Backbone is a post-noir narrative adventure. Become raccoon private eye Howard Lotor and explore dystopian Vancouver inhabited by animals as you uncover a deeply personal story of change and transformation.
RPG Gamers summaryBackbone is a post-noir narrative adventure game that puts players in the role of Howard Lotor, a raccoon private eye, as he uncovers a deeply personal story of change and transformation in a dystopian Vancouver inhabited by animals. The game is inspired by film noir, weird sci-fi, post-soviet aesthetics, modern political regimes, and the works of Lynch and Kaufman, offering a subversion of genre and a challenge to the player’s perception of what it means to be a person. With its emphasis on storytelling and emotional expression through rich and elaborate dialogues inspired by old school CRPGs, as well as exploration of lush environments, Backbone provides a linear, cinematic narrative experience that allows players to shape and express their identity through dialogue choices. While Vancouver in Backbone is a bleak and dreary place, the combination of high-resolution pixel art and 3D effects like dynamic lighting, pouring rain, volumetric fog and neon lights create a stunning visual experience that brings the sprawling city to life. The original doom jazz soundtrack by Danshin and Arooj Aftab adds an evocative and unforgettable dimension that creates a cinematic and atmospheric soundscape that enhances storytelling.
