The Complex: Expedition

Developer: pgWave
Release: Jul 18th 2025
Platforms:
Action
Adventure
Simulation
Atmospheric
Immersive
Realistic
Short
Buggy
The Complex: Expedition Poster

" Immersive action-adventure simulation with photorealistic horror and tension but very short length "

The Complex: Expedition Review

The Complex: Expedition is widely regarded as one of the most authentic and atmospheric Backrooms experiences on Steam, praised for its immersive sound design, realistic graphics, and faithful recreation of the eerie liminal spaces popularized by Kane Pixels. Players appreciate its unique approach to horror, relying on unsettling ambiance and subtle tension rather than jump scares or chases. The game leverages Unreal Engine 5 to deliver photorealistic environments enhanced by VHS camcorder effects, which deepen immersion.

However, the full release has drawn criticism for being short—often completable in under two hours—and for removing content present in the early access version. Some players found the gameplay linear with repetitive areas and dead ends, while others noted bugs, performance issues, and missing quality-of-life features like key remapping and audio options. Despite these drawbacks, the game is celebrated for its innovative sound design, faithful atmosphere, and emotional impact, making it a standout walking simulator for fans of liminal horror and exploration.

Highlights

The game's standout features include its exceptional atmosphere that perfectly captures the unsettling essence of the Backrooms, supported by detailed soundscapes and realistic breathing and camera effects.

Its photorealistic graphics and use of Unreal Engine 5 lighting create immersive, haunting environments that feel both believable and eerie. The VHS camcorder filter adds an authentic analog horror vibe.

Players also praise the subtle horror approach, avoiding cheap jump scares, and the game's ability to evoke genuine tension and paranoia. The multiple endings and exploratory gameplay, though brief, offer replay value for fans of the genre.

Criticisms

Several reviewers expressed disappointment with the short duration and limited content compared to the early access version, with some areas and features removed. The game is often described as a walking simulator with minimal interactivity and linear progression, leading to repetitive exploration and dead ends.

Technical issues such as bugs, frame drops, lighting glitches, level pop-in, and lack of optimization were reported. Missing quality-of-life options like key rebinding, audio controls, and subtitles detract from the experience. Some players also found the character's camera shake and breathing sounds distracting, and the absence of a tangible threat or monster diminished the horror impact for certain audiences.

Pros

  • Immersive sound design enhances the eerie atmosphere and tension throughout the game.
  • Photorealistic graphics and lighting create hauntingly believable liminal spaces.
  • VHS camcorder effects add authentic analog horror aesthetic and immersion.
  • Subtle horror approach avoids cheap jump scares, relying on suspense and paranoia.
  • Faithful adaptation of Backrooms lore and ambiance inspired by Kane Pixels.
  • Multiple endings provide some replayability despite the short length.
  • Smooth and realistic character movement and camera effects deepen immersion.

Cons

  • Game length is very short, often completable in under two hours.
  • Full release removed content present in early access, disappointing some fans.
  • Linear and repetitive level design with many dead ends and loops.
  • Technical issues include bugs, frame drops, lighting glitches, and pop-in.
  • Lack of key rebinding, audio options, and subtitles limits accessibility.
  • Character camera shake and breathing sounds can be distracting or cause discomfort.
  • No real monster or threat reduces horror impact for some players.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

When a routine expedition into The Complex goes horribly wrong, you're left alone and lost, wandering the seemingly infinite maze of hallways, otherwise known as the Backrooms. Might there be something following you?

Release Date Jul 18th 2025
Publisher pgWave
Developer pgWave
Platforms

User Reviews

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