People disliked the game because they didn't get what they expected.
I know, when there are certain expectations it's really hard to perceive the product without the bitter taste of disappointment.
If you want to play a classical detective game, examine crime scenes and interview suspects... well, Backbone isn't your go-to game. The game abandons 'detectiveness' somewhere in the middle and embraces metaphysical tropes. 'You change, but you change nothing'. It felt like a motto of the Backbone. Pretty average racoon gets involved into something big, much bigger than he could deal with. It happens sometimes, doesn't it? Wealthy, powerful citizens play their sick games, and even if you try to change the outcome of the game, you'll probably lose to more powerful players. By no means our racoon is a hero. He pets geese and has BOTH mommy and daddy issues. If this ain't already harsh enough?
I liked how the game switched from the intense bad-trip, which Howard had after being infected, to peaceful almost pastoral vibes of the Bridge. This point seemed crucial. Howard is changing into something he can't recognise and comprehend (well, he kinda killed his friend; that's rough, buddy). Under the bridge feels like a rural retreat, the character spends time with himself, talks to others, helps here and there, maybe for the first time he melds into 'we', some sort of community. The Artifact once says: Love yourself through the love of others. Know yourself through the small rituals of truth. Yeah, you change nothing when it comes to larger-scale events (you are no hero, remember? just a depressed alcoholic racoon). Even so, you still can affect others lives. You can try to soothe a grieving person's pain, check on your old friend, water someone's plants or just pet a goose. It's a small impact, you still die in the very end, the answer is all the same. At least you tried, right? Makes you believe that you are the empathetic backbone of society, even if you die in vain. Sounds like a pretty realistic outcome, despite the mysterious monsters being involved.
It's not the best game I've ever played but I'm glad I gave it a shot. The setting and the music are great. The main theme is fire, not gonna lie.
Gotta give this solid 6.5 out of 10 (I'd give it a 7, but I still can't really figure out what the Artifact is a metaphor for).
English is not my mother tongue, please don't correct me I have no respect for this language.
Eat the rich.