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Review of the Game “Layers of Fear”
Game Review
Layers of Fear
2023 has been an amazing year for horror games, with highly anticipated new titles and remakes of classics.
From the Dead Space remake at the start of the year to recent releases like Amnesia: The Bunker and Outlast Trials, horror fans are having a great time.
It wouldn’t be a standout year for horror without the return of the Layers of Fear series, known for its intense psychological horror and atmospheric storytelling rather than gameplay mechanics.
About the Game
Layers of Fear (2023) is a remake of both the 2016 and 2019 entries in the series. It combines both games into one while adding new story elements and reworked levels, making it feel like a partial reboot at times.
The game is developed by Bloober Team, the same studio behind the original titles and the upcoming Silent Hill 2 remake.
Story
The story is divided into chapters, each focusing on different characters with unique settings and timelines. All stories revolve around the theme of seeking perfection through art and how dangerous that obsession can become.
The game tells the stories of five characters: the Painter, the Actor, the Daughter, the Musician, and a new Writer. The Writer connects the other four narratives intelligently, creating a cohesive overarching plot.
New Features
The remake adds significant improvements, including:
- Improved narrative flow by tying the stories together through the Writer character.
- Enhanced level design and scares.
- Voice acting for notes and letters found in the game.
- Stunning graphical upgrades using Unreal Engine 5.
Gameplay
Like most psychological horror games, the gameplay focuses on walking, exploration, and solving puzzles with simple mechanics. The puzzles are well-designed, often involving environmental changes, but some repetition occurs due to the game’s length.
