The Backrooms 1998 - Found Footage Survival Horror Game similar games & best alternatives
The Backrooms 1998 - Found Footage Survival Horror Game
2025
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Quick resume
The Backrooms: 1998 is a first-person found footage psychological horror survival game where it tells the story of a young teen after accidentally falling into the depths of The Backrooms in 1998. Roam freely, mark, explore and try unravel the story - however you are not alone. Don't scream.
Global score
85/100
Genres
Action, Adventure, Indie, Simulator
Pros
- Strong horror atmosphere and tension
- Effective jump scares and sound design
- Unique microphone noise mechanic
- Engaging story with plot twist
- Well-crafted found footage visual style
Cons
- Frequent and repetitive jump scares can be annoying
- Short game length with limited content
- Some bugs affecting saves and item pickups
- Limited replay value and exploration variety
- Occasional control and performance issues
Motivations
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Autonomy3
"Players have freedom to explore the maze-like environment and choose how to approach stealth and item collection, though some scripted sequences and jump scares limit full control."
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Competence2
"Game involves some skill in stealth, hiding, and managing noise to avoid the monster, but overall gameplay is straightforward and accessible."
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Competition-5
"No evidence of competitive elements; focus is on solo survival and personal experience."
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Continuation1
"Players report short play sessions with some replay interest due to story and scares, but limited content and bugs reduce long-term engagement."
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Cooperation-5
"Entirely single-player experience with no cooperative gameplay."
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Creativity2
"Allows some creative expression such as spray painting on walls and player-driven exploration, but within a fixed environment and objectives."
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Domination-5
"No social dominance or power over others; solo survival focus."
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Escapism4
"Strong immersion in a tense, scary atmosphere provides escape from reality and stress relief through horror experience."
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Expectation-3
"Players engage voluntarily out of interest in horror and backrooms lore, not due to obligation or external pressure."
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Experimenting1
"Some exploration and experimentation with stealth and microphone mechanics, but largely follows established survival horror routines."
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Exploration4
"Game emphasizes navigating maze-like, unfamiliar environments with item hunting and discovery."
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Expression2
"Spray paint feature allows some personal expression, though limited customization overall."
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Fantasy4
"Strongly rooted in imaginative horror fiction and surreal backrooms mythology, with supernatural elements."
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Fellowship-5
"No social or community gameplay elements; solo experience."
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Growth1
"Some learning curve in stealth and puzzle solving, but limited depth for long-term skill development."
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Health-5
"No physical activity involved; sedentary gameplay."
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Idle-3
"Requires focused attention due to tension and stealth mechanics; not suitable for casual or background play."
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Intimacy-5
"No social or emotional relationship building; solitary gameplay."
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Leadership-5
"No leadership or group management roles."
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Progression3
"Progression through collecting items and advancing story, though limited by short game length."
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Relaxation-4
"Sustained tension and anxiety dominate; game is designed to induce fear rather than relaxation."
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Sensation4
"Strong sensory stimulation through eerie visuals, audio effects, and jump scares."
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Status-5
"No social recognition or status systems."
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Story3
"Narrative immersion with a disturbing story and plot twist, though some players find it limited or confusing."
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Strategy2
"Requires some planning and problem solving to avoid monster and find items, but overall straightforward."
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Thrill5
"High suspense and thrill from jump scares, monster encounters, and tense atmosphere."
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Value1
"Generally considered worth the price for a short, well-made horror experience, though some feel content is limited."
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Violence3
"Includes horror violence and monster threat, though no player combat; emphasis on survival from hostile entity."
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Survival4
"Core gameplay revolves around avoiding monster, managing stealth and noise to survive."
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Last update: 06/03/2026