Escape The Backrooms is a notable entry in the genre of liminal space horror, which has garnered attention for its unique approach to the internet-born mythos of The Backrooms. This game presents an expansive, first-person co-op horror experience for up to four players. Initially popular in Steam’s Early Access, its official 1.0 release has finally arrived, showcasing a wide array of eerie environments derived from the extensive lore surrounding The Backrooms.
The concept of The Backrooms originates from a community-driven horror narrative that depicts inhuman spaces filled with unsettling entities. The game’s attention to detail allows players to traverse various creepy locations, such as the iconic yellow rooms, the Poolrooms, and the Grassrooms. Each "room" represents a unique facet of liminal horror and contributes to the overarching narrative that players can explore collaboratively.
Gameplay revolves around the exploration of these disquieting environments while searching for means of escape. Players navigate through challenges that often involve solving puzzles or locating essential items hidden throughout the unsettling spaces. However, the experience is colored by the presence of horrifying creatures, such as the skin-stealer, which prowls the hallways and creates tense moments of suspense.
Though the game includes distinct monsters tied to specific rooms, it can sometimes feel repetitive due to the mechanics that primarily focus on survival against overwhelming threats. The horror element is heightened through audio cues and the straightforward, jump-scare nature of encounters. This design can detract from the immersive quality of the environments, as players often find themselves racing to escape rather than absorbing the ambiance.
Escape The Backrooms functions well in co-op settings, fostering moments of humor and shared experiences among players similar to popular titles like Phasmophobia. This aspect is particularly engaging when revisiting the game with others who appreciate the lore, making it feel educational in a quirky way. Although the visuals may lack polish and the animations feel janky at times, the uniqueness of the narrative and the environments compensates for these shortcomings.
In summary, while Escape The Backrooms successfully captures the essence of liminal space horror, providing a vibrant and collaborative experience, its gameplay loop does not always match the depth of its intriguing environments. Ultimately, it feels like a fast-paced tour through memorable horror spaces rather than a fully realized horror experience, leaving players eager for more nuanced interactions with the game’s unsettling lore.
