BACK*SPACE

From the Devs

Why do you keep searching?

BACK*SPACE is a liminal space exploration game that focuses on the aesthetic of liminal spaces.  The player finds themselves suddenly thrown into a strange new place, consisting of empty corridors, forgotten rooms, strange pools, and surreal architecture.  Can you find a way out of this place?  Or, do you want to stay a little longer?

How long will you stay?

BACK*SPACE is uncanny, but still somehow feels comfortable and inviting.  Nothing is chasing you, there are no entities, no threats of danger.  Explore a little while you are here, and see what you might find.  Search at your own pace.

Where is this place?

BACK*SPACE consists of 16 unique levels, each with varying themes.  8 levels feel like forgotten offices, malls, and rooms, and smell of moist carpet and molding wallpaper.  8 levels feel like poolrooms, and lure you in with calm waters.  These levels are inspired by backrooms lore, and feature some familiar takes, and some maybe less familiar.  A wanderer can explore any level at any time, and does not have to progress in any linear order.  These rooms are confusing and somewhat maze-like, but the way out is still reachable, if you really want to leave...

After an introductory level, wanderers find themselves in a home ‘Hub’ of sorts, that connects to each of these 16 levels.  But also, one final Exit elevator in this room is found, glowing in the light of a mass of television screens.  Is this the way out?  Do you want to leave?  You are welcome to stay as long as you like…

What do you keep finding?

Each main level has a VHS tape hidden somewhere in its rooms.  This tape can show up in different places each time a wanderer visits, encouraging the wanderer to explore and look a little more closely.  Some objects are decoys.  Audio cues throughout a level may appear, trying to lead you on your exploration, maybe towards your tape, maybe towards the way out.  Sometimes, a tape may be more tucked away and difficult to find, but, a wanderer only needs to find a VHS tape if they truly wish to move on from this place.  16 tapes, 16 screens…

Each found tape will show up at Home in the collection, and finding a tape will also enable a signal that the tape has been found in its level, but you could return for a wander if you wish.

Some levels are more maze-like while others are a bit more linear in nature, but in all of them you will start to feel your state of mind aligning with the level’s namesake. Many rooms are dark, but your flashlight will help. An explorer that feels trapped can save/reload and would restart at the beginning of the current level.  Remember, the VHS tapes are not required to unlock anything except the Hub Exit.  There are no active entities or monsters in this game to pressure your exploration (although there are a few spooky moments scattered throughout), your player is never in any real danger.  Your exploration, and your findings, are entirely up to you.

Are you watching closely?

BACK*SPACE features multiple options to adapt the visual experience.  It begins with a heavy analog/VHS look, but multiple VHS effects can be removed in game options if a clean look is desired.  This is meant to help with wanderers who may be sensitive to motion sickness.

Other options include disabling head-bob effects, use-icon effects, footstep sounds,  look sensitivity, and audio disable.

Some areas utilize some flickering fluorescent lights. It is not particularly extreme by any means, but users with photosensitivity should proceed with caution.

BACK*SPACE features a manual save ability, so wanderers can continue wandering at a later time.  3 save slots are usable.  Saving will store tapes found, time played, and current level.  Saving once you return Home is recommended, to make venturing forth easier.

BACK*SPACE can be played with either keyboard/mouse or XBOX controller.

There is no music currently in BACK*SPACE.  This is intended to draw the wanderers focus to the visual aspect, however, it also enables a wanderer to turn on their own liminal playlist if they desire.

Is this what you want?

BACK*SPACE features a free demo.  The demo includes 2 of the 16 main levels, one ‘room’ style, one ‘pool’ style, along with the intro and hub rooms.  The demo shows the true BACK*SPACE experience, just not all the levels are reachable.  Wanderers are encouraged to ‘try before you buy’ to see if this liminal walking sim is something they would enjoy.

The demo should provide about 2-3 hours of liminal exploration.  The full game can provide 20+ hours of exploration to a dedicated explorer, but, generally speaking, the average wanderer might get 10-12 hours on a single playthrough.  New playthroughs may place the VHS tapes in different locations, and thus lead explorers to different rooms a second time around.

BACK*SPACE is built in UE5, using Lumen technology.  Lumen seems to have issues sometimes with certain graphics cards.  It is Highly Encouraged that a wanderer try the demo first if there is concern with maybe some older hardware.  Many UE5 pre-made assets have been used in this game, credits for in-game assets can be found in-game upon completion and reaching the Hub Exit.  No AI was used in the making of BACK*SPACE.

Features Summary

-16 levels of liminal exploration

-search for VHS at your own pace

-no entities or monsters

-Visual and Gameplay options

-3 Save Slots