Layers of Fear (2023)
The canvas awaits its final brushstrokes. The stage calls for its lead actor. The novel needs its final chapter. It’s time to face your fears. One. Last. Time.
The series, which has left a mark on narrative-driven first-person psychological horror games, returns to tell its final spine-chilling story in Layers of Fear.. The series’ crowning work is the definitive way to experience the critically acclaimed franchise as it features Layers of Fear and Layers of Fear 2, as well as all DLCs (including the new ‘The Final Note’ DLC that will give you a new perspective on the Layers of Fear storyline) and the never-before-told story of The Writer, which will tie everything together. Built on Unreal Engine 5, Layers of Fear supports Ray Tracing, HDR and 4K resolution to make the stunning visuals, and your nightmarish experience, as immersive and realistic as possible.
Layers of Fear: Create Your Magnum Opus
“The one precious thing you ever truly desired… FINISH IT.”
Explore a Victorian mansion covered in artwork as The Painter, whose sanity crumbles and cracks just like old oil paint on canvas. Trawl through the ever-changing house to find the supplies needed for your greatest masterpiece, all while trying to outrun your past.
Inheritance DLC: Face Your Past
“I was once told insanity runs in my family… It’s time to make it stop.”
Told from the perspective of The Painter’s Daughter, you come seeking answers. What secrets does this homestead hold? Will you ever truly understand the madness that bestowed your father? Can you ever forgive him? The house may hold everything you need to know… if you can face reliving your past.
The Final Note DLC: Delve Even Deeper
A brand new DLC which aims to shed more light on The Painter, his muse and the family’s backstory, The Final Note is told from the perspective of The Painter’s Wife. This additional narrative may change how you see the characters of the first game, as well as their actions.
Layers of Fear 2: Hit Your Marks
“Time waits for no one, actor. Do not waste ours.”
You are the lead actor in a production being filmed aboard an ocean liner, but all is not what it seems. Explore the ship and discover why you were perfect for The Director’s (voiced by Tony Todd) latest film. You awake and are told one simple command “Act.” But will you?
The Lighthouse Chapter: Link the Layers
Enter a lone and ghastly lighthouse as the newest protagonist, The Writer, and discover a never-before-told tale which will tie the entire series together. What awaits you there? You’ll just have to find out.
Game Features:
- Explore unsettling environments and solve strange puzzles to unveil the narrative at the heart of this first-person psychological horror experience.
- Three different stories of craft-obsessed protagonists (The Painter, The Actor and The Writer) which are interwoven to create a truly immersive experience and gripping storyline.
- Everything in the Layers of Fear series, including all DLCs, so you can find the answers you want.
- New brand-new core mechanics that will be introduced to Layers of Fear and its sequel, as well as additional features, so all the chapters and stories will blend seamlessly.
- Rebuilt from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5, Layers of Fear supports Ray Tracing, HDR and 4K resolution to make the visuals as realistic as possible.
- The new Lumen system offers the most immersive and visceral horror experience.
- A hauntingly beautiful soundtrack by the highly acclaimed and award-winning composer, Arek Reikowski. He has composed a hypnotic score that adds an extra layer of tension to the game and will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Steam User 565
In case anyone is confused what this is, as the description is somewhat unclear, Layers of Fear contains all games in the series (including DLC) remade from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5 as well as the new release. So essentially three games in one, plus DLC. And for this price, for what you get, I personally think it's a steal. Based on my experience playing for a bit, the new engine has a profound effect on the way the games are presented, as they look a lot better. The new lighting actually makes the games scarier and the sound design, of course, is top notch. Strongly recommend for horror enthusiasts.
Steam User 80
I see many of the reviews are comparing this game to the original 2016 game. To start, this game includes MUCH more than just one game. It includes 2016, 2016 DLC, and 2, and another narrative, AND an overarching narrative that carries between many of them in some way.
Many others make good points on how the first narrative isn't "exactly the same story" from the 2016 game. Yes, that is true. Personally, I think the 2016 had better story and was definitely slower pace and was easier to follow.
However, with the 2023 version, seeing a "remastered version" with better graphics of the 2016 story was very much enjoyable. Also, don't forget, you also get all the other narratives included in the 2023 version, so it's a pretty good bang for the buck too!
I liked all of the stories, the first one being the best of course. However the writers story was also very good.
Another small thing through out the game, wtf were those pre-rendered cut scenes? Looked like 720p and the voices sounded SUPER compressed. Though, in other parts of the game sometimes the voice sounded compressed, so I have no idea what that was about.
Lastly, YES this is a "walking sim", but that's just their way to tell the stories. They are leaving it up to the player to find the path to go and enjoy the ambiance and visual design of all of the different areas of the levels.
Yes, I will say I got stuck in a few parts (maybe 3-4 times throughout ALL of the narratives), but one walk-through video later, I understood what I was to do, and enjoyed the rest of the narrative.
In the end, I would recommend this to anyone who loves a spooky story, loves fantastic sound design, and being mesmerized with many of the graphics fed to you throughout the game.
Steam User 52
it's layers of fear with updated visuals but the voice acting feels off and it's very weird sounding
still no fov slider either so gotta use flawless widescreen like in the previous
it's 45% off for owners of the previous games so that's nice
Steam User 25
Layers of Fear (2023)
Unravelling the mind
Bloober Team, with the aid of Anshar studios, brings players back into the twisted world of psychological horror and artistic obsession with the remake of the Layers of Fear series which now contains three stories of craft-obsessed protagonists (The Painter, The Actor and the never-before-told story of The Writer, which ties everything together). The remake also includes all DLC released from the first game. With its enhanced visuals, which looks absolutely spectacular (the entire series has been remade from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5), and immersive atmosphere, this revamped edition manages to recreate the chilling experience of the original games while introducing a few new surprises thanks to the addition of The Writer.
However, despite its visual splendour and eerie ambience, the game falls short in the narrative department, mostly let down by the jumbled and confusing sequel that seems to lack any sense of urgency until the final two hours or so which mostly devolve into a series of frustrations as the player is constantly thrown into a series of instakill situations. These sections are frustrating and tedious to move through. The remake also fails to deliver any significant innovations to stand out among the ever-growing genre of horror games.
Pros:
Enhanced Visuals: The 2023 remake of Layers of Fear is a visual treat. The updated graphics and refined details create an even more haunting and immersive experience. The game's atmosphere brought to life with a level of realism that intensifies the sense of dread and unease as players navigate through the dark and decrepit mansion, cruise liner and lighthouse..
Artistic Ambience: The game's unique blend of art and horror creates a distinct and captivating atmosphere. The use of various artistic elements throughout both titles also adds an extra layer of intrigue and sets it apart from traditional horror settings.
Cons:
Familiar Territory: While the visual upgrades are commendable, the overall gameplay and story progression is let down by a weak second act. Players that are familiar with both games may end up being disappointed in the full package as not much else has changed except outside of the visual upgrades and the addition of The Writer - which feels more like a short 2 hour long DLC rather than a fully fleshed out story like The Artist and The Actor and this can lead to a sense of déjà vu, as they will have already experienced many of the scares and plot twists.
Minor Technical Issues: Some players have reported encountering minor technical glitches, such as frame rate drops or occasional texture issues. While these problems do not severely hinder the overall experience, they can be a mild annoyance.
Uneven story telling: Layers of Fear's narrative is a bit of a jumbled mess. While The Artists story remains gripping and is engaging right to its conclusion and is definitely the strongest of the three tales being told here, unfortunately the same can not be said for The Actor - which is a confusing, jumbled and frustrating mess that ends up being mostly disappointing. The addition of The Writer is a stronger addition than The Actor but it's a pity it's over far too soon. The way the games toy with players' minds, immersing them in each protagonist's unravelling psych still remains the games strongest asset.
Conclusion:
The layers of mystery, symbolism, and psychological exploration should keep most players engaged throughout the journey as they try to piece together each protagonist's tragic past and descent into madness. The game is visually striking and it rekindles the spine-tingling terror of the originals. While the game successfully delivers a visual treat, it's let down by a narrative that feels at odds with itself despite all stories dealing with artistic obsession and a descent into madness.
For those who missed the original games or simply love the horror genre, Layers of Fear is still worth exploring for its psychological thrills. However, if you're seeking groundbreaking innovations or a completely new experience, you might find the familiarity of this remake slightly disappointing. With its eerie beauty and disturbing revelations, Layers of Fear still remains a game worth experiencing.
One word or phrase to sum up the experience
A real visual treat when compared to both of the originals visuals
Performance/Bug related incidents
The game bugged out on me on two or three of the games puzzles where the cursor to complete each puzzle simply just vanished forcing me to have to quit out to the game main menu. Thankfully, reloading back in solved the issue but this ended up being a minor annoyance because of the auto-save which often ended up forcing me to have to replay sections of the game just to get back to the part I was originally at. I thankfully didn't experience any visual or performance issues like some players have reported..
Similar to games
Dear Esther, Observer, What Remains of Edith Finch
Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Steam User 37
Just be prepared to that this is a remake with newer engine and graphics with a little story inbetween added.
Looks good and stays to it's roots. I actually can't understand the "hate" or "disappointment" it get's in the other reviews. You can't expect a truly new game when the devs clearly never intended to do it.
Steam User 21
The developers loved the Silent Hills PT demo so much that they tried to name the game Layers of Fears before they changed their minds, probably realizing how silly it sounds
Gameplay Montage:
Layers of Fear combines the original games and the Inheritance DLC, while upgrading its visuals, refining scares, and introducing two new stories to connect the series together. I have never played the original games myself, but I believe that this remake stands as one of the best psychological horror walking simulator games out there.
Pros:
✔️ Compelling storylines with top notch voice acting.
✔️ Fantastic horror atmosphere that does not rely on jumpscares.
✔️ The upgraded visuals look gorgeous, and attention to detail contributes to the sense of realism and adds to the overall unsettling atmosphere.
✔️ Large amount of collectibles and reading material to find.
✔️ Didn’t experience any bugs or glitches. Buttery Smooth 60 FPS
Cons:
❌ The sequence of events in The Actor’s story is all over the place, and its gameplay felt repetitive and boring at times.
❌ The game often lacks clear indications of the main path when multiple routes are available..
Story
The Writer (New Story: The Lighthouse):
You first play as a writer who won a competition in the 1950s (?), and the prize was solitary retreat in a remote lighthouse, providing the ideal environment to write fiction stories undisturbed. Her writings include the remaining four stories, and the game sometimes shifts focus from them to her narrative every once in a while/when you finish a storyline. The main purpose of the writer is to link the stories, new and old, together.
The Painter (Layers of Fear 2016):
After you are introduced to the writer she will begin writing her first book. It talks about a troubled painter in the 1920s trying to complete his greatest masterpiece, following a series of unsuccessful paintings. The unnamed painter lives in a big mansion that you get to explore every nook and cranny. From what I've read, they removed/altered most of the goofy jump scares and sceneries, in addition to the enhanced visuals
The Daughter (Layers of Fear: Inheritance DLC):
The original DLC of the first game immerses players in the role of the Painter's daughter, who revisits the mansion years after the events of the main storyline. As she explores each room, she relives the memories associated with them. This DLC story also expands upon the lore and background of the family. This story is optional and you can skip it.
The Musician (New Story: The Final Note):
It's a new story that delves into the perspective of The Painter's wife, taking place inside the same mansion. It was an hour long and it was an average addition to the game; the visuals and environments look great but doesn't contribute significantly to the lore of the series. This story is also optional and you can skip it
The Actor (Layers of Fear 2 aka 2019):
This story, separate from the original game and its DLCs, talks about an actor who reluctantly accepts a movie role that takes place inside an ocean liner in the 1940s. The character has a deep fear of the ocean due to a past traumatic event, and the players have the opportunity to explore what happened to him in the past by exploring the ship and its haunting illusions. While the story is considered the best in the series once you piece it together, the storytelling approach may appear convoluted at times, with numerous scenes that primarily serve an aesthetic purpose rather than directly advancing the narrative. The gameplay falls short by becoming somewhat repetitive as players navigate identical corridors, rooms and staircases.
Other than that, the voice acting is top notch. I especially love that the narrator in The Actor's story (also known as The Director) is voiced by Tony Todd from The Candyman, as his voice contributes more tension in the atmosphere and elevates the experience. Each story has multiple endings, which depend either on the amount of collectibles that you've found throughout the game, or based on your choices and actions. The stories and their chapters can be replayed later.
Gameplay
The game is categorized as a psychological horror, but it's primarily a walking simulator, albeit a very good one; You'll be go from one room to another in a linear fashion, traversing through hallways and corridors, solve easy puzzles, find collectibles, read notes and newspaper articles that unveil the story or offer additional lore, and navigate through the shifting environment to progress the narrative..
Periodically, you'll be seeing a monster/ghost (either a lady in black or “The Formless”, depending on the story that you are playing). These entities may either observe you from afar or actively pursue you, so you have to use your lantern/flashlight to temporarily incapacitate them by shining the light directly at them. In The Actor’s storyline, mannequins are a crucial part of the story, and you can utilize your flashlight to make them perform certain actions (giving you a key to a door, moving out of the way, etc.).
When it comes to horror, the game has a few of the typical "in-your-face" telegraphed jumpscares, which are often not scary. However, the game's reliance on them is minimal, and focuses on crafting a chilling atmosphere that truly resonates. Across all the stories, players will encounter visual distortions, unsettling imagery, claustrophobia and a pervasive sense of uncertainty. The manipulation of the environment plays a significant role, with room layouts and hallways constantly shifting and morphing, or doors and objects may appear or disappear when approached. The haunting music and ambient sounds further intensify the immersion, contributing to the overall horror experience and reinforcing the feeling of isolation.
Visuals and Level Design
This game looks stunning; the environments are rich in detail, the implementation of dynamic lighting is used effectively (and the addition of raytracing further enhances the visual fidelity), and the paintings and sculptures are beautiful. The attention to a detail contributes to a heightened sense of realism and enhances the overall unsettling atmosphere.
The game is very linear, but you'll get to see a few optional routes and rooms where you can collect additional lore or find hidden collectibles. That being said, the game occasionally struggles to provide clear indications to the main route, as I found myself confused on multiple occasions when faced with multiple paths, especially since following the main path and crossing certain doors often results in them becoming locked, preventing any possibility of returning.
Additional Details:
Total Playtime
11 hours
M&K or Controller
Both work well
Offline mode
Yes
Achievements
Yes
Trading cards
None
Final Thoughts
All in all, it took me about 11 hours to finish the game, and it can take me more if you want to find all the collectibles and reading materials. This is a great walking simulator; it has fantastic atmosphere , great stories, top notch voice-acting, breathtaking visuals and buttery smooth 60 FPS. That being said, if you are wondering if it's worth getting the remake just to play the new additional content, then I recommend buying it when it's on sale.
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Steam User 15
Here's my review for Layers of Fear spoiler free:
I played the original on release, I loved that game. This "remake" version was definitely an improvement from the first game, but in its own way. I'll explain why later.
Layers of Fear 2023 offers a lot more details and depth about the story, also hearing the story's side from the woman felt a lot more immersive. Graphics are amazing too, and here and there they kept some puzzles similar, but all n' all they just blew up the game and made it bigger and overal just MORE everything. Just a lot more added elements and depth. (And oh my the music is amazing!)
Now with that said, I still think the original still holds up really well. It offers are more 'linear' experience I feel. Not a lot of extras and deep diving details as the 'remake', but that's what I like about the original. It stands strong on its own for how it's a little more simple to approach.
So yes, this feels like an improvement, but the OG is still awesome too.