Room 54 Review – Horde Survival: A Thrilling Survival Experience

Room 54 Review

Survive at Hordes of Creatures in this ‘Spin-Off’ modality of our Main Title – Room 54. Gear up, unlock new weapons / abilities and fight!

Room 54 Review – Horde Survival

Room 54 Review - Loading Screen
Source: Esportnesia

As a fan of survival horror games, I’m always on the lookout for new adrenaline-pumping experiences.

This time, I tried “Room 54 – Horde Survival,” a spin-off of the original “Room 54” survival horror game first released in 2021. Developed by IK Interactive, the game recently introduced the Horde Survival mode on February 15, 2025.

In this new mode, rather than focusing on investigation and exploration like the original version, “Horde Survival” places us in a survival situation, battling endless waves of mysterious creatures.

With a stronger emphasis on action, this mode offers a different experience for players seeking an intense survival challenge.

The author will review Room 54 – Horde Survival based on gameplay, user experience, graphics, and audio in this article, so stay tuned!

System Requirements

Before diving in further, let’s take a look at the system requirements needed to play this game:

Minimum:

  • OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-7500 / AMD Ryzen 5 1600
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 580
  • Storage: 20 GB
  • DirectX: Version 11

Recommended:

  • OS: Windows 11 (64-bit)
  • Processor: Intel Core i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
  • RAM: 16 GB
  • GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 / AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
  • Storage: 20 GB SSD
  • DirectX: Version 12

Overall, these specifications are fairly standard for games with substantial graphical elements. For a smoother experience with higher frame rates, the recommended specifications are the best choice.

First Impression: Tension from the Start

Room 54 Review - First Impression
Source: Esportnesia

As soon as you enter the game, the tense atmosphere is immediately palpable. No lengthy tutorials, no excessive hints—just you, limited starting weapons, and increasingly brutal waves of enemies.

The level design is simple yet effective in creating a sense of isolation. I felt as though I was truly trapped in a world full of threats. What makes this game even more captivating is how it combines shooter mechanics with a survival theme that demands strategy. It’s not just about shooting; it’s about managing your resources wisely.

“Room 54 – Horde Survival” features simple and easy-to-use controls, yet the game doesn’t include a crosshair, making the experience feel challenging and realistic.

Furthermore, I quickly noticed the game’s fast pacing. It doesn’t take long for the enemies to start arriving, and players must immediately adapt to the fairly challenging combat system. This makes “Room 54 – Horde Survival” feel intense from the very start of the game.

Room 54 Review - Shooting
Source: Esportnesia

When I first tried the game, I felt a strong sense of helplessness. Limited ammunition made me think twice before shooting. Coupled with the dark environment and limited lighting, a sense of paranoia began to set in—every small sound could signal that something was approaching.

I was also impressed by how the game slowly builds its atmosphere of fear. There are no excessive jump scares, but the fear grows from the increasing pressure.

The growing number of enemies, shrinking maneuvering space, and mysterious sounds in the distance made me feel like I was truly in a survival scenario.

This game also managed to keep me wanting to play more, even after experiencing multiple defeats. Every time I died, I felt there was a new strategy to try, a weapon to optimize, or a better route to explore. That addictive “just one more try” feeling is strongly present in this game.

Not only that, but I was also impressed with the visual aspects and lighting design in this game. The dynamic lighting effects made the environment feel alive and added to the strong horror impression.

I also noticed that the enemy AI is quite intelligent—they don’t just move randomly but can also encircle and force the player to keep moving in search of a safer location. This adds its own challenge and makes the game feel more realistic and gripping.

One more thing worth noting is the game’s performance. Despite having fairly detailed visual effects, the game runs quite stably on mid-range specifications. I rarely experienced lag or disruptive frame drops, which is definitely a plus for the gameplay experience

Room 54 Review Gameplay

Room 54 Review - Gameplay
Source: Esportnesia

“Room 54 – Horde Survival” combines classic survival horror elements with a defense system against relentless waves of enemies. Players must:

  • Gather weapons and ammunition from the surrounding area.
  • Survive wave after wave of increasingly difficult enemies.
  • Use strategies to manage resources and avoid running out mid-game.
  • Upgrade weapons to enhance survival chances.

One aspect I enjoyed about this mode is the variety of enemies. It’s not just one type of creature attacking; there are several kinds with different attack patterns. Some move quickly like zombies, while others are large and slow but pack a powerful punch.

The progression system is also quite engaging. Players can unlock new weapons and enhance their abilities as they level up. This gives a sense of accomplishment and keeps you motivated to continue playing.

However, there are a few areas that could be improved, such as balancing the number of enemies with the availability of resources. At times, I felt the game was too challenging due to the limited ammunition compared to the overwhelming number of enemies.

Room 54 Review: Audio & Graphics

Room 54 Review - Audio & Graphic
Source: Esportnesia

Room 54 – Horde Survival Audio

One standout aspect that makes “Room 54 – Horde Survival” so immersive is its audio design. The creaking sounds of footsteps on wooden floors, labored breathing when out of stamina, and the growls of creatures in the distance—all effectively build an incredible atmosphere of tension.

The soundtrack is cleverly utilized—never too dominant, but enough to heighten the sense of alertness in every moment.

Room 54 – Horde Survival Graphics

Visually, it may not be on par with AAA games like “Resident Evil” or “The Last of Us,” but it’s sufficient to provide an immersive experience.

Lighting plays a major role in creating a horror atmosphere, with dark corners that could hide lurking enemies.

The enemy animations are also detailed, with movements that feel natural and menacing. Blood effects and environmental destruction add a touch of realism, making every successful shot on an enemy feel all the more satisfying.

Is Room 54 – Horde Survival Worth Trying?

Overall, “Room 54 – Horde Survival” is a game that offers a thrilling and challenging survival experience. This Horde mode is ideal for players who enjoy the challenge of surviving against endless waves of enemies.

For fans of survival horror, this game could be an interesting choice. However, if you prefer games with a strong narrative, this mode might feel lacking, as it focuses more on survival action.

If you’re looking for a game that tests your reflexes and survival skills in a tense atmosphere, “Room 54 – Horde Survival” is definitely worth adding to your list!