Layers of Fear (2023) Reviews
The new release of Layers of Fear is one of the best and most complete packages in the horror genre; one that improves the first game substantially and takes its story further forward with new DLCs. More work could have been done on the second game, nevertheless, this package is the best way to experience the whole franchise and is definitely recommended to any fan of the genre.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Layers of Fear tells an incredible story of mental illness and tragic events set in a stunningly detailed world that won't scare you as much as you might expect.
If you're hoping for something new with Layers of Fear, you should be aware that the majority of your time will be spent on the original Layers of Fear and Layers of Fear 2. At the same time, if you just want to replay those games, keep in mind that the new structure means it's not as simple as that. But for fans who want to experience the games in a new way or newcomers to the series trying it out for the first time, the new Layers of Fear keeps the games largely true to the originals' themes while also making some notable improvements.
Layers of Fear (2023) has new gameplay elements that breathe life into the older games, but the new story additions just feel tacked on.
Layers of Fear is a generous collection of brilliant horror stories. Fans of PT and psychological horror are in for a treat with this beautifully crafted exploration of human misery.
a solid compilation of two decent horror titles. It is a massive graphical upgrade that uses a new narrative to tie them together in a satisfying way. Releasing at $30 MSRP if you haven’t played the games before and love to get creeped out then this one is well worth checking out.
Though it is not without its fair share of flaws, the revamped Layers of Fear contains everything that fans enjoyed about the original series and elevates them with improved visuals and new gameplay mechanics that help alleviate some of the monotony. The writer’s story offers an intriguing through-line that sensibly ties together each narrative thread. Technical hiccups aside, Layers of Fear wraps up the series in a graphically enhanced package that is easily the best way for players both new and old to experience the franchise.
Layers of Fear is a great finale to a frightful series, tying together all loose ends and scaring you at every turn. The staggered story structure is confusing at first, but pays off when the game finally ends. Unexpected jump scares and a dark environment terrify even the most experienced horror veterans. Learning the backstories of each character and choosing different endings gives you control of the narrative. It's also easy to replay stories if you want to see different endings. The note-based storytelling and navigation difficulty can turn away players looking for a simpler experience. But for a psychological game that chills you to the bone, it's hard to find something as good as this.
It is not a remake, it is not a sequel. However, it is a proper bundle of horror experiences. It is one game that actually offers up to 5 of them. Some of them you may already know, others are completely new. Nonetheless, it is something that horror game fans should reach for, even if they have already played the previous Layers of Fear games.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Layers of Fear 2023 really isn't the most necessary remake ever and those who didn't like the original games certainly won't be converted, but this is a pretty compelling package for psychological horror fans.
All the tweaks and cosmetic improvements are clearly not enough to consider Layers of Fear 2023 a completely new game. If you were not familiar with the original releases, then be sure to try the compilation. But apart from the main plot, the writer's storyline is clearly not worth the money.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Layers of Fear is one of the most visually impressive games this generation, most certainly the most stunning horror game ever made. It’s a smart, creative approach to a remake by mixing up puzzles as well as incorporating a new storyline which links everything together with compelling, haunting writing. However, it is product of its time, with slow, aimless walking, constantly retreading familiar steps and cheap scares at almost every turn. The definitive way to play Layers of Fear but also a cautious reminder the substance is mostly at a surface level.
Layers of Fear serves as a kind of director's cut for the horror series. With lavish visuals, new content, and a new framing device, it proves the definite way to experience the series. Those who've already played the games won't find much they haven't seen before, but The Final Note chapter adds a fun, spooky new layer.
All told, when Layers of Fear (2023) is firing on all cylinders, it feels like a genuinely mind-bending thrill ride as pathways behind you twist and contort in the blink of an eye. These qualities are best exemplified in the lithe and tight debut title. That said, what truly flies in the face of the collection’s overall charms is its uneven storytelling, repetitive puzzles, and buggy technical performance. In essence, much like the fractured psyches of the artists that form the soul of these vignettes, Bloober Team’s latest collection is simultaneously beautiful, fascinating, and deeply, profoundly… aggravating.
Layers of Fear is not a new game, nor a remake. it seems like a sort of definitive edition that includes the old games of the series and a new section that ties the two stories together. The passage to Unreal Engine 5 and the mild gameplay tweaks are not so relevant and add nothing to the game experience.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Beautiful, horrifying, and impressively updated through the power of Unreal Engine 5, Layers of Fear is a deft upgrade for two horror gems.
Much like the painter's quest for creating a masterpiece, Bloober Team and Anshar Studios have almost done so with Layers of Fear.
There's no better way to play this series than the PS5 release of Layers of Fear, combining both stories under one cohesive umbrella. It also shows fantastic early potential in Unreal Engine 5, showcasing exactly what it can offer the rest of the gaming industry.
Bloober Team's horror series is reimagined from the ground up, but the foundation still feels shaky.