The concept of the Backrooms grew from one solitary picture posted on the internet in 2019. What grew from that one image of an empty and unsettling yellow office room became a huge collaborative project to provide lore to a liminal space that has now expanded exponentially. Escape the Backrooms is one such project that places the player in a series of liminal spaces with the goal to escape by solving puzzles while trying to avoid being killed by one of the many monsters lurking in the shadows.
With Kane Parsons’ incredible YouTube series and recently released movie, the Backrooms is right at the heart of the horror scene right now. Stepping into Escape the Backrooms for the first time elicited those moments of dread I felt watching his analogue horror series. The difference was, I was experiencing it rather than observing. However, what started off as being freaked out and on edge turned into some of the funniest times I’ve had playing a co-op game. Now on console, it’s a great time to experience it for yourself.
The gameplay loop of Escape the Backrooms consists of making your way through various levels while trying to solve a puzzle. Not only are you looking for answers on how to escape, you’re hunted by different monsters as you do. Once you’ve made your way to the exit, it’s time to visit a new area with new conundrums and new creatures to run away from. Trying to find answers while never feeling safe is what makes the horror so authentic. However, there’s an added layer of appeal when you hear your friends scream over the mic as they run in terror.
I started playing alone, exploring the original office room from the 4chan image. All I needed to do was find the exit. It’s easier said than done when everything looks the same. No two turns lead the same way. On top of that, you’re facing the surprise of an entity hiding in plain sight, ready to tear you limb from limb. The first time I encountered it made me jump out of my skin. You’re never sure where it is, and it’s so hard to prepare for a monster that could literally be anywhere. Being quiet helps, but sometimes you’ll need to run like the wind.
Once you make it to the exit, a new room spawns and the thrill of what might lie in wait hits you. Sometimes I want psychological horror. Sometimes I want blood and gore. Then, other times, I just want the rush of a jump scare to awaken my very soul. Escape the Backrooms does this very well. Regardless of the setting, the different monsters act in different ways, so you’re never quite sure what you’ll find. That first encounter almost always made me leap out my seat. Once you’ve died a couple of times, that shock wains and can become annoying, though.
Some of the puzzles are clever, requiring you to find a fuse box or a key, or remember colour patterns from environmental areas to input into a lock to name a few. One thing Escape the Backrooms does well is provide varied levels with some fantastic settings. The early stages consist of empty office blocks and car parks. Later ones, including perhaps the hospital and a suburbia are a lot of fun to explore. The variety is great, and there’s always something new and exciting to take from its design, especially if you’re playing with others.
I played a substantial amount on my own, but experiencing new levels for the first time with others is what makes Escape the Backrooms so good. Setting off in different directions to find answers is where the fun begins. The proximity chat means you stop hearing friends if they venture too far. A few times I would see them run like the wind or scream in terror as they encountered a creature for the first time, especially after not seeing them for a few minutes. Not only that, collaborative problem-solving made these levels better.
If you die, you’re forced to watch one of your friends play. In an early level where you’re in a substation underground, demon dogs hunt you down as you have to find trip switches to turn back on. I died, but watching them sneak around and try to find the final three was such a tense experience. If one of you solves a puzzle, everyone benefits. That collaboration is greatly appreciated as you never feel punished for failure. As much as it’s a horror title, it’s a lot of fun as well.
Escape the Backrooms is a great co-op horror title. Puzzles and levels are varied. Monsters are different from level to level, although seeing them does weaken the terror. It’s a great time to dive in, especially with A24’s Backrooms being at the heart of the horror zeitgeist right now. Playing alone can feel repetitive, but having others there to play with makes for exciting and memorable moments. It may not have the sharpest visuals, but it still looks good, with sound design that not only makes you on edge, trying to be silent is key to surviving whatever horrors you face.
