Backbone

## System requirements

**MINIMUM:**
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 7
Processor: Multi-core 1.8GHz or faster
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: Nvidia GTX 760 or equivalent
Storage: 1 GB available space
**RECOMMENDED:**
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 7
Processor: Multi-core 2.5GHz or faster
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: Nvidia GTX 950 or equivalent
Storage: 1 GB available space

> *"You’re not special. You’re not a hero. Thrust into unfortunate circumstances, you find yourself with no other option than to unravel what might be your biggest case yet.*
> *There is no choice. We change, but we change nothing. Get to work, detective."*
>
>

***Backbone*** is a noir adventure indie game developed by EggNut and published by Raw Fury. It was released for Microsoft Windows in June 2021, and for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S in October 2021.

## Gameplay

Backbone’s gameplay is focused on storytelling and emotional expression, featuring rich and elaborate dialogues inspired by old school CRPGs, as well as exploration of the lush environments. The end of all things is inevitable, but defining which version of Howard Lotor reaches the conclusion is up to you.

As Howard, you will:

* Make meaningful connections with a diverse cast of characters in pursuit of truth
* Shape and express your identity through dialogue choices - decide what kind of person you want to be
* Explore and experience both downtrodden and flourishing districts of a strange, yet familiar version of Vancouver
* Come to terms with the universal pain of existence and loss
* Be a raccoon

###### MATURE CONTENT DESCRIPTION

The developers describe the content like this: "Backbone heavily features strong language, themes of violence, systemic racism and sexism, drug abuse, depression, terminal illness, body horror, death. All imagery is suggestive and not direct, but we would still never recommend this game to children."

## Setting

Backbone’s Vancouver is a dangerous place, bleak and dreary, but not entirely without hope. Iconic locations including Gastown, Granville, and Fairmont Hotel are included in the game world.

This world is inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, some species of which have better reputations than others. Everyone wants to change the world, but not always for the better.

## Story

Backbone tells the tale of Howard Lotor, a raccoon private eye in a dystopian Vancouver inhabited by talking animals. Desperate for a case, Howard takes on a job to find a missing otter whose wife suspects him of having an affair. By the end of the prologue, the detective becomes embroiled in a mysterious plot involving a nightclub owner and secret experiments being conducted by the highest echelons in society.

## Development

Backbone is inspired by film noir, weird sci-fi, post-soviet aesthetics, modern political regimes, the works of Lynch and Kaufman, and existential philosophy of Sartre. It is a linear, cinematic narrative experience that subverts genre and challenges your perception of what it means to be a person.

## Soundtrack

Original doom jazz soundtrack by Danshin and Arooj Aftab features an innovative combination of classic jazz and electronic music. Backbone’s OST is expertly crafted to create a cinematic, atmospheric, and simply jaw-dropping soundscape that serves and enhances storytelling.

## Gallery

TBA

1. ↑ https://checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2021/06/backbone-review-raccoon-city/