Tails: The Backbone Preludes (Computer)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Release Date (NA): February 2, 2023
- Release Date (EU): February 2, 2023
- Publisher: Raw Fury
- Developer: EggNut
- Genres: Adventure, point-and-click
Game Features:
An origin story
Launched in 2021, Backbone is a detective noir game that takes place in an anthropomorphic universe that follows private investigator Howard Lotor’s latest mundane case which spirals into his biggest investigation. But there’s a story to be told well before Lotor set up shop as a PI and Tails: The Backbone Preludes recounts that story.
In Tails, we are reunited with a young, university fresher Howard and get to learn about his origins as well as his budding friendship with Backbone NPC Larry. This prequel also features the backstory of other major NPCs from the first game but this time as playable characters. We’ll get to play as Renee working on a story about a house fire that gets her to uncover sinister details while also dealing with her struggling marriage. Clarissa Bloodworth’s ascension in the world of crime and the events that shaped her world view are experienced first-hand. As a fourth playable character is series newcomer Eli Abbas, one of the scientists who discovered the Artifact. Eli’s arc serves to provide more background on the cryptic Artifact which was featured in Backbone, while portraying the scientists’ moral conundrums regarding the Artifact.
Branching narratives in a detailed, pixelated world
When I reviewed Backbone, I found the title intriguing for its plot while still feeling let down by its pacing and how the story wrapped up. In my review, I even mentioned my hopes that some of the looser ends be tied in a sequel. While not totally fulfilling on those hopes, Tails: The Backbone Preludes does somewhat tie up some of those loose ends. The origins of the Artifact in particular provides better context into some of the first entry’s twists; but the backstory of Tails’ protagonists help make the characters more relatable.
As with the former entry, Tails is very much narrative driven; probably more so than Backbone. Not only does the plot feel better executed, your in-game choices matter as some dialogue options that you choose lead to diverging paths. It is not unlike a Quantic Dream game in this sense, albeit on a much smaller scale, but it was refreshing to experience. While the four separate playable characters’ stories don’t intertwine, the branching narrative of each plot feels cohesive.
This branching aspect also adds to the replayability of the title. While a single run of Tails: The Backbone Preludes can last less than Backbone at around 4-5 hours, there are more details to uncover in each of the four character stories based on your choices. There’s even a handy chart at the end of each act that shows you the path that you took and helps you identify where the story diverges. It’s a neat feature that will be welcomed by completionists or those who want to learn more about the world of Backbone and its characters.
But unlike Backbone, Tails is less of a detective story and more about the backstory of its cast. That doesn’t mean it’s bad but you shouldn’t go in expecting to solve a mystery. That said, the noir-esque presentation is still there. Tails brings back the presentation that made Backbone stand out. The environments are detailed in glorious pixel art; the animated sprites bring the universe to life; while the jazz-y soundtrack sets the mood for the noir genre.
Attempting to diversify the gameplay
Unlike the first entry to the Backbone series which was comparable to a visual novel, Tails brings in more gameplay mechanics. While you still control the characters in a side-scrolling fashion and click on highlighted prompts to talk or learn more about your environment, some of those prompts will lead up to a mini game. The latter can range from arranging shelves with Renee to performing some scientific experiments as Eli to taking pictures for Howard’s assignment. Save for the latter, the mini-games are mostly a drag-and-drop affair.
While the mini-games are not too challenging per se - some are even borderline boring -, their unintentional challenge lies in the controls. It is occasionally not clear where to drag and drop items. In one mandatory mini game, I spent too much time clicking on items before figuring out which element is interactive; and it was not my first mini game experience in Tails to begin with. While I appreciate that developer EggNut tried to diversify the gameplay in this title, the execution could still have been polished.
Not handheld-friendly
Another gripe I’ve had has to do with the experience playing the game on a handheld gaming PC. The version of the game I played wasn’t totally optimised for gamepad controls and I had to resort to remapping my hardware keys via Steam. Hopefully controller support is better implemented in the launch version.
Then there’s the fact that the in-game texts are small. Playing Tails on a desktop PC or laptop should be fine but on a handheld, I’ve had to squint more than I would want to. There’s also no option to resize the text which could have addressed the issue. Given the rising popularity of handheld gaming PCs, the game (which feels right at home on such systems) could have supported these better with proper controller input and adequate text sizes.
A welcome addition to the franchise
Overall, Tails: The Backbone Preludes is a welcome addition to the Backbone franchise. I personally think that it feels better executed than the predecessor, even if there are some gripes to be had with its attempt to diversify the gameplay with its drag-and-drop mini-games. It brings an interesting narrative design that differs from the first title yet is familiar to returning players without alienating newcomers. For the former group of players, this title will make its cast more relatable while also adding to the replay value. I am quite sure the series will feature another instalment and if Tails is any indication, the franchise is shaping up to be a promising one.
Tails: The Backbone Preludes | Release Date Announcement
Verdict
- Better overall execution than Backbone
- Branching narrative aspect
- Detailed pixel art
- Mini games can be unclear when not close to boring
- Not optimised for controller input
- Tiny, non-adjustable font size
Reviews
MelGeek CYBER01 Magnetic Switch Rapid Trigger Gaming Keyboard
Today for review, we’ll be taking a look at the latest gaming keyboard from Meltek, the CYBER01 magnetic switch offering!
GEEKOM XT12 Pro Mini PC
Claimed to be the world's most cost-effecient i9 Mini PC, we check out the latest from Geekom.
Kospet Tank T3 Ultra
Tough enough to navigate and conquer the rugged wilderness.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants
The Turtles are back for their umpteenth game outing, but is this one worth it?
Alone in the Dark (2024)
Alone in the Dark is a Survival Horror game available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X and PC.
Site & Scene News
New Hot Discussed
Microsoft is closing down several gaming studios, including Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin
Nintendo officially confirms Switch successor console, announces Nintendo Direct for next month
Japan-exclusive Genesis game "The Hybrid Front" is getting an English fan translation
DOOM has been ported to the retro game console in Persona 5 Royal
Review MelGeek CYBER01 Magnetic Switch Rapid Trigger Gaming Keyboard
Xbox release date for shooter 'Hypercharge: Unboxed' revealed
'Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero' gets new trailer; revels new roster
PC and Xbox-exclusive 'Dungeons of Hinterberg' to launch in July
'Lost Records: Bloom & Rage' gets new trailer
'Promise Mascot Agency', the next game from 'Paradise Killer' developer, revealed
Wii U and 3DS online services shutting down today, but Pretendo is here to save the day
Nintendo Switch firmware update 18.0.1 has been released
The first retro emulator hits Apple's App Store, but you should probably avoid it
Delta emulator now available on the App Store for iOS
TheFloW releases new PPPwn kernel exploit for PS4, works on firmware 11.00
Nintendo takes down Gmod content from Steam's Workshop
A prototype of the original "The Legend of Zelda" for NES has been found and preserved
Anbernic reveals specs details of pocket-sized RG28XX retro handheld
Nintendo Switch Online adds two more Nintendo 64 titles to its classic library
Nintendo "Indie World" stream announced for April 17th, 2024
Wii U and 3DS online services shutting down today, but Pretendo is here to save the day
Nintendo officially confirms Switch successor console, announces Nintendo Direct for next month
Nintendo takes down Gmod content from Steam's Workshop
The first retro emulator hits Apple's App Store, but you should probably avoid it
Delta emulator now available on the App Store for iOS
Nintendo Switch firmware update 18.0.1 has been released
TheFloW releases new PPPwn kernel exploit for PS4, works on firmware 11.00
DOOM has been ported to the retro game console in Persona 5 Royal
Nintendo Switch Online adds two more Nintendo 64 titles to its classic library
Nintendo "Indie World" stream announced for April 17th, 2024