Backbone. Or "Tails Noir" as it has been renamed.

It's a game that I did not expect anything from. I launched it and let it prove itself.
...and what a beautiful performance it turned out to be.

First of all the pixel art style is incredible. It's used competently and everywhere in the game, there is attention to detail. The colors, shadows, clothing, palettes...etc. Everything looks stunning in the pixelated style used. It's one of the many things that add to the beauty of the game.

The soundtrack is truly unique. It's not trying to fill blank parts with mindless background music or use sound effects where they are not needed. Every single sound you hear seems to serve one purpose; to make the world you're in come alive. It's captivating, refreshing and immersive.

When it comes to gameplay, it's simplicity. Nothing mindblowing, nothing mindnumbing. It's exactly where it needs to be at, for the game to tell the story it's trying to tell. You move left and right, you interact with objects and you read the text bubbles from interactions. In conversations with characters, you read it and click whichever response you feel is in line with the values of your character.

The plot itself is engaging and makes you feel like you're right in the middle of it. It twists where you don't expect it to as well as being wholesome and entertaining at other times. You are made to feel that what you choose to say has an impact and carries weight.

All in all, Backbone (or "Tails Noir") was not the game I thought it would be. However it's the game I am glad I played and would regret to never have experienced. It takes about 3 to 4 hours if you take it all in and is well worth your time. Make some coffee, kick back, relax and enjoy the story.