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The Backrooms 1998 - Found Footage Survival Horror Game

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 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

  • Autonomy
    3

    "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."

  • Competence
    2

    "Game involves some skill in stealth, hiding, and managing noise to avoid the monster, but overall gameplay is straightforward and accessible."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No evidence of competitive elements; focus is on solo survival and personal experience."

  • Continuation
    1

    "Players report short play sessions with some replay interest due to story and scares, but limited content and bugs reduce long-term engagement."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience with no cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Allows some creative expression such as spray painting on walls and player-driven exploration, but within a fixed environment and objectives."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power over others; solo survival focus."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strong immersion in a tense, scary atmosphere provides escape from reality and stress relief through horror experience."

  • Expectation
    -3

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in horror and backrooms lore, not due to obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    1

    "Some exploration and experimentation with stealth and microphone mechanics, but largely follows established survival horror routines."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Game emphasizes navigating maze-like, unfamiliar environments with item hunting and discovery."

  • Expression
    2

    "Spray paint feature allows some personal expression, though limited customization overall."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Strongly rooted in imaginative horror fiction and surreal backrooms mythology, with supernatural elements."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community gameplay elements; solo experience."

  • Growth
    1

    "Some learning curve in stealth and puzzle solving, but limited depth for long-term skill development."

  • Health
    -5

    "No physical activity involved; sedentary gameplay."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention due to tension and stealth mechanics; not suitable for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building; solitary gameplay."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles."

  • Progression
    3

    "Progression through collecting items and advancing story, though limited by short game length."

  • Relaxation
    -4

    "Sustained tension and anxiety dominate; game is designed to induce fear rather than relaxation."

  • Sensation
    4

    "Strong sensory stimulation through eerie visuals, audio effects, and jump scares."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems."

  • Story
    3

    "Narrative immersion with a disturbing story and plot twist, though some players find it limited or confusing."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Requires some planning and problem solving to avoid monster and find items, but overall straightforward."

  • Thrill
    5

    "High suspense and thrill from jump scares, monster encounters, and tense atmosphere."

  • Value
    1

    "Generally considered worth the price for a short, well-made horror experience, though some feel content is limited."

  • Violence
    3

    "Includes horror violence and monster threat, though no player combat; emphasis on survival from hostile entity."

  • Survival
    4

    "Core gameplay revolves around avoiding monster, managing stealth and noise to survive."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026