The Backrooms: Survival

The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that it appears rough and in early development, often comparing it unfavorably to older graphics styles. While some appreciate the nostalgic PS1 and VHS aesthetics, others find them detracting from the overall experience, citing issues like poor textures and visibility problems. Overall, there is a consensus that significant improvements are needed to enhance the visual quality and polish of the game.

The atmosphere of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its immersive and genuinely creepy design, enhanced by effective ambient sounds that heighten tension and paranoia. However, others criticize the reliance on loud jump scares and chaotic monster behavior, arguing that these elements detract from the intended liminal space experience. Overall, while many find the atmosphere to be a standout feature, there are calls for improvements in audio design to maintain immersion.

The game's stability is notably inconsistent, with many players reporting significant bugs, particularly in multiplayer mode, including frequent disconnections, entity visibility issues, and glitches affecting gameplay mechanics. While single-player experiences are generally more stable, the multiplayer aspect suffers from synchronization problems and various janky elements. Despite these issues, players find the game enjoyable and addictive, especially with friends, and appreciate the frequent updates aimed at improving stability.

The humor in the game is primarily experienced in multiplayer mode, where players find themselves laughing at the absurdity of the situations, such as encountering bizarre entities and poorly designed elements. While the single-player experience lacks the same comedic appeal, the chaotic interactions and unexpected bugs in multiplayer lead to a hilariously entertaining time with friends. Overall, the game successfully blends humor with horror, especially when played in a group setting.

The game's story aspect is polarizing; while some players appreciate the engaging narrative and soundtrack, others note the lack of a significant storyline, likening it to many other backrooms games that prioritize free play and frequent updates over a structured plot. Overall, the absence of a compelling story is seen as a drawback by some, while others enjoy the gameplay regardless.

The game offers significant replayability due to its randomized playthroughs and unique level designs, ensuring that each run feels distinct and challenging. Players appreciate the rogue-like elements and the variety of character classes, which enhance immersion and encourage multiple playthroughs. Overall, the combination of RNG and diverse gameplay mechanics contributes to a high replay value, making it a compelling experience for fans of the genre.

The music in the game has received mixed feedback; while some players appreciate the option to adjust jumpscare and chase sounds for sensitive ears, others find the circus level's looping music to be jarring and poorly executed. Many recommend enhancing the experience with dark ambient music, and there are calls for more atmospheric soundscapes like mallsoft or vaporwave to better fit the game's aesthetic. Overall, the soundtrack is praised for its quality, but there are suggestions for improvement in specific areas.

Players report that grinding in the game can feel rewarding, but it often becomes tedious and repetitive due to similar level designs and enemy encounters. Many find the experience frustrating, as the initial creepiness of monsters quickly turns into annoyance, leading to a sense of boredom and irritation. Overall, while some appreciate the grind, others feel it detracts from the enjoyment of the game.

The game's optimization is a significant concern among players, with many experiencing severe lag and high GPU utilization even on low settings. Reviewers emphasize the need for an optimization overhaul before introducing new content, as current performance issues detract from the overall experience. Many believe that addressing these optimization problems should be the developer's top priority to ensure smoother gameplay.

Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, highlighting moments of vulnerability and sadness, particularly in response to unexpected events like the "exploding pipes." The experience is so impactful that some users feel they need to take a break from the game, especially when playing alone.