Layers of Fear | Xbox Review
The original Layers of Fear was a harrowing psychological horror experience. Drawing inspiration from P.T., it had the player constantly on edge wondering what would happen next. So what exactly is Bloober Team and Anshar Studios’ 2023 version of Layers of Fear? Is it a brand-new game or a remake? To make things simple, it’s both.
New Haunts at a Familiar Place
This compiles both the 2016 Layers of Fear and its sequel into one cohesive experience. Stitched throughout the combined narratives is an exclusive story about a writer who has traveled to a lighthouse. She is connected to the events of both games through a book she has written. Her inclusion feels natural and adds extra meat to the bones of the overarching tale. As an added bonus, two DLC expansions for the first game are also included. One of these additions, “The Final Note”, is exclusive to this version.
If you’re new to the Layers of Fear games, this is the best way to experience them. The use of Unreal Engine 5 for the reworked graphics is stunning. The visuals are crisp and the attention to detail is incredible.The binaural audio is impeccable and I highly recommend playing with headphones for the optimal spooky time.
Scenarios and scares have been changed in both games, which helps keep things fresh for returning players. There is also the fear of death now included in the first Layers of Fear. This wasn’t originally a feature, and never knowing when I’d be chased or haunted by a ghost made this a much more frightening experience. You can turn this off before starting the game if you’d like things a tad more peaceful, though. You also gain a flashlight in both titles, allowing you to burn away enemies and solve certain puzzles. This new tool in your arsenal opens these games up in a way previously unseen.
Reliving the Horror
For anyone who hasn’t played either of these titles, the stories center on psychological horror and highlight the struggles of those who are creative. The first game focuses on The Painter, a husband and father who neglects his family to create his ultimate masterpiece. The sequel switches to a new main character, The Actor. The Actor is on a cruise ship shooting a film, but is soon haunted by flashbacks of their traumatic childhood. Even The Writer isn’t left unscathed, as she leaves everything dear to her behind to focus on the creation of her novel, to a horrifying effect.
These narratives are primarily told through finding notes and items as you walk around the environment. Each one has an audio description that activates upon picking them up, which is a nice touch that both adds accessibility and a more personal touch to the games’ stories. It’s easy to miss these crucial pieces of lore, so be sure to explore every nook and cranny.
The Final Verdict
Layers of Fear is the absolute best way to experience this franchise. You get both games, plus exclusive bonus content for only $30. Reworked graphics, added game mechanics, and new scenarios make this an appealing option even for those who have already delved into these twisted worlds. I rolled credits after roughly eleven hours, and I enjoyed every second of my playtime. I didn’t experience any bugs or issues, which is a testament to the amount of love poured into this collection.
I do have to advise you to research the triggers before purchasing, though. There are a multitude of them, which the game does address at the beginning. Of course, buying the game to only find out one of your triggers is featured isn’t ideal. Be cautious of this aspect. Otherwise, this is an incredible work of horror if you enjoy this specific subgenre and the gameplay mechanics.
To hear me talk more about Layers of Fear, be sure to listen to the July 12, 2023 episode of The Gaming Outsider podcast around the 54:50 time stamp.
This review is based on an Xbox copy of Layers of Fear provided by Evolve PR for coverage purposes. It is also available on PlayStation 5, Mac, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.
Layers of Fear
$29.99
Pros
- Amazing Value
- The Best Way to Experience These Games
- Fantastic Visuals and Audio
- New Additions Are Well-Implemented
Cons
- An Astonishing Amount of Trigger Warnings
- Won’t Appeal to Anyone Who Doesn’t Enjoy This Gameplay Style
