Backrooms Break

In video gaming today, there is a pretty significant trend when it comes to games that can allow you to experience real-life ‘jobs’ and experiences through the medium of a video game. The latest addition to this is Backrooms Break, a title developed by Jan Jileček. This new game will put you in command of an environment which is 100% breakable. Work your way through a range of procedurally generated areas, where you fight your way through various enemies and bosses suing what you can get your hands on.

The main twist with Backrooms Break, though, is that you are not simply breaking down an environment peacefully. You are trying to escape a terrifying labyrinth filled with challenging enemies.

Everything is randomised, so there is a sense of freshness every time that you play this particular title. On top of that, each game that you play gives the chance for upgrades and improvements to your weapons, offering extra opportunity and the chance to eventually find your way out of these generated labyrinths. For fans of roguelike games that provide a very compelling reason to keep fighting, Backrooms Break looks like it has you covered.

Destruction That Remains Delightful

The first thing to note is that Backrooms Break provides a very diverse range of ways to have some fun. You will get various weapons throughout that allow you to smash through the labyrinths generated. In some ways, it might remind you of something Red Faction with the destroyable environments. However, the gameplay loop is more akin to typical roguelike games of today – each run ends in defeat, unless you escape, meaning that you go back to the very beginning each time.

The items and weapons that you get are very intriguing, from gravity hammers and weapons that can smash through enemies and environments alike. You will explore in a rather scary environment, with weird enemies lurking around every corner. With every room abandoned save for the enemies you run into, your job is to smash your way to the exit without being caught and killed by the enemies waiting for you.

You also get many other weapons, too, including firearms and melee weapons that you can use for maximum carnage. This includes smashing down pillars, using water to your advantage, and more. The construction physics are excellent, so you can watch as environments collapse around you. The enemies you face are terrifying in their own way, too, so each run can feel pretty diverse.

Randomised Chaos (8/10)

What we have seen and played of Backrooms Break so far provides a very compelling reason to keep playing. The eerie atmosphere and style is one thing, but the general theme and nature of the game is another. You will find yourself dealing with various environments that pose different threats and opportunities. On top of that, though, the enemies you face are scary and need you to be on your toes to deal with them. From humanoid freaks to shadowy floating figures, the enemy diversity is excellent.

Pros

• Excellent environmental destruction that provides more control than most competitor titles
• Outstanding attention to detail in the enemies, bosses, and weapons that you can use
• Tactical design paired with a rather eerie nature to keep everything tense throughout

Cons

• Fun at first, but might lack replayability once you have seen the weapons and enemies on offer