Review: On Your Tail (Switch)
In this delightful indie game, a hopeful writer becomes lost in a picturesque coastal getaway while seeking inspiration. Diana Caproni roams Borga Marina, making friends and unraveling mysteries in this light-hearted detective tale.
Developed by the Italian studio Memorable Video Games, the game presents a visually appealing atmosphere that pays tribute to Ligurian towns and Mediterranean scenery. The setting and investigation style also bring to mind iconic travel games of the past – particularly the sun-kissed vibrancy of the Broken Sword series.
In her quest to improve her writing, Diana (who, like everyone else in this world, is an anthropomorphic animal) hops on her scooter and journeys off to get her creative inspiration flowing – and to learn more about a family connection to a charming resort town. As she puzzles her way into the hearts of the locals, Diana’s adventure leads her through one mystery after another.
The gameplay encompasses a blend of dialogue scenes, mini-games, and detective puzzles. Diana collects cards with each interaction and discovery she makes around Borga Marina. These cards are stored in her mental palace, where they can be revisited at any moment for context on the evolving narrative.
During investigation segments, certain locations hide clues related to past events. Fortunately, Diana possesses a ‘chronolens,’ a tool that allows her to look into the past. This enables her to uncover evidence within the investigation mini-game. It’s always handy to access temporal manipulation when needed.
Investigations take place in a captivating, board-game-style diorama. This turn-based activity has Diana utilizing the clues she has gathered during the engaging sequences. As the story unfolds, the boards become more intricate, but the structure remains accessible. If she encounters difficulties, Diana can use joker cards to simplify the investigation or enhance the chronolens’s ability to find clues.
As she investigates the town, Diana meets companions – some of whom will join her on her escapades. These relationships unlock additional mini-games. Taking a part-time role as a waitress reveals a chibi benefit-’em-up game. There are also competitive marbles and a mail delivery gig, all in a day’s work for an average stranger striving to address a series of thefts.
Engaging in these activities alters the environment surrounding Diana, adding a light social simulation element that complements the mystery-solving aspect. A day-night cycle resets mini-game options and advances relationships, forming a loop that can be enjoyable to explore. There is an abundance to do here, with activities hidden around every corner.
Despite its diverse mechanics, On Your Tail maintains a soothing and cozy atmosphere for the most part. However, Diana’s journey is frequently interrupted by technical issues and performance glitches on the Switch.
For a game that promotes exploration and often sends our curious protagonist wandering through Borga Marina, the frequent loading screens kill the momentum. Simply walking from one end of town to the other can involve numerous loading screens. Entering buildings or moving between story scenes also takes a noticeably long time.
In our review copy, save-load transitions sometimes led to crashes, further slowing down Diana’s progress.