Strolling across refuse-strewn motel parking lots and deteriorating theatres and later through corporate residences situated next to high-rise labs, the world never ceases to impress and one-up itself visually at every turn. It is some of the very best, noticeable even among the many titles doing the same. While certain plot elements and conversations may be polarizing, there’s one aspect of Backbone I don’t think can be derided in any way: its top-notch pixel art. In this way, Backbone is reminiscent of Kentucky Route 0, and that is a positive comparison in my book. More often than not though there’s enough substance and insight to keep it all mostly compelling. But at times they can turn into an immersion breaking ‘trying too hard/pretentious’ bent of arthouse pseudo-philosophical/mystical metaphysical ruminations. Many discussions are realistic, resonant and emotional. The quality of the interactions/musings on these topics isn’t profoundly engaging in every single instance.
In addition it layers in more personal existentialist anxieties that are treated equally importantly, as imparted by the scale of viewpoints from the range of characters who occupy various echelons in this version of Vancouver. It’s certainly not a pitch you hear every day, but Backbone is determined to committing to it.īackbone incorporates broad questions regarding applicable contemporary concerns such as: the morality/ethics of possibly beneficial (but highly experimental) technology, biological modifications and the side effects of their use on both society and the environment in the long-term. What Backbone ends up feeling like is a Raymond Chandler novel that, when time came to apply his signature trope, the man with the gun who came through the door was David Cronenburg. Yet I maintain it’s worth it in the end precisely because of its boldness and insistence on seeing it through. It’s a ballsy artistic choice both in terms of the internal themes/narrative, as well as big ask for the player’s suspension of disbelief. I completely understand the view that it might be too much of a stretch, and could turn many off. The scene in question hits roughly 1/3 rd into the plot, and from there fully embraces it, sprinting through and reveling in its pure left-turn oddness. I would venture that when that turn comes (and trust me you’ll know it immediately) it is the litmus test/breaking point test for most. And then in a daring display, it veers jarringly into grindhouse/horror territory. Backbone introduces all this in a straightforward manner, initially hitting the expected notes of the source material. So par for the course in his line of work and this genre, he is tasked with investigating mysterious happenings and disappearances in the city. living in the dumps and struggling to make ends meet. So just a note, it’s not strictly a traditional RPG in the above advertised sense.īackbone is instead a story set in an alternate near-future world filled with anthropomorphic animals channeling various noir chestnuts played off against your role as downtrodden detective Harold Lotar.
It’s largely linear, with only the barest illusion that choices/options might alter the storyline. A debut by developer EggNut, published by Raw Fury (who I’ve come think of as a lower key Annapurna, picking up very solid titles in the last few years.) Released June 2021, it was self-described as “a post-noir roleplaying detective adventure in which you step into the shoes of a raccoon private investigator in dystopian Vancouver.” Backbone is actually more of a laidback side-scroller/adventure game heavier on dialogue exchanges and atmospheric themes. They are the most exemplary and arguably ambitious of the bunch, serving as my final pieces of evidence that encompass the essence of the entire endeavor.įor the penultimate title, throw on a trench coat and fedora, as we head to the seedy bars and back alleys of Backbone. As I mentioned at the outset, these last two in my opinion best represent the spirit and style of games in the exploratory sphere I’m hoping to shine a light on. Now we arrive at the final section in the series. Part 5: Wondrously Weird & Borderline Bonkers
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