The Complex: Expedition: A Journey Through the Backrooms of Your Mind
Where the atmosphere is thick, but the story is thin
Launch Day Larry
Welcome, fellow adventurers, to the eerie and enigmatic world of The Complex: Expedition. A game that promises to take you on a journey through the infamous Backrooms, where reality is as slippery as a bar of soap in a haunted shower. But does it deliver on its spooky promises, or does it leave you feeling like you’ve just wandered through a particularly unsettling IKEA? Let’s dive in.
Gameplay: A Walk in the Park… If the Park Were Haunted
The gameplay of The Complex: Expedition is a curious blend of atmospheric immersion and straightforward mechanics. It’s like a haunted house tour where the guide forgot to show up, leaving you to figure out the scares on your own. The game excels in creating a spooky environment, with sound design and visuals that make you feel like you’re exploring a liminal space between reality and a fever dream.
However, the control scheme seems to have been designed by someone who enjoys watching players fumble in the dark. With “F” for interaction and “Spacebar” for the flashlight, it’s as if the controls were put together by a committee of mischievous ghosts. The lack of guidance means you’ll spend the first few minutes of the game wondering if you’re playing a horror game or a keyboard puzzle.
Despite these quirks, the gameplay is simple and effective, perfect for those who prefer their horror without the heart-stopping jump scares. The user interface is a breeze to navigate, and the potential for a co-op mode in future updates is an exciting prospect. Just be prepared for a gameplay loop that might feel as repetitive as a ghost story told one too many times.
Graphics: Eye Candy That Might Just Melt Your PC
If there’s one area where The Complex: Expedition truly shines, it’s the graphics. Described by some as “better than real life,” the visuals are so immersive that you might start questioning your own reality. The game’s photorealistic quality, combined with an old VHS aesthetic, creates a nostalgic yet stunning experience that could make even the most jaded gamer do a double-take.
The lighting effects are particularly noteworthy, adding layers of depth and realism that make the environments feel alive. However, these high-quality graphics come with a price—your hardware might need a serious upgrade to keep up. Lowering settings can impact the visual quality, so if your PC isn’t up to snuff, you might find yourself staring at a slideshow instead of a game.
Story: A Tale as Old as Time… Or Maybe Just as Short
The story of The Complex: Expedition starts with an intriguing premise: you’re part of a research team exploring the mysterious Backrooms. It’s a setup that promises depth and intrigue, much like the opening of a Telltale game. But as you delve deeper, the narrative quickly loses steam, leaving you with a plot that’s as thin as a ghost’s whisper.
While the environments themselves act as characters, guiding and disorienting you, the lack of NPCs and meaningful interactions leaves the story feeling unfinished. It’s like reading a mystery novel where the last few chapters are missing. Players are left yearning for more depth, more twists, and perhaps a few more pages to the story.
Final Verdict
The Complex: Expedition is a game that excels in atmosphere and visuals, offering a hauntingly beautiful experience that will captivate fans of liminal spaces. However, its unconventional controls and lack of narrative depth may leave some players feeling like they’ve wandered into a maze with no exit. If you’re looking for a game that prioritizes mood over mechanics, this might just be your cup of spectral tea.
Score: 6.5/10