Review of Layers of Fear

The Definitive Collection of Fear: A Review of Layers of Fear (2023)

Bloober Team has established itself as a leading developer in the horror game genre, with its reputation starting from the release of “Layers of Fear” in 2016. Inspired by Hideo Kojima’s “PT,” the first “Layers of Fear” was a first-person horror game set in a haunted house. The original game, its DLC, and its sequel have all been brought together in one reimagined collection.

The Three Experiences

The 2023 version of “Layers of Fear” is divided into three distinct experiences. The first is essentially a remake of the original game, including its Inheritance DLC and a new chapter called The Final Note. The second experience is a redo of “Layers of Fear 2,” while the third introduces a story about a writer in a lighthouse, serving as a framing device for the core games. However, players who have already played the original game or its sequel may not find enough new content to justify purchasing this collection.

A Familiar Yet Puzzling Remake

The remake of the original “Layers of Fear” in the 2023 game follows a similar storyline, which raises the question of why it isn’t marketed as a remake. While there are some differences, the overall experience remains largely the same, with players assuming the role of an artist exploring a creepy old house and encountering supernatural horrors. The gameplay primarily involves walking from one spooky scene to the next, but the game relies too heavily on horror clichés and predictable jump scares, resulting in a lack of genuine scares.

A notable addition in the 2023 version of “Layers of Fear” is the lantern, which gives players the ability to fight back against a ghostly woman that occasionally appears. It is also used in certain puzzles, but overall, this addition does not significantly differentiate the remade version from the original 2016 release.

A Toothless Haunted House

For those who haven’t played the 2016 game, “Layers of Fear” can be likened to a theme park haunted house. However, the ghost in the game is as threatening as the performers in those haunted houses, easily repelled by the lantern. Players quickly realize this, resulting in a lack of tension and a toothless horror experience.

Lackluster Puzzles and Story

Aside from its lack of scares, “Layers of Fear” also suffers from puzzles that are too simplistic to be engaging and a story that fails to captivate. Unfortunately, the Inheritance DLC and The Final Note offer more of the same, with players assuming the roles of the artist’s daughter and wife, respectively. These additional experiences lack substance, leaving players wanting more from the first “Layers of Fear” and its add-ons. “Layers of Fear 2” fares slightly better, but it still falls short in terms of its story.

A Cruise Ship and Anxiety-Fueled Chases

“Layers of Fear 2” trades the haunted house setting for that of a cruise ship. While it heavily relies on horror clichés like its predecessor, it introduces anxiety-fueled chase sequences that add some excitement to the gameplay. During these sequences, players are relentlessly pursued by a blob-like monster that can only be escaped by moving objects out of the way and quickly shutting doors. The stress of juggling these tasks while running for one’s life creates memorable moments. Despite these improvements, “Layers of Fear 2” still falls short in terms of scares and an engaging storyline.

A Stuck Writer and Recycled Horror Tricks

In between revisiting “Layers of Fear” and “Layers of Fear 2,” players take on the role of a writer locked in a lighthouse. This new content may be the main selling point for hardcore fans who have extensively played the first two games. However, it confines players to a single location and recycles the horror tricks found in the core experiences. While there are multiple endings, the one we experienced was unsatisfying, lacking closure and leaving players feeling empty.

A Visual Feast

While “Layers of Fear” may fall short in many aspects, the graphics are undoubtedly its strongest suit. Built using Unreal Engine 5, the 2023 version of “Layers of Fear” delivers stunning visuals, making it one of the best-looking horror games to date. The game’s environments are rendered with photo-realistic graphics, creating a genuinely lifelike atmosphere. The visuals alone may be worth the price of the game for some players, even if the overall experience may not be as satisfying.

A Budget-Friendly Option

This collection of “Layers of Fear” games is available at a budget price of $29.99, making it an appealing option for horror fans. While the games themselves may not be exceptional, players who haven’t experienced the “Layers of Fear” series before will find a decent amount of content in this collection. With two full games, additional content, and impressive graphics, players can get their money’s worth with the 2023 version of “Layers of Fear.”

Conclusion

“Layers of Fear” (2023) offers the best way to experience the series, but it has flaws. While the original game put Bloober Team on the map, the studio has since released significantly better games, such as “Observer,” “Blair Witch,” and “The Medium.” Horror enthusiasts should consider exploring these titles before starting with “Layers of Fear.”

“Layers of Fear” launches on June 15 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X. This review is based on a PC code provided by the publisher.