The Backrooms: Forsaken is a first-person horror walking simulator that draws from unsettling backrooms lore, placing players in an endless expanse of monotonous rooms filled with dread. This indie title blends elements of action, strategy, casual play, and adventure, all within a single-player framework on PC. You navigate through dimly lit, yellow-tinted hallways that stretch infinitely, encountering puzzles and eerie encounters that test your wits and nerves. With a runtime around two hours, it introduces a companion character to deepen the narrative, turning a simple exploration into a story-driven experience about survival and connection in a nightmarish realm.
Gameplay
In The Backrooms: Forsaken, the core experience revolves around first-person exploration of procedurally generated rooms that mimic abandoned office spaces, complete with flickering lights and distant hums. Players must solve mazes by finding hidden paths, collecting items, and piecing together clues to progress. Puzzle-solving forms a key mechanic, often requiring strategic thinking to avoid dead ends or lurking threats. The game includes moments of tension where you manage limited sprint capabilities, adding a layer of strategy to evasion. A companion character accompanies you, influencing decisions and unfolding a full story that explores themes of isolation and relationships amid the horror.
Controls emphasize immersion, with toggle sprint options that players have noted as a positive feature, though some wish for unlimited stamina to ease navigation. Scary moments arise from sudden sounds or visual distortions, creating an atmosphere of constant unease without relying on constant jump scares. This setup suits those who prefer thoughtful progression over fast-paced action, making it accessible for casual sessions.
Game Modes
The game focuses exclusively on a single-player campaign mode, where you embark on a linear yet branching journey through the backrooms. This mode delivers the complete two-hour story, incorporating all puzzle and maze elements into one cohesive experience. No additional modes like multiplayer or endless survival are available, keeping the emphasis on the narrative-driven adventure.
Story and Atmosphere
The narrative in The Backrooms: Forsaken builds on the companion dynamic, weaving a tale of romance and mystery as you uncover secrets in the forsaken dimension. The atmosphere relies on immersive sound design and visuals that evoke a sense of endless limbo, with strategic gameplay moments that heighten the stakes during key encounters.
Players encounter chilling scenarios that blend horror with puzzle elements, encouraging repeated playthroughs to fully grasp the story's nuances.
Is It Worth Playing?
For fans of horror walking simulators and backrooms lore, The Backrooms: Forsaken offers an entertaining experience that stands out among similar titles. Player feedback highlights its fun factor and positive reception as one of the better entries in the genre, with a demo available for those wanting to try before committing. It receives praise for its eerie situations and strategic puzzle-solving, though some note minor issues like sprint limitations. If you enjoy short, story-focused games with maze navigation and a spooky vibe, this title provides solid value, especially during themed gaming seasons. However, if you seek longer campaigns or multiplayer options, it might feel brief. Overall, it's a worthwhile pick for casual horror enthusiasts looking for a quick, atmospheric dive.
