot of the other reviews mention, the narrative and general tone takes a shift that is incredibly jarring. And whilst this was interwoven into the story with intention in respect to both the game itself as well as its inspirations and the genre/style in which it draws from, I can't say for sure it was jarring in the way it was intended to be. Things just felt more out of place than anything. The story was pretty good initially, it took a lot of interesting turns, but these pieces all but remained put together as the game neared its end. There is not once a clear explanation for certain plot points set at the very beginning of the story (which causes a complete detachment from the initial progression, a sensation I can only describe as "whiplash" as said by some other reviews), only for new ones to be approached almost feverishly with little composure. Ideas practically fumble into the game at some points, lacking the care and precision that was initially introduced. Things broke, and fell apart really. It seemed clear, at least to me, like things lost sight of what they wanted to be and what they were meant to be. I understand what was trying to be achieved here. I appreciate it. And I feel I got something out of that, something intended or desired from this game's completion. But this could have been accomplished with far more care, attention, and overall respect for what the game had built in its former sequence. The game shifts from progressively intriguing to progressively averting. It was not via storytelling and intention, but negligence and confusion. It feels like it ultimately fizzled out.

I don't really know how I feel about Backbone. I want to like it. And I do, in part. The exterior, and the vignette of it all is really something. But what propelled this, a carefully crafted interior, all but remained composed throughout its duration. Things become incredibly fragmented. I recommend this game in support of the developers, as I feel there is immense potential here, even within Backbone itself. And for all the things I really loved that I've hardly found anywhere else. But I would implore those interested to ask if they are willing to pay 25 dollars for four hours, the latter of which are questionable in their structural integrity and execution.

If these things are of no concern to you, then absolutely play it. There is much greatness here. But I personally felt much was lost between two years ago and right now.

I say all of this with utmost respect, no ill will towards anyone. Just how I feel about it, truly.

Thank you.

-------------------------------------------------------------------


Update 10/14/2023

This review was originally written after I had played the game during June of 2021. I haven't touched nor thought about this game since, so I am honestly unaware of the developments that have happened since then, however..

Backbone is now Tails Noir. There has been no explanation of name change whatsoever, the original Kickstarter has completely vanished, and the creator(s) of the game nuked their twitter account. I can't find a statement as to why this is anywhere.
This is at the very least a shady move on the developers' part.. In truth I feel like this was done to avoid the criticism the game has received thus far. If there is some other reason as to why the developers went to such lengths to distance themselves from the game's initial title I'd love to hear it, but it seems apparent that no one wants to talk about it.
I feel can no longer recommend this game in good faith, regardless of my initial thoughts, and the initial recommendation.

I really don't understand all of the negative reviews for this game... It has great art direction and music. It has a great story... Some other reviews were discussing how it's "not a game" or saying things like the story is bad that I just don't get. It 100% is a visual novel and has a very linear story to tell. If you take the time to talk to most NPCs and explore you'll understand the story pretty well minus the ending (don't wanna spoil). The ending itself is left ambiguous and I personally think that some of the best stories are left for you to determine and really think about. Not everything needs a happy ending or to be fully explained. Audiences have gotten real dumb... I thought the dialogue was great! They give you several different ways to answer (sassy, mean, a little more caring, etc.). Lots of different characters and animals. It was fun to point out all the different types of animals throughout my play through. Idk... overall just happy with the game and didn't understand all the negative reviews. <3

do not buy if you aren't into the story aspect of games, there is practically no game play. the joy is in the setting, story and characters.

I wish there was a neutral option. The entire time I was playing I was wondering why this game has"mixed" reviews. The art is brilliantly done. The music is well done. The dialog is well written and was actually interesting to read (sense of humor went with the noir very well). The mystery was interesting.

And then I hit the end and was like "what? That's it!?"

The ending is very unsatisfying, which really throws off all that good mystery writing. It feels like either they wrote themselves into a corner and didn't know how to give it a good ending. Or they ran out of time and money and needed to wrap it up urgently.

I enjoyed it while I was playing it, but that ending has just filled my with disappointment.

I wouldn't recommend this game to everyone, but if you're interested in great pixel art and a slow, moody visual novel style game (it feels like it should be a choices matter type game, but your choices seem to have little to no impact at all) you'll probably enjoy most of this game. Also, there's only about 4 hours of gameplay and no real reason to replay it - so consider that and the price before you pick it up.

I've noticed their are a lot of negative reviews for this game but I believe it's because people are used to being fed 18+ hours of endless gaming content rather than enjoying a genuine story-telling experience. The fact that this game provides you with evidence but doesn't hold your hand and allows you to think for yourself about what's happening is so refreshing and a plus for me. I enjoy the freedom to choose the type of character that Howard is even if it doesn't impact the story. I also enjoyed that depending on what dialogue you choose, the game will give you hints into character backgrounds, relationships, feelings, etc. It promotes a second playthrough, which I think is worth it to get a better interpretation of the story. I believe that this game becomes what you take away from it. I really enjoyed it and I hope others will give it a fair chance.

After avoiding Tails Noir (formerly known as Backbone) for years due to its mixed reception, I find the game has been unfairly judged. While I can't speak to any technical issues upon its release, my personal experience was a smooth and bug-free playthrough of the entire game.

The primary critique often leveled against Tails Noir pertains to its narrative departure from the Detective/Noir theme, evolving into something perceived as 'weird' or 'bizarre.' Interestingly, this shift is what captivated me the most. From the fourth act onward, the game exudes a palpable sense of hopelessness, reminiscent of the common tone found in Eastern European writing. It defies categorization as a romance, a Noir tale, or even a character-driven narrative. Instead, it unfolds as a tragedy, its core purpose being to illustrate how an oppressive and powerful regime can distort people's perception of reality. The concept of what lies beyond the city's walls drives individuals to commit horrific acts in pursuit of freedom. Irony abounds as the unknown beyond the wall (represented by the Artifact) proves to be even more menacing than the city's oppressive regime. The protagonist serves as a mere observer, a pair of eyes witnessing the horrors within the city, outside it, and the monstrous act people commit in their pursuit of elusive goals. The ending, far from a happy resolution, leaves no relevant loose ends, effectively concluding the observer's role and planting the seeds of revolution.

The overarching idea behind Tails Noir is commendable and even remind me a tiny bit of Stalker. However, its execution falls short. It could have become one of my favorite short stories if it had fully committed to its grimdark themes and spent less time on surface-level comedy and Twitter-like political commentary (which feels heavy-handed and out of place). It appears as if there were brilliant people in the team with great ideas, but alongside writers who just wanted to get their rocks off. Additionally, the story is entirely linear, which is fine, but I understand people who might feel misled by the presence of dialogue choices that, in reality, only serve as mere conduits for Steam achievements.

In conclusion, Tails Noir deserves a purchase and playthrough, provided one approaches it with an open mind and hold no expectations of a conventional detective story. Fans of 'Eastern European-like' narratives and horror stories akin to those of H.P. Lovecraft may find this game more appealing than the average player. However, it's essential to acknowledge its imperfections, especially where writing is concerned.

Judging by the reviews, I was kinda skeptical towards this game, thought it would have been a waste of money but luckily it didn't go in this way.

First of all, this game has an amazing attention to details, lighting, shadows, colour palette and a pixel art style very very detailed, and that's something you can't ignore from an indie game. But it is not only a gorgeous pixel graphics that deserve to be noticed but also an entire sound effect compartment and amazing soundtrack which creates a beautiful immersive atmosphere.

Surly, if you are looking for an investigative puzzle game, you're looking in the wrong place.
This is a five acts game where probably only the first act gives few puzzles interactions. The rest is more similar to a narrative adventure where you walk in to the shoes of a raccoon P.I. investigating what it looks like a case of an husband cheating on his wife, but turns out a case of something that will escalated very quickly and very drastically in a philosophical way that enlightens a dystopian and cruel society.

Game is short, but I certainly enjoyed every pixel of it.

Lifechanging game. Went back and forth about buying it, i'm pretty broke right now and saw a lot of reviews saying they liked it but thought the ending was rushed or too out of left field, decided to risk it. So glad I did. The game is immaculate, beautiful, intuitive, rich atmosphere and characters, incredible plot. The suspense kept building and the ending? That "twist" so many people didn't like? My favorite artistic choice I've ever seen in a videogame, maybe ever seen in anything. Its a game that makes you sit down with your humanity. And not for nothing, but for my fellow disabled/chronically ill folks out there? I've never played a game that dealt with that in a way that felt like. Soothing, somehow. Felt very recognized, I guess, in a way im not used to. This is the only review I've ever left on a videogame. If you see this, play it. Devs, thank you.

It really is a shame how severely underrated this game is, and I honestly can't understand why it's rated to negatively. The music, art style and characters are all great and well made. I understand the story gets very weird out of left field and ends so abruptly, but I found my self engaged with Howard's journey the entire time. Maybe people went in expecting something completely different than what was here and that's why. By no means a masterpiece of a game, It still deserving of a positive rating in my books.

7/10

A weird game. I remember playing the demo (which is the prolouge/beginning of the game) in 2019 and having the game on my wishlist ever since. I just got hooked into the premise. The art was and is fantastic, the hook to the mystery was great and the society in which the game is set in seemed interesting.

While none of this is exceptionally groundbreaking it was all pretty well delivered. And it still is, in a way. The glimpses of the world you get delivered, together with the characters and writing + the visuals are really good. Though, what the prologue didnt show is that this is basically a VN. There are no branching paths and there is a single puzzle (in the prologue). This would be fine but the story takes a really strange turn around 2/3rds in. Others have written that it all feels like the first act to a much greater story and maybe that was the intention, but this leaves this game lacking. Even for a noir style there are too many unexplained things, dropped story strings and I honestly asked myself afterwards if I just didn't get it.

All that sounds very negative, so why do I still give it a positive review? Well it is positive but only just. It's more a neutral review and that makes me sad. I think there is greatness here, especially the writing and the art but maybe the dev team wanted too much. I still hope there is more coming from this universe, be it as a sequel or DLC chapters, that explore parallel timelines or side stuff, who knows. The game clocks in around 3.5-4 hours, for a normal reading player. Maybe 6-7 if you want to hunt all the achievements. All in all you should get it and play it, but maybe not for 25€. This sounds hard, because I am sure a lot of work and passion has been put into it but the weaknesses and the short play time make it hard to justify that price point. I got it for around 22€ at launch and do not regret it. I hope the devs don't get discouraged and we'll see something else from them in the future.