This week marks the theatrical debut of A24’s adaptation of The Backrooms, a release that many anticipated would spark a flurry of new Backrooms-themed video games on Steam. However, the reality is quite different, with only four new titles making their way to the platform. For those who have been following the Backrooms phenomenon, it’s no surprise that a search for “Backrooms” on Steam yields over 500 results. While many of these are tagged as “coming soon” and may never see the light of day, sorting by user reviews reveals 225 titles that have been released, with an estimated 150 of those being legitimate playable games.
In addition to the Steam offerings, Backrooms adaptations have also proliferated across platforms like Roblox and Itch, leading to a diverse array of experiences. Among the latest entries are:
- Backrooms Cats and Lava – A quirky 2D puzzler featuring a cat navigating a lava-filled environment.
- Backroom Warfare II – A military shooter set in the Backrooms universe, despite the absence of a first installment.
- Chained in the Backrooms – A cooperative game where players, as teddy bears, must navigate while chained together.
- Backrooms Santa – A festive twist where players must evade an evil Santa Claus lurking in the hallways.
- Skibidi Gyatrooms – A surreal experience filled with bizarre elements and first-person smoking.
With such a plethora of adaptations, discerning which titles are genuinely worth playing can be challenging, especially for casual gamers who may not be well-versed in the Steam ecosystem. Many games share similar aesthetics, making it easy to inadvertently select a low-effort title. For those seeking quality, Escape the Backrooms stands out as a popular choice. This first-person, co-op adventure invites players to navigate a seemingly endless maze of yellow hallways, featuring levels inspired by other well-known “liminal spaces,” such as suburban neighborhoods and swimming pools. Another co-op option, Inside the Backrooms, leans into puzzle-solving, incorporating AI-generated artwork within its environment.
For single-player enthusiasts, The Complex: Expedition is highly recommended. While it takes some liberties with established Backrooms lore, it offers an engaging atmosphere that resonates with fans of the film. Additionally, Within the Backrooms has garnered positive feedback for its nostalgic PS1-inspired aesthetic.
Last week’s Steam deep cuts
While the lack of curation on Steam often draws criticism, it is also what makes the platform uniquely appealing, filled with an eclectic mix of content. However, the current landscape of Backrooms games does indeed present a daunting challenge for players seeking quality experiences. A silver lining is the ongoing Backrooms-themed event hosted by publisher Secret Mode, which effectively filters out lesser titles, making it easier to find gems among the clutter.
In a related note, The Sims 4 is making waves with its early access build, receiving favorable reviews on Steam. Could this be the breakthrough that the game has been waiting for? Meanwhile, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is currently available at a 70% discount following a recent update, adding to its appeal. As for next week, anticipation builds around whether Mina the Hollower will make a notable appearance on the charts.
Steam review of the week
“The fact that if the snail touches you, the game is ‘bricked forever’ (unless you edit the files I’m assuming) and that one of the achievements is staying alive for an entire year, I’ll pass.” – Vex on Don’t Touch The Snail
