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.
Game Discussion
Steam User 17
This was an absolutely beautiful way of putting Layers of Fear (2016) and Layers of Fear II into one game and I genuinely cannot help but place this in my top favs in terms of horror games <3
Steam User 11
Layers of Fear 2023 remake has the visuals that are seriously stunning. The vibe is super eerie, and the story has me curious. Haven’t finished yet but it’s been great.
Note: It blends both older games together along with a new character, THE WRITER.
Steam User 8
This game changed the way I consume and appreciate horror. As someone who cut her teeth on Alan Wake and RE, I had not given this brand of horror a fair go. This is special. This is art.
That being said, it is not perfect. The pacing can be a bit slow in places, and there is the occasional bug. BUT, if you value atmospheric, psychological horror, it's a must play in my book.
Steam User 11
It's fine. Though if you already played the original Layers of Fear 1 and 2 there are not enough reasons to play this imo unless heavily discounted.
Steam User 9
Even if you've played the previous versions, this is the one! It looks and sounds great, it has some new mechanics and more lore. Voice acting is a bit of a hit or miss but the game compensates in other ways.
If you haven't played the previous games, don't expect too much gameplay, it's essentially a horror walking sim with light puzzle elements and lore item gathering. But it's artful. sorrowful and very well executed.
Steam User 6
In this reboot or remake, whatever you want to call it, there are some really good improvements. The extra chapters with the writer provide a better insight into what happened. And I think a certain item that allows you to "defend" yourself wasn't in the old version. Without giving away any spoilers, it's a great horror game with headphones.
Steam User 3
Oh boy, do I ever have thoughts about this game. It's only worth it if you have played and enjoyed the other games and are looking for something completely different. If you're looking for a remaster, then run away from this, because it is very different. They change the story and experience quite a lot from the originals. I love the plot of the original and how they tell the story of the painter and his effect on the people around him, but this version changes the entire underlying narrative.
At first, I was heavily put off by it; the direction they took was one I didn't like at all. However, considering that the 2016 version exists, and always will, understanding that a story can be told differently years later makes total sense and is acceptable. Overall, the game looks amazing, but I noted that the dialogue and script were considerably worse. The voice acting is okay, with lots of overlapping audio if you're moving at a pace too quick for the game's speed. It's best to take your time and wait.
This game is an attempt at morphing the franchise into an anthology series, which I didn't feel it needed. The mechanics introduced didn't add anything to the experience. So why play this? If you like the other games and want something different and new, then give it a try.
Next time, I’d like a game that captures the innovation, emotive narrative, and above all, the fear that the franchise deserves. The original did many things for the first time; I believe this addition does very little to innovate.