Layers of Fear is a psychological horror game that immerses players into a world of twisted artistry, a haunting atmosphere, and a deep exploration of the human psyche. With its beautiful graphics and sound design, intriguing plot, and interesting characters, the game offers a captivating experience that will keep players on the edge of their seats as they explore the depths of minds haunted by tragedy and depravity. This release is an amalgamation of the previous Layers of Fear titles along with the DLC, including a new addition, ‘The Final Note,’ making this buy the ultimate collection for fans of the series.
Layers of Fear follows the story of a writer secluded in a lighthouse for a special getaway work vacation, and four struggling artists who were all beset by tragedy and a mysterious and malevolent force that ties the lot together. The series, which is now collectively combined under a single title, sees players navigating through four stories of varying length that all, in some way or another, intertwine with others. Two of these stories are particularly long, and a few are fairly short, but overall there is a supremely generous amount of horror to experience.
Easily one of the biggest standout features of Layers of Fear is its breathtaking graphics. Created using the Unreal Engine, which has arguably done more for indie horror than any game engine at this point, each room and corridor is meticulously designed with superb attention to detail that enhances the chilling atmosphere. The game’s environments seamlessly transition from normal to distorted, playing with perception and constantly keeping you on your toes. The setting of old Victorian manors creates an eerie ambiance that feels like stepping into a classic haunted house, without feeling cliche or lame.
Accompanying the stunning visuals is a hauntingly atmospheric soundscape. The eerie melodies of an old piano playing on its own and the ambient sounds of the skittering of rats effectively build tension and enhance the overall sense of dread. Subtle whispers, creaking floorboards, and distant sobbing amplifies your unease and creates an immersive experience. Layers of Fear knows how to play with your senses, making every step through the minds of these haunted artists a haunting delight.
Layers of Fear offers a collection of narratives that easily fall into the psychological thriller category. As players navigate the twisted minds of tormented artists, they uncover fragments of their tragic pasts and witness the deteriorating mental state of the artist himself. The game explores themes of loss, obsession, and artistic struggle, creating a deeply immersive and emotionally charged storyline.
The game’s four-fold stories are told through the environment and with scraps of notes that gradually reveal more of what’s going on. The game effectively blurs the lines between reality and illusion, leaving players questioning what is real and what is a manifestation of the artist’s troubled mind. The narrative twists and turns, keeping players engaged and eager to unravel the mysteries that lie within the layers of fear.
I can’t talk about Layers of Fear without acknowledging its similarities to the infamous ‘PT’ (Playable Teaser) demo by Hideo Kojima. While not an official successor, Layers of Fear borrows certain elements that make ‘PT’ an iconic horror experience. The game skillfully builds tension through a combination of atmospheric exploration, psychological torment, and surreal imagery. Like ‘PT,’ Layers of Fear takes players on a terrifying journey within the confines of a confined space, emphasizing psychological horror over jump scares. It pays homage to its inspiration while adding its own unique twist to the formula. Layers of Fear feels like what PT would have been, if not for its unfortunate cancellation.
While Layers of Fear excels in many aspects, the voice acting occasionally falls short of the game’s high standards. Some lines may lack the emotional depth required to fully immerse players in the harrowing narrative. The delivery can feel forced or unnatural, diminishing the impact of crucial moments. Layers of Fear certainly doesn’t have the worst voice acting in the world, but I found myself at times questioning if that was really the take they wanted to go with.
Layers of Fear primarily revolves around exploration, walking, and puzzle solving, with the player occasionally having to run from some kind of ghost in tense, maze-like sequences. While this style of gameplay contributes to the game’s supreme sense of immersion, some players may find it repetitive or lacking in excitement. The absence of traditional combat or high-stakes action sequences can make the experience feel slow-paced for those seeking more adrenaline-fueled gameplay. However, Layers of Fear compensates for this by offering a richly atmospheric and psychologically captivating narrative that keeps players engaged despite the limited gameplay mechanics. It is hard to imagine the game being executed in any other way.
While the voice acting may occasionally falter and the limited gameplay mechanics might not suit everyone’s tastes, these minor drawbacks do not overshadow the game’s overall brilliance, nor do they defeat or undermine the experience the developers were clearly going for. If you enjoy exploring the depths of the human psyche and appreciate a hauntingly atmospheric experience, Layers of Fear is a must-play game that will leave you questioning your own reality.
The Final Word
Layers of Fear is a generous collection of brilliant horror stories. Fans of PT and psychological horror are in for a treat with this beautifully crafted exploration of human misery.
9
Try Hard Guides was provided with a PC review copy of this game. Find more detailed looks at popular and upcoming titles in the Game Reviews section of our website! Layers of Fear is available on Steam.