Don’t ask me why, but I’ve gotten interested in watching people go through liminal spaces. We used to call these mazes.
It started last year when I was introduced to The Backrooms. The Backrooms is a concept started in 2019 as a Creepypasta challenge on social media to post unsettling images that seemed off. Someone posted an image set in an empty hotel type space. The image was described as having buzzing flickering fluorescent lights, mildewing carpet, and stained yellow wallpaper. This description brought in sound and smell to go along with the visual.
The idea exploded. Within days it went from a single CGI to stories and videos. People all over the world began creating their own versions of spaces with endless hallways, rooms, and levels. Sometimes there was a monster. This idea then expanded into endless forests, indoor pools, malls and retail spaces. While in the Backrooms one has several choices. Which door to go through. What staircase to encounter. Do you go into that dark tunnel or wade through water?
The one I watched the other night is called Pools. It took place in a vast area that included countless hallways, pools, mall spaces, steam rooms, lobbies, and creepy statues. I watched as the player swam through water inhabited by huge rubber ducks, climbed steel ladders, and tried to get to the last and outer level: which he did. I don’t want to tell you how long I sat there in fascination. I sketched and munched dinner while watching, so I was doing other things.
What I love about these games are the beautiful scapes. Back in my college days I played MYST. I often paused to look at the beautiful scenery and listen to the music before moving on with whatever task the game had for me. It was the same here. The game developers create breathtaking scenes that one just loves to take in before moving on.
It is so much fun to go on this joyride with these online players. I haven’t played these types of games myself yet. I just found out about this particular type. These newer games don’t have monsters chasing you, but are nonetheless eerie. It is unsettling to be in a maze. Your self preservation kicks in, and all you want to do is find a way out.
I may certainly watch one or two more of these, and maybe play one myself. You can play them more than once, and make different choices. Some of these beautiful scenes would make great wallpaper.
