There’s also good news for Early Access players as the full game adds a substantial amount of new areas to the base release, even in places where you typically won’t expect them. While some horror games may last longer – SOMA and Outlast come to mind – a shorter, focused effort like Layers of Fear comes equally recommended. The overall playtime fits perfectly into the story being told and there’s not a single moment that feels like filler. At times, not doing something has the chance to net you an achievement but Layers of Fear doesn’t deviate very far from its course. One could go back and replay a few key decisions here and there to see what happens. There’s almost a gruesome sense of wonder to this descent into madness.Īs such, games like this don’t warrant much replay value (though Layers of Fear is priced accordingly). Impossible happenings could best be described as the creative process taking shape – many of them are more straightforward but it’s all a manifestation of his struggle and journey to create a masterpiece. There’s a thickening atmosphere of insanity that envelops your surroundings but it’s within the context of the painter’s viewpoint. It’s never played purely for shock value though, even when it comes to some of the jump scares. However, make no mistake – even seasoned horror vets will find plenty messed up in Layers of Fear. While I’m loathe to consider Layers of Fear a simple “walking simulator” there’s no denying that you spend most of your time travelling through your surroundings, opening doors and drawers and whatnot. There are some light puzzles to solve here and there with a few that might leave you stumped but nothing impossible. What do you do in Layers of Fear though? Many times you’re left to witness what’s happening as the environment twists and turns around but collecting body pieces, pulling chains to the grinding screams of someone in the background and exploring the environment are the extent of it. "There’s almost a gruesome sense of wonder to this descent into madness." Credit is also due to the voice acting behind the protagonist whose transformation throughout the story is believably conveyed. Its minimalist music alternates between tension and grief while sound effects feel horrifyingly real. Layers of Fear is a fairly beautiful game within the confines of its disturbing subject matter and it deserves to be properly appreciated.
#Layers of fear xbox one review Patch#
Given its Early Access origin, this can be forgiven for now (general performance is still very good) but hopefully Bloober Team deploys a patch to amend it. Layers of Fear takes reality-bending to a whole new level in first person horror games and it’s amazing to see the extent to which the art design keeps up.Īt this point in the game’s release cycle there’s a hefty amount of screen-tearing, especially if you make too many quick POV movements. It quickly gives way to puzzling labyrinths and otherworldly phenomenon – including pictures melting into paint and wooden floors crackling and buckling as time goes by. The attention to detail paid to the early 19 th century home that you explore is evident with famous paintings strewn about, various lighting scenarios and well textured interior design. Suffice to say, the story is half of the appeal for Layers of Fear and it’s presented in a visually rich fashion.
Time is running out for something though and an atmosphere of tension seems to envelop the ever-collapsing world around you. You’re not immediately made aware of what’s going on but put the story together from newspaper clippings, triggered memories and various pieces of a body you collect in order to complete the man’s masterpiece. It’s the aura of mystery and discovery that drives interaction in Layers of Fear. His relationship with his wife and child are documented, starting from the initial honeymoon phase and eventually dissolving before the player’s very eyes. The story for Layers of Fear is actually pretty easy to understand – a once famous painter is now struggling to succeed, marred by creator’s block and falling into a pitfall of booze and anger. " Layers of Fear is a fairly beautiful game within the confines of its disturbing subject matter and it deserves to be properly appreciated." Bloober Team’s Layers of Fear looks to encapsulate that feeling, delving into the horrific mind of a disturbed painter and the creative demons that haunt him. Many of us ignore it while others allow it to take over their lives – and then there are those who accept it, either moving past the cycle or dooming themselves to repeat it forever. The manifestation of this feeling is tied into a great number of obstacles one may face. It seethes and crawls oftentimes, it itches and boils over. There’s something that lies beneath each individual’s skin.
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