Escape the Backrooms: A Haunting Descent into Procedural Dread
Escape the Backrooms throws you into the unsettling labyrinth of internet horror, offering a co-operative experience that's both terrifying and strangely addictive. Developed by Fancy Games, this 2022 Early Access title takes inspiration from the creepypasta phenomenon, translating the endless yellow hallways and lurking entities of the Backrooms into a playable nightmare.
The atmosphere is the game's strongest asset. Stepping into Escape the Backrooms is like stepping into the collective nightmare of Backrooms lore. The dingy yellow wallpaper, the incessant hum of fluorescent lights, and the ever-present feeling of being watched all contribute to a deeply unsettling ambiance. The procedurally generated levels ensure a fresh experience each playthrough, keeping you on edge as you navigate the labyrinthine corridors and deserted offices. Beyond the iconic Level 0, the game delves into other well-known Backrooms levels, each with its own distinct visual identity. From the damp, moldy corridors of Level 2 to the unsettling tranquility of the Poolrooms, the developers have captured the essence of the Backrooms mythos with impressive detail.
Escape the Backrooms is best experienced with friends. Teamwork is crucial for survival, as you'll need to work together to scavenge for supplies, strategize against hostile entities, and navigate the ever-shifting layouts. The game offers a decent selection of weapons, from crowbars and pipes to the more improvised variety like sharpened pipes and almond water (a recurring Backrooms staple). Ammo scarcity adds a layer of tension, forcing you to prioritize targets and make every shot count. The enemy design is another highlight. The game features a variety of terrifying entities ripped straight from the Backrooms lore, each with their own unique behaviors and attack patterns. From the ever-smiling "Partygoers" to the skin-crawling "Skin Stealers," these creatures will keep you on edge as you explore the darkness.
While procedural generation keeps the exploration fresh, it can also lead to some frustrating moments. Occasionally, the layouts can feel repetitive, with certain sections appearing a little too often. Additionally, the procedural nature can sometimes make navigating towards specific objectives a chore, especially for newer players.
It's important to remember that Escape the Backrooms is still in Early Access. While the core gameplay loop is solid, there are aspects that could be improved. The enemy AI can feel a bit rudimentary at times, with their attacks lacking the kind of variety that would truly elevate the scares. Additionally, the story elements currently feel sparse, leaving players yearning for a deeper connection to the Backrooms lore.
Escape the Backrooms is a compelling co-operative horror experience that captures the chilling atmosphere of the Backrooms mythos. With its procedurally generated levels, diverse enemy encounters, and emphasis on teamwork, the game offers a thrilling descent into the unknown. However, repetitive level layouts and a lack of substantive story elements hold it back from reaching its full potential. Still, for fans of the Backrooms and those seeking a good scare with friends, Escape the Backrooms is a trip worth taking, especially with the promise of future content updates from the developers.
Pros:
- Captures the unsettling atmosphere of the Backrooms
- Procedurally generated levels offer replayability
- Varied enemy design keeps players on edge
- Cooperative gameplay encourages teamwork and strategy
Cons:
- Procedural generation can lead to repetitive layouts
- Enemy AI can feel simplistic
- Story elements currently feel underdeveloped
Final Verdict: Escape the Backrooms is a promising Early Access title that delivers a chilling co-operative horror experience. With some improvements to level design, enemy AI, and narrative depth, it has the potential to become a truly terrifying and unforgettable journey into the depths of the Backrooms.