Tails: The Backbone Preludes is an adventure video game developed by Eggnut and published by Raw Fury. It is a prequel to the point-and-click detective game, Tails: The Game. Here, you will play as Emma, a private investigator in a dystopian world. The game is set in a fictional city called Grant City, where corruption and crime are rampant.

In Tails: The Backbone Preludes, Emma is tasked with solving a series of interconnected cases that reveal a larger conspiracy behind the city's corruption. This entire game features hand-drawn, 2D graphics and a jazzy soundtrack that complements the game's film noir aesthetic.

A prequel

The gameplay of Tails: The Backbone Preludes consists of exploration, puzzle-solving, and dialogue choices that affect the story's outcome. It is a story-driven game that consists of several interconnected cases that are gradually uncovered as you progress through the game. As such, the plot is best experienced by playing the game. It has aesthetic graphics and easy mechanics for new players.

You will play a private investigator who is tasked with solving a series of cases that reveal a larger conspiracy behind the city's corruption. The cases you investigate that are interconnected involve a range of characters, including a missing person, a drug dealer, and a political activist. Along the way, you’ll discover that the cases are tied to a larger conspiracy involving a mysterious group known as The Backbone.

As you delve deeper into the cases, you must navigate the corrupt world of Grant City and make difficult choices that can have far-reaching consequences. The game features multiple endings based on the choices you make throughout the game. However,  some of the game's puzzles can be frustratingly difficult and may require players to rely on trial-and-error or walkthroughs to progress.

A great detective game

Despite the frustrating puzzles that you’ll encounter, the overall gameplay experience of Tails: The Backbone Preludes is immersive and engaging, thanks to the game's unique atmosphere, storyline, and characters. The gameplay blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and dialogue choices to create a satisfying and enjoyable experience. It is highly recommended to those who love detective games, being an investigator, and solving puzzles.