Platforms
- PCJun 08, 20217.7playscore7.324 Critics8.22.61K Players
- PlayStation 5Oct 28, 2021NAplayscoreNA0 Critics8.01.30K Players
- Xbox Series X|SOct 28, 2021NAplayscoreNA0 Critics7.6900 Players
- PlayStation 4Oct 28, 2021NAplayscoreNA0 Critics8.11.04K Players
- Xbox OneOct 28, 20217.2playscore6.73 Critics7.6902 Players
- Nintendo SwitchFeb 09, 2022NAplayscoreNA0 CriticsNA0 Players
29 critic reviews · 1 community reviews across all platforms
Critic Reviews
- Putting all three of these pillars together, we get a title that has the looks, story, and gameplay to really stand out. Backbone isn’t an overly long game, maybe 5-6 hours at most, but what it does in its trim time frame is craft a world and characters that we care about, a narrative that is constantly intriguing and surprising, and offer us just enough interactivity that we can progress almost without having to worry about any challenge. It’s a marvellous example of what the indie game space can do, and a title that everyone with – or without – a Game Pass subscription should check out.
Jamie Collyer · Nov 29, 2021 Reviewed on Series X|SRead full review - The final hour or two throw the whole story for a loop, and to make things worse, it feels as though none of the plot threads are resolved — you're just left hanging, probably with a furrowed brow, while the credits roll. It's a shame, as the music and visuals are excellent throughout, but the presentation just isn't enough on its own, and that's about all it has.
Stephen Tailby · Oct 28, 2021 Reviewed on PS5Read full review - Backbone gets off to a great start and it definitely has a lot to say. Great visuals and a stunning soundtrack made me want to give it the benefit of the doubt, to ignore its issues. As it goes on though, Backbone loses everything that made it interesting in its early hours. What replaces it is so different that its hardly even the same game.
Andrew Thornton · Jul 02, 2021 Reviewed on PCRead full review - It is absolutely worth a look solely on the merits of its audiovisual presentation, but its attempt to offer commentary or insight into the topics its narrative broaches repeatedly fall flat, particularly in the latter half. EggNut clearly has the goods in the art and music departments, so I would love to see what they can do with a stronger narrative in the future.
Chris Jarrard · Jun 29, 2021 Reviewed on PCRead full review - Backbone is a good game that will disappoint some of its players. The world is engaging and the detective mechanics are limited but cool. A sequence at the end of Act III is one of the most stunning I have experienced in a video game, both from a narrative and presentation standpoint.
Cosmin Vasile · Jun 29, 2021 Reviewed on PCRead full review - In Conclusion, while the game is stylistically great with a setting that is a joy to immerse yourself in, it is let down by a story that builds to a point then goes off the rails at the end. If a deeper message is in there somewhere the finale makes it difficult to grasp but Backbone is a haunting experience all the same.
Harm0nica · Jun 23, 2021 Reviewed on PCRead full review - If they could bring back the puzzles and stealth elements from the prologue into future titles, then I have no doubt EggNut could have a classic on their hands. As it stands I’ll have to cautiously recommend Backbone to anyone who loves a gripping noir drama. Just be prepared finish it with more questions than when you started.
Heidi Hawes · Jun 18, 2021 Reviewed on PCRead full review - Part noir thriller, part rumination on the human condition, and part ... something else, Backbone is stylish through and through, presenting more questions than answers but brimming with vibrantly realised characters.
Peter Mattsson · Jun 18, 2021 Reviewed on PCRead full review - It’s lucky for Backbone then that it’s story and characters manage to carry it through the dirges of disappointment. While the gameplay is generally underwhelming, the visualisation of this weird iteration of Vancouver and the sad, hopeless folks that inhabit it kept me pushing forward to eventually see the conclusion.
Brad Lang · Jun 17, 2021 Reviewed on PCRead full review - Backbone feels like it needs a sequel. The story just doesn’t feel complete right now, and given that the game is pretty short (you can probably beat it in about 5-7 hours), it’s hard for me to enthusiastically recommend it. If you’re still interested despite the issues I’ve outlined, make sure you’re prepared for an abrupt conclusion. If you’re on the fence, well… maybe wait for a sale.
Caitlin Argyros · Jun 15, 2021 Reviewed on PCRead full review
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Community Reviews
- Reviewed on PC,XB1
About the game
Trailers & Screenshots:
Backbone is a noir-inspired detective adventure. As raccoon private eye Howard Lotor, sniff out clues, collect evidence, interrogate witnesses, and explore beautiful pixel art version of dystopian Vancouver, BC.
Developer: EggNut