As with most Backrooms games, the demo of Backrooms Level X beckons players into its labyrinthine depths, promising an experience that treads the line between psychological horror and environmental puzzle-solving. Does it succeed in capturing the unsettling essence of its source material, or does it merely echo the familiar tropes of the genre? Can the stark, lonely corridors truly hold a compelling narrative, or will they simply lead to a dead end of existential dread? Read on to find out!

Echoes in the Emptiness

The demo of Backrooms Level X presents a solitary experience, placing the player within the confines of a meticulously recreated section of the titular level. Gameplay focuses heavily on exploration and environmental interaction. Players navigate the labyrinth, searching for clues and attempting to decipher the cryptic messages left behind. The narrative, as presented in the demo, is fragmented and atmospheric, relying on visual cues and subtle audio design to convey a sense of unease, with frequent sounds such as heavy sobbing being audible nearby. The demo contains at least one entity, and there is even a cameo that made me feel as if I had bumped into an old (creepy), puppet-y friend.

The Machinery of Solitude

The mechanics are straightforward, emphasising immersion and exploration. The controls are basic, allowing you to navigate via basic controls, and you have access to a torch (flashlight). The demo includes a basic inventory system, allowing players to collect and store key items. The main, core mechanic of Backrooms Level X is navigating your way to the exit, which requires you to observe your maze-like surroundings and deduce the correct path to take. (Admittedly, it did indeed take me an utterly ridiculous amount of time to find my way out, which is entirely my fault and mine alone!)

Visual and Auditory Hallucinations

It is immediately clear to see that Backrooms Level X is supposed to be experienced as if watching on a battered old VHS tape (for those of you who were born this century, Google “VHS tapes”). The graphics are deliberately minimalist, capturing the sterile, unsettling aesthetic of the Backrooms. Despite the low resolution, lighting and shadow effects are used effectively to create a sense of depth and unease.

The audio design is decent, with the majority of the game being relatively quiet, except for when the entity spots you – then the sudden burst of chase music almost causes your ears to bleed. The lack of music allows you to focus on the environment, amplifying the sense of isolation.

Conclusion

The Backrooms Level X demo offers a compelling glimpse into a world of unsettling familiarity. It succeeds in capturing the atmospheric essence of the Backrooms, delivering a psychological horror experience that relies on environmental storytelling and subtle audio design. While the demo’s linear structure and deliberate VHS-tape visuals may deter some, it still plays well and looks decent enough to be a worthwhile preview of the upcoming full release.

Grade: 7/10