The Unique World of Exit 8
As the film Backrooms makes its way into cinemas, it’s not the only horror movie that explores the eerie concept of liminal spaces. A reader recently discovered a game that inspired the movie Exit 8, and decided to explore it for themselves.
I approached the experience in an unusual way. I first watched the Japanese horror film Exit 8 and only later learned that it was based on a video game. This led me to try out the game for myself.
The game Exit 8 begins without any fanfare or title screen. It is played from a first-person perspective, placing you in a white-tiled passageway. On the left side of the wall, there are six billboards, while three doors are located on the right. A yellow dividing line runs along the floor. On the other side of this line, a man in a light blue shirt carries a briefcase and walks calmly towards you. An overhead sign provides direction with an arrow pointing straight ahead for Exit 8. The only background sounds are footsteps and the faint buzz of electric lights.
Playing this game allows you to become familiar with every detail of the location described above. Exit 8 offers a well-rendered representation of the Tokyo subway system. It is primarily a walking simulator with basic controls, allowing you to look around, walk, and run. That’s about all you can do at first.
After completing three laps of the same passageway, the real game begins. You come across a new sign on the wall, which gives the following advice: “Don’t overlook any anomalies. If you find anomalies, turn back immediately. If you don’t find anomalies, do not turn back.”
Further along, there is another sign that reads Exit 0. After that, you return to the same bland thoroughfare you’ve already navigated three times. However, from this point on, you need to pay close attention to differences. Is the walking man behaving exactly as he did before? Have the advertisements for the dental clinic, dog salon, and photo exhibition changed in size or content? Any changes you spot along the passageway require you to turn back.
If you’ve been attentive and followed the Guide’s advice, the next time you see the Exit sign, the number on it will have increased. Overlooking a change or anomaly causes the Exit sign to reset to 0. Initially, starting over feels disappointing. However, as you progress to higher numbers, seeing Exit 0 after what you thought was a lengthy period of careful observation becomes heartbreaking.
Key Features of the Game
Exit 8 is a unique experience that combines elements of horror, mystery, and exploration. Here are some key features:
- Immersive Environment: The game creates a realistic and detailed setting that mimics the Tokyo subway system.
- Minimalist Gameplay: With simple controls and a focus on observation, players must navigate through repetitive environments while remaining vigilant for subtle changes.
- Narrative Depth: The game’s story is told through environmental cues and subtle hints, encouraging players to engage deeply with the world around them.
- Psychological Elements: The game plays on the player’s sense of paranoia and uncertainty, making each encounter feel tense and unpredictable.
Conclusion
The game Exit 8 offers a unique and thought-provoking experience that challenges players to pay attention to the smallest details. Its minimalist approach and focus on observation make it a standout title in the horror genre. Whether you’re a fan of the film or simply interested in exploring the world of liminal spaces, Exit 8 is definitely worth a try.
