Backrooms Level X is an atmospheric treat that is over far too quickly. Furthermore, its dated style will not appeal to players who love clean, sharp visuals. Instead, it focuses on an old-school approach that can be somewhat nauseating. However, if you can put up with the constant VHS flickering, you’ll appreciate the creepy and sinister edge.
This first-person horror game was developed and published by Firenut Games. It uses cheap jump scares and basic exploration elements to increase fear and add confusion. However, it is the almost never-ending maze that keeps you hooked. At its core, the ideas are very simple. Yet, it is the combination of each minor element and the unnerving atmosphere that makes this game thrive.
Backrooms Level X allows you to fill in the blanks.
I love a good story, so when a game is light on its narrative, I’m already on the back foot. Thankfully, the idea of little focus works incredibly well in Backrooms Level X. You have little idea as to why you are in a creepy and dark mind-twisting world. Moreover, the further you explore, the weirder things become. In short, it is awfully uncomfortable from the opening moment.
There is an array of unique locations to visit. Each one is made up of tight and dark corridors. Furthermore, strange creatures lurk in the shadows. These evil entities will kill you if you get too close. Consequently, you must avoid their touch and dive deeper into the psychological madness if you wish to escape.
Simple mechanics.
Backrooms Level X relies heavily on its layers of suspense. The vast amounts of emptiness and the blind corners make you fearful of what will happen. Additionally, there are minor challenges as you find collectables, flick switches, or interact with the environment.
These elements don’t offer much challenge, but when you combine them with the need to find an exit and the creepy shadow-like creatures, it works exceptionally well. On top of this, the changing environments offer a small layer of freshness as you fight your way to each exit.
Backrooms Level X is unbelievably retro.
I adore a good retro experience. Therefore, I forgave and accepted Backrooms Level X’s dated aesthetics. The colours are both earthy and vibrant. Moreover, the textures are murky, and the VHS flickering can be somewhat sickening. Yet, it is these elements that deliver that brilliant old-school edge.
This relies heavily on audio cues to enhance the atmosphere. Screams, footsteps, coughing, and so forth deliver something reasonably sinister. There is a reliance on ambient sounds and the use of silence. This makes things increasingly uncomfortable while making the sounds of the creatures more brutish and scary.
When is running not running?
The control system is pretty refined, but the developer has incorporated the worst running mechanic I’ve seen for a while. The running element is little more than a fast-paced walk. This was ridiculous, as it can make escaping the larger entities much harder. Other than this complaint, it is pretty easy to play.
Replay value and the desire to play this again are pretty limited. I think I spent around 2 hours completing my playthrough, and that was enough for me. This is unfortunate, but the 1st playthrough was enough to scratch an itch.
Backroom Level X isn’t that memorable.
Although I enjoyed the retro edge and other key bits, Backrooms Level X isn’t that memorable. It doesn’t offer anything more than other horror games. Additionally, it’s over far too quickly. I’d say it’s good value, but its appeal is somewhat niche. Accordingly, I like it despite the shortcomings, and I recommend buying it here! Can you find every exit? Explore the maze, solve the puzzles, and escape the shadow creatures.
