Layers of Fear Reviews

Layers of Fear is ranked in the 60th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Justin Celani
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Feb 15, 2016

Sometimes a game comes along that sees a team of people coming together to create something unique and scary all the same. That's Layers of Fear in a nutshell and it scared the living hell out of me.

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8 / 10.0
Feb 14, 2016

Layers of Fear is the kind of game that opens itself just enough to make players curious to see the whole picture.

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4 / 5.0
Feb 14, 2016

Layers of Fear creates an immersive experience with its stunning graphics, engaging story, and particularly well-crafted story. While players must piece much of the game together for themselves, it's a worthwhile experience.

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Feb 16, 2016

In a world devoid of P.T. – aka Silent Hills, we found Layers of Fear to offer an intriguing take on the horror genre and video game storytelling. Turn off the lights, turn up the volume, and immerse yourself in the world that Layers of Fear has to offer.

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Feb 29, 2016

The game renders its gory images in detailed and creative ways, never hinging on generic jump scares.

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8 / 10
Feb 15, 2018

Nintendo Switch finally has its first great horror game in Layers Of Fear: Legacy. The creativity in its scares helps to keep you guessing about what's around every corner, and even then, its unique set-pieces will most certainly surprise you anyway. Slightly lacklustre gameplay aside, the plot's descent into madness, the title's dedication to messing with your expectations to set up a scare, and the simple fact that this is a solid Switch port, means that this is horrific experience is one you won't want to miss out on.

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8 / 10
Feb 17, 2016

Layers of Fear is a masterpiece of horror, successfully having me second guessing everything painting, door, and object in the game. There isn't much in the way of replay value unless you feel the need to collect missing achievements/trophies. With that said, I can't remember the last game that legitimately gave me goosebumps up and down both arms.

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Fextralife
Lanzen
Top Critic
8 / 10
Apr 2, 2016

A brief but compelling horror story presented in a creatively designed experience. Thought provoking, inferred not explicitly stated, with an effectively unpleasant undertone. Strange key mapping choices on consoles but otherwise fit for purpose. This is a game about exploration and your choices of where to go.

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8 / 10.0
Feb 14, 2016

Layers of Fear isn't a perfect marathon with its range of terrifying developments but the significance of its events will last longer than most horror sprints.

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GameSpew
Top Critic
8 / 10
Feb 26, 2016

You'll get the most that Layers of Fear can offer you when you're brave enough to delve into all of its nooks and crannies

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GameSkinny
Top Critic
Aug 2, 2016

The painter's tale is told from his daughter's perspective, offering a fresh take on the story with some much-needed gameplay additions.

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80%
Mar 8, 2016

Layers of Fear is in some ways a masterpiece. Not perfect, but without a doubt excellent. The great atmosphere and the perfect transformation of the environment are elements that'll be appreciated by many horror fans.

Review in Slovak | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Feb 14, 2016

Layers of Fear is a very shocking first-person horror, reaching very well the essential factor for games of the genre that is to carry moments of tension, and fear and still make you move forward because of curiosity. The game knows very well when to use soundtrack, when to use sound effects and when to use silence, demonstrating that it is always in control of the game and the player perceptions of the environment. Although it has some rhythm problems in the final segments, Layers of Fear is highly recommended and will be marked as a great experience in the recent survival horror scene.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jun 18, 2023

Layers of Fear is an excellent repackaging of the original games, with a considerable graphical leap, benefitting the atmosphere and the level of immersion. We rediscover, enriched with new content, distressing stories and environments that seem sprung from the mind of a madman, with a gameplay that remains anchored to the narrative adventure mechanics. Even if we don't find major structural improvements, it remains recommended to lovers of the genre.

Review in Italian | Read full review

7.8 / 10.0
Feb 16, 2016

Layers of Fear is an experience that no fan of the horror genre should pass on. With its unnerving atmosphere, engaging plot/characters and psychedelic visions, Layers of Fear invites players to a nightmare they won't be forgetting anytime soon (though the linear gameplay won't be etched in their memories).

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7.8 / 10.0
Jul 13, 2016

All in all Layers of Fear was a fun experience and honestly was a bit of fresh air compared to the multitude of horror games that have been coming out lately (not that I'm complaining).

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7.8 / 10.0
Aug 8, 2016

Can the protagonist forgive her father, or does she bother about everything that has happened in the house?

Review in Spanish | Read full review

77%
Aug 9, 2016

Layers of Fear offers horror fans the opportunity to delve into the mindset of an artist descending into insanity.

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7.5 / 10.0
Feb 20, 2016

+ Awesome atmosphere and great detail

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7.5 / 10.0
Feb 25, 2016

Ultimately, Layers of Fear exists as a chilling cinematic experience that is capable of more than a few scares along the way. Uncovering the game's narrative is largely enjoyable and will forever keep you guessing, as clues feel well paced and each horrifying set piece is related. The game may rely on a few too many jump scares and voice acting may feel off at times, but there's still no denying that Layers of Fears is a truly memorable and massively creepy experience.

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