Something that dawned on me while playing On Your Tail was just how little we get content with anthropomorphized animals. Back in the day, Disney’s bread and butter were movies where the main characters were some form of anthropomorphized animal, but nowadays, with the exception of Zootopia it’s a concept that has really faded from the mainstream—I blame the internet.
It’s really a shame because it’s such a fun idea that allows for easily digestible storytelling and almost immediate visual shorthand for the world and characters. And while On Your Tail doesn’t really take this as far as it could, it still delivers an enjoyable experience packed with personality and genuine intrigue.
Players take on the role of Diana, a university student and aspiring writer struggling with her creative writing course. When her professor advises her to gain lived experiences to bring more heart to her work, she sets out for the seaside village of Bourgo Marina. However, a terrible thunderstorm and a mysterious event cause her to crash her Vespa, leaving her unconscious.
When she wakes, she discovers she has been given refuge in the town, thanks to one of its wealthy patrons. She quickly becomes entangled in a mystery involving a series of thefts that have occurred around the village. Hoping to use this as an opportunity for creative growth, Diana begins her own investigation into the thefts, only to uncover that the mysteries of Bourgo Marina run far deeper than she initially thought.
It’s a charming story about friendship and self-discovery, wrapped around an intriguing mystery. The appeal is heightened by On Your Tail being packed with interesting and unique characters who bring vibrant life to this fictional town.
On Your Tail’s gameplay surprised me a little bit. Initially, I had thought it would be a fairly straightforward, narratively driven mystery game, but it has a little more going on. It’s one part life sim and one part Phoenix Wright as you explore the village, talk to its residents, gather clues and try to solve each mystery.
“Also, I really need to make special mention of how richly detailed On Your Tail is.”
However, Diana’s journey is also about gaining new experiences and part of that is personal. The residents of Bourgo Marina live very different lives than she’s used to, and as she makes new friends, getting to hang out with them and see their unique perspectives will not only enhance her own but potentially add unique insight into each new mystery.
In a way, it reminds me a little bit of The Good Life except without all the extraneous survival elements to manage. There’s an easygoing vibe to the whole game where players are encouraged to take things day by day and experience life in Bourgo Marina—whether it’s earning a bit of money, trying to catch some fish, spending the day at the arcade or enjoying an espresso on the beach. There’s no real urgency to solving each mystery and every activity is beneficial to Diana’s desire for new experiences.
Solving each mystery is undoubtedly the highlight of the gameplay. It involves two main elements: sleuthing and deduction. Players investigate areas and speak with potential witnesses to gather the necessary clues to make a deduction. This process is enhanced by Diana’s Chronolense—a unique magnifying glass that allows her to see objects from the past. Once all clues are collected, players recreate the scene by piecing together how events unfolded.
This is a fun mechanic that requires players to use critical thinking to reach the correct conclusions. Each deduction becomes increasingly complex, introducing new and interesting challenges as the situations grow more intricate. However, the game avoids being overly intense, offering plenty of hints and no real penalty for incorrect guesses. Players can even resort to trial and error if needed, making the experience accessible and forgiving.
Where On Your Tail truly stands out is in its visuals. The village of Bourgo Marina is so authentically designed that it genuinely feels like a seaside town on the Italian coast. The game employs a bright, colourful aesthetic that brings the setting to life, while the characters reflect their animal foundations in ways that perfectly complement their visual designs and personalities.
I need to make special mention of how richly detailed On Your Tail is. I was consistently impressed by the high-resolution quality of the wall art, signage, and other environmental details. Many AAA games struggle to present pictures and paintings at 1080p, yet this indie title manages to break boundaries with its visual fidelity.
The visuals are further elevated by an excellent soundtrack that perfectly matches the tone and vibe of the gameplay. Walking through Bourgo Marina is accompanied by a wistful score that complements its idyllic aesthetic, making you feel like you’re strolling through a dream. Meanwhile, the sleuthing sequences are paired with a mellow yet tense theme, evoking the atmosphere of classic crime procedurals.
On Your Tail is a simple but heartfelt game that provides a strong foundation for an engaging experience without demanding too much from the player. At its core, it feels like embarking on an extended vacation in a strange and beautiful place—one filled with mystery, excitement, new friendships, and opportunities for growth.
