Backrooms

The game Backrooms transports players into an endless maze of monotonous, poorly-lit office spaces, reminiscent of an alternate reality where the mundane becomes a backdrop for survival. This game taps into the concept of liminal spaces — areas that are between destinations, like hallways and waiting rooms, which are familiar yet deeply unnerving. Players find themselves randomly “noclipping” out of reality into this endless expanse, with the primary goal of finding an escape back to the normal world. The game’s environment is characterized by its stark, fluorescent lighting and the constant, low buzz of electricity, which together create an atmosphere that is both stark and disorienting.

The Challenge of Survival and Exploration

In Backrooms, the challenge lies not in battling monstrous entities but in enduring the psychological strain of isolation and repetition. The gameplay is largely about exploration and the increasing tension of evading unseen threats that lurk just out of sight. The player must manage their sanity levels, which can fluctuate based on their time spent wandering the endless rooms and corridors. The sound design plays a crucial role, with the hum of the lights and distant, unidentifiable noises contributing to the growing anxiety. Each section of the game introduces subtly different variations of the same theme, challenging players to remain alert and oriented despite the sameness.

Adapting to the Environment

Players must adapt to the environment to survive, using found objects and clues to aid in their escape. The game mechanics focus on interaction with the environment: opening doors, moving objects, and occasionally solving simple problems that allow access to new areas. As players progress, they encounter snippets of lore that suggest the origins of the Backrooms and how they might escape. However, the information is fragmented and requires players to piece together the mystery themselves, adding a layer of depth to the survival experience.