The horror genre has undergone numerous changes, but no one can deny the significant impact the Backrooms subgenre has had on horror as a whole. Backrooms Level X, developed and published by Firenut Games, is another attempt to leave a mark on the horror genre legacy. Sadly, it falls a bit short, though. Let’s talk about it.

The game begins in what can only be described as some sort of science lab or factory, where you’re tasked with entering a new area of the Backrooms to uncover what lies within and whether it can be exploited for human benefit. Like turning it into a resort, I kid you not. However, you quickly come to realise there’s nothing to exploit, and that someone or something is watching you.

Unfortunately, the game’s sense of threat never feels serious. The jump scares rely on low-quality PNG images that are more aimed at scaring children than providing proper scares. Traditional cat-and-mouse horror-style sequences become tedious as the enemy AI unfairly sees you through walls, making these sections more of a chore than a source of tension.

The overall gameplay has you navigating maze-like Backrooms structures, whilst the constant hum of fluorescent lights flickers above. I wanted the game to build up this odd, eerily familiar atmosphere more, but instead, you spend so little time in each area that it feels like you’re unintentionally rushing through.

The longer maze sections also feel quite empty, aside from some later areas where shifting hallways require some problem-solving button puzzles, rewarding you with new paths. It’s hard not to wonder why the game didn’t lean more into these ideas instead of including sections that feel mostly pointless. 

The game provides a variety of areas, including the classic Backroom-style locations. You’ve got the familiar yellow office spaces, the pool rooms, and even an indoor apartment complex. These settings work well, and there’s really no reason for the game to stray away from them.

Audio quality is crucial in any game, but none more so than horror. I briefly mentioned the humming lights, but other than that, the directional sound design is quite confusing. Creatures that sound like they’re right next to you are nowhere to be found, only for you to stumble upon them later. There’s also a small amount of voice acting, which is fine, but ultimately unremarkable.

Visually, Backrooms Level X definitely has the look and feel of an indie game, and I never found myself questioning it. There were some nice added extras, like fog effects in the pool section. The only real misstep is the blood pool, which ends up looking more like cotton candy than actual bloody water. But, again, it’s an indie game, so you have to accept it for what it is.

Overall, Backrooms Level X is a basic horror game with cheap scares that don’t land and pacing that feels off throughout. The classic Backrooms locations are enjoyable, but that’s about where the positives end. Please, for the love of God, let me escape. 

Written by: Dylan Kocins