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.
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.
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.
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?