Backrooms: Escape Together
- October 18, 2022
- Triiodide Studios
- 4h median play time
Get on Steam"Backrooms: Escape Together" is a cooperative horror game where players navigate the endless maze-like environment of the Backrooms, a dangerous and surreal place filled with deadly entities. Players must work together to find exit memos and escape the ever-changing labyrinth while avoiding being caught by the monstrous inhabitants. The game features permadeath, procedural generation, and a focus on stealth and survival strategies.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- graphics456 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many users praising their stunning realism and immersive quality, often comparing them to triple-A titles. The use of Unreal Engine 5 enhances the visual experience, contributing to a haunting atmosphere that effectively captures the essence of the backrooms. However, some reviewers noted that while the graphics are impressive, they alone do not compensate for gameplay shortcomings, suggesting a need for more content and challenges.
“This game is mesmerizing; literally the most graphically advanced game I've ever seen and played.”
“The game looks absolutely stunning, and the graphics really help immerse you in the terrifying, yet fascinating world of the backrooms.”
“The graphics are simply incredible; I truly felt like I was playing a triple-A title.”
“My biggest critique is that while this game has all the standard level of graphical adjustment, it is strangely unstable on the Steam Deck, which is unfortunate.”
“The only thing that carries this game is graphics, but that's not enough to save it.”
“The graphics do not justify the gameplay.”
- gameplay234 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Backrooms: Escape Together" is a mixed bag, with many players praising its stunning visuals and unique mechanics that enhance the cooperative experience. However, criticisms arise regarding the lack of content, repetitive elements, and sections devoid of engaging gameplay, leading to a sense of tedium in exploration. While some levels offer thrilling moments and clever puzzles, others feel like simple mazes with minimal challenge, leaving players wanting more depth and variety.
“The multiplayer works very well and the gameplay is amazing.”
“What really stood out to me though was how solid the game mechanics were.”
“The pacing, visuals, sound design, and mechanic design was everything I could have wanted.”
“Half of the levels don't have any monsters in them and are just glorified (and simple) mazes with no real gameplay except for wandering around until you find the exit (and some pitiful excuses for 'puzzles').”
“The gameplay itself is simply not fun to experience.”
“Whenever this happens the massive map size and lack of distinction adds to the tedium creating a gameplay loop that I can only describe as the antithesis of enjoyment.”
- atmosphere94 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and unsettling qualities, effectively capturing the eerie essence of the "backrooms" concept. Players commend the exceptional graphics, sound design, and unique level designs that enhance the overall experience, creating a sense of dread and paranoia without relying on cheap jump scares. The attention to detail and the game's ability to evoke feelings of isolation and tension contribute to its status as a standout title in atmospheric horror gaming.
“The atmosphere of each level captured that off-putting feeling of liminal spaces that the backrooms is really about.”
“The attention to detail and immersive visuals create an eerie atmosphere that is both unsettling and exciting at the same time.”
“There are no cheap jump scares, just a consistent, deeply unsettling atmosphere that keeps you on edge.”
“From the moment you step into the unsettling labyrinth of the backrooms, the atmosphere grips you with its eerie, unsettling ambiance.”
“The oppressive, fluorescent-lit atmosphere makes every corner feel like a potential trap, and the maze-like layout ensures that it’s easy to get lost.”
- story63 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely criticized for being nonexistent or poorly developed, with many players noting a lack of meaningful quests and lore. While some appreciate the graphics and gameplay, they express a desire for a more coherent narrative and engaging missions. Overall, the consensus is that the game feels random and lacks a compelling storyline, making it less worthwhile for players seeking a rich narrative experience.
“I am extremely excited to see how the backrooms story will continue to be incorporated into the game: things like async, their various facilities, as well as other parts of the complex like the office areas, and street (from the films).”
“For 2 developers and it only costing 8 dollars, it's probably the best game on the market: fantastic graphics, good storyline, amazing jumpscares, and levels changing every time you die. I would vote this game for game of the year.”
“Very realistic, but very short story 8/10.”
“I mean the game doesn't really have a story, and it doesn't really make sense; just random stuff happens and it's not even that scary.”
“Game has pointless harmless monsters that exist only to annoy; quest descriptions are too sparse to be helpful.”
“If their new levels coming soon are the exact same levels and missions as Escape the Backrooms, then it just confirms this is a copy with better graphics.”
- humor56 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, particularly when played with friends, leading to moments of laughter amidst the scares. Players enjoy the quirky interactions, especially through proximity chat, which enhances the comedic experience. Overall, the game is described as a hilarious blend of horror and humor, making it a fun choice for cooperative play.
“The proximity chat is fantastic; hearing my friends singing or screaming in the distance definitely made me laugh.”
“The last level had me on the floor laughing.”
“Who knew survival could be this hilarious?”
- grinding31 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 42 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and time-consuming, with many players feeling that it detracts from the overall experience. While some find the grinding rewarding, the repetitive nature of objectives and puzzles often leads to frustration, particularly in later levels. Overall, the consensus suggests that the game requires a significant investment of time for minimal payoff.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Most of these objectives feel tedious instead of challenging, which was a bit of a disappointment.”
“This game was very cool for the first half, but once I got to around level 4, it stopped being creepy and fun and just became tedious.”
“This game has at most 25-30 minutes of playtime max (even the gameplay is tedious).”
- stability22 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- -9 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
The game is plagued by numerous bugs and glitches, significantly impacting stability and gameplay experience. While some players still find enjoyment in the game, many report frustrating issues with AI behavior, level mechanics, and overall performance, leading to a perception of it being an unfinished product. Despite updates, the stability concerns remain prevalent, leaving players disappointed with the current state of the game.
“We ran into no glitches while playing, even with some internet drop issues.”
“The game maintained a smooth performance throughout, with no crashes or bugs.”
“I was impressed by how stable the game felt, even during intense action sequences.”
“This game is currently (edit: still) extremely buggy.”
“Update: 6 months later and an update that releases two new levels that I cannot even play because the ones before are littered with bugs and glitches.”
“What once appeared to be a promising new depiction of the backrooms genre will likely forever exist as an uninspired, buggy mess that's devoid of any actually enjoyable gameplay.”
- replayability16 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The game features strong replayability due to its procedurally generated levels and dynamic design, which keep gameplay fresh and unpredictable. While many players appreciate the random tasks and challenges that enhance replay value, some express concerns that once familiar with the entities and puzzles, the experience may diminish, leading to a more speedrun-focused approach. Overall, the combination of randomization and engaging gameplay elements contributes positively to its replayability.
“This dynamic design keeps the gameplay fresh and unpredictable, adding layers of replayability that are sure to keep players coming back for more.”
“The fact that it randomly generates the levels really gives it some replayability and keeps the game fresh and challenging.”
“Not only does it have replayability with the random tasks and generated maps, but it is also very fun.”
“Sadly, the game has no replayability currently as once you know all the entities/puzzles, the thrill is taken out of the game and the game becomes more of a speedrun than the initial paranoia-filled hunt to find an escape route.”
“I feel that there needs to be a better balance between the amount of levels and content within them to have a longer, better, replayable experience.”
“The random generating of levels is a big plus for replayability and more tension of the unknown layout of each game.”
- optimization12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed feedback; while many players praise its smooth performance and lack of bugs, some express that it still requires significant improvements. Notably, developers have made strides in enhancing optimization over time, contributing to a more polished experience. However, a few users feel that the game remains under-optimized, particularly given its short length.
“It is very optimized; everything is working as intended. During my playthrough, we didn't encounter any bugs whatsoever.”
“An interesting game with nice graphics and good optimization.”
“This is a very good experience and also well optimized.”
“Short game, not worth it; the game needs heavy optimization.”
“I was very disappointed at first, but over a year's time, there's been a lot of content and optimization added.”
“Some things that I think are great signs from a developer, beyond content updates, are if they include performance updates.”
- music10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game is polarizing; while some players appreciate the eerie soundscapes and ambient effects that enhance the unsettling atmosphere, others find the lack of music in certain levels, particularly Level 6, to be monotonous and dull. The background music during tense moments, such as when being chased, is noted for adding stress, but overall, the absence of a consistent musical score can lead to feelings of drowsiness in single-player experiences.
“Stressful background music when the bacteria is chasing you.”
“My friend played the Goofy Movie Powerline song to the end of the game with us running away, and it was perfect!”
“The game is designed to be dark, eerie, and unsettling, with creepy sound effects and music that add to the overall sense of dread.”
“The lack of music also adds to the realism of the experience, with the only sounds you hear being the ambient noises of the environment and the occasional, spine-chilling cues that hint at the presence of something sinister.”
“- stressful background music when the bacteria is chasing you”
- monetization8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players initially expecting a cash grab but ultimately finding it to be of high quality. However, others feel that it falls short and resembles a quick cash grab, lacking the depth and innovation seen in better interactive backroom games. Overall, opinions vary on whether the game successfully justifies its monetization strategy.
“Seems to just be a quick cash grab, which is a shame, because this game certainly had potential to be really good.”
“There are better interactive backroom games out there and this just feels like someone jumping on a bandwagon for a quick cash grab.”
“This game remembers to be a good co-op horror game instead of a schlocky backrooms cash grab.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report a strong emotional impact, with experiences that evoke deep feelings of fear and sadness, particularly during intense chase sequences. The game's ability to elicit such profound reactions highlights its effectiveness in creating an immersive and emotionally charged atmosphere.
“Made me cry on the inside getting chased.”
