Backbone is a dystopian adventure video game set in a city that bears a strong resemblance to Vancouver. Here, you play Howard Lotor, a raccoon who serves as a private investigator. If you were ever a fan ofSly Cooper, then this game is probably already sitting somewhere in your collection.
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Backbone features a cast of eccentric characters, all designed in ahand-drawn art style.You must work closely with them to solve your cases and puzzles. While not every character is on your side, there are a variety of people who you can trust, and can’t help but love.
10Howard Lotor
Howard Lotor is the main character that you play as throughout the game. He is a sly, sometimes snarky, investigator that handles public cases. Howard knows a lot of people in the city, allowing him to utilize public word of mouth to his advantage.
Despite his rough exterior, Howard is always determined to help his clients. Sometimes his concern for others is translated poorly, but there’s never any doubt that he only wants what is best for them. Even when dealing with those who are actively working against him, he remains calm and even expresses empathy in some situations
9Odette
Odette is the first person that you take on as a client in the game. She is a pregnant woman who believes that her husband is cheating on her. However, there is a more sinister side to the story that she is reluctant to divulge.
Despite her hesitance to tell the whole truth, she is a sweet and innocent mother-to-be. It is impossible not to feel bad for her in her situation, and to not want to help her by any means possible.
8Ingrid
As Howard is going about his investigation into Odette’s situation, he stumbles upon Ingrid. It is quite clear that Ingrid is an attractive character. She is incredibly stylish, mysterious, and cool.
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Depending on the dialogue option that you choose, Howard is eager to buy Ingrid a drink and talk to her more. While she is quite reserved, she does open up a little bit and provide some information. Despite her relatively small role, it is obvious that she has left an impression on Howard.
7Squirrel
Squirrel is another city dweller that Howard encounters in his initial investigation. At first, Squirrel appears to be pleasant enough, but it is soon evident that he has a smart mouth and a short temper. The more you talk to him, the less patience Squirrel has, and he begins to start swearing and yelling at you.
Regardless of his reluctance to help,his potty mouthmakes him an extremely entertaining character. Apart from his language, his body language is similar to that of an actual squirrel. He is jumpy, a bit fidgety, and very easily excitable.
6Anatoly
Anatoly is a pleasant and friendly beaver, who appears to be a close friend of Howard’s. The two are on good terms, and Anatoly is willing to go the extra mile to help Howard throughout his investigation.
The pleasant beaver has a wife and a kid, and is expecting another one soon, which the pair are very excited about. One of the most friendly characters in the game, he is a breath of fresh air among the shady and prickly individuals Howard faces.
5Larry
Larry, like Howard, is a raccoon that lives in the city. He is a bit reserved but friendly enough. He wears a long scarf and has a very timid style. Larry ultimately blends into the crowds of people swarming the streets and he can be found in the alleyways.
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Even though he is reserved, he’s eager to help Howard with his case. In fact, his shy demeanor allows him to eavesdrop and hear anything that may stick out as suspicious among the bar scene.
4Renee
Renee is one of the biggest recurring characters in the game. She ends up helping Howard significantly in multiple circumstances. She’s also incredibly mysterious and is one of the few people to meet Howard’s level of investigation skills.
A natural writer, Renee is fascinated by Howard as she can detect that he carries a good story with him. In turn, Howard is also drawn to Renee and her probing questions. The stunning fox sports a fashionable green pant-suit and a cool demeanor.
3Louis
Louis is a friendly and eccentric otter that runs a shop. He is unfortunately caught up in a lot more than he initially lets on. Howard meets him while on the hunt for a specific item. Despite everything that Louis is caught up in, he remains helpful and respectful towards Howard.
The otter is well-dressed in a green suit and knows a lot of detail about his wares. While talking to him, it appears that wines and other beverages are Louis’s specialty.
2Florence
Florence is a character that tugs on your heartstrings. She is an incredibly kind and caring mother of a daughter whom Howard is trying to gather information about. Unlike many of the other characters, she seems blissfully unaware of what is going on around her.
When Howard initially meets Florence, she is honest and helpful. She has no ulterior motives, she only wants to ensure her daughter’s safety. Even while fearing for her daughter’s life, she is still patient and thankful for Howard. Florence is impossible to dislike as a character.
1Belle
Belle is the most polarizing character in the game. She is a great example of a good person doinga bad thing. Even though what she is doing is inherently bad, it’s difficult to not empathize with her. Even Howard has a hard time not being able to understand her intentions and where she is coming from.
As much as you might not want to, it is hard not to be intrigued by Belle. She even goes as far as to apologize to Howard for what she is doing, showing she is clearly conflicted by her work.
