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The newLayers of Feargame was originally calledLayers of Fears. I feel as though that is worth mentioning as it is frankly hilarious. This is the third game in the series and it is honestly surprising that the second game wasn’t called2Layers2Fearsin hindsight. After the exceedingly stupid title was announced, it was justifiably ridiculed, leading Bloober team to quietly rename the gameLayers of Fear.
As much as I also hate the trend of giving a sequel the exact same name as the original, it is inarguably better than the nonsense title that they originally wanted to go with. Although technically, thisLayers of Feargame is not a sequel. Instead, it is described as a, “reimagining,” that combines the first two games in the series, updating the graphics and voice acting to feel more premium.
Layers of Fearis out now and is available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles.
As it is essentially a remake of the first twoLayers of Feargames, this reimagining will feel instantly familiar to anyone who has played aLayers of Feargame in the past. From things like the environments changing when you turn the camera away from them, to collecting scrap bits of torn canvas in order to make progress. Another element that makes a return which is not quite is welcome is how boring the game can be between set pieces.
Also read:Unholy Preview: Holy Horror Game Batman! (PC)
Just like the original games in the series, this newLayers of Feargame includesmanysections which sees the player aimlessly wander around dark rooms, desperately clicking on every object in the environment to try and make progress. This mundane requirement manages to remove any of the tension and atmosphere that had been previously built up, which in turn renders the jump-scare that follows hollow and unimpressive.
Layers of Fear 2023 seems intent on breaking its own momentum.
It is a shame that the brakes are slammed on within the gameplay so often, becauseLayers of Fearis phenomenal on a technical level. The graphical fidelity on display here is great. Textures look realistic, the lighting is dramatic and effectively sets the tone, and the sound design is eerie and well-implemented. All of these elements come together in harmony to create a thick sense of foreboding. Unfortunately though, no real payoff is ever really achieved.
Also read:Amnesia: The Bunker Review: Tense, Dark and Horrifying (PS4)
Throughout the entirety of my time spent with this title, I never felt truly scared or threatened. At best, I was somewhat unsettled by some plot elements and the clever use of lighting and sound effects, but to say I was ever terrified would be untrue. This being a horror game, the fact that it never left me horrified is a problem. Every jump-scare that the game throws at the screen just seems so by the numbers.
Overall,Layers of Fear2023 is a technically well-made game that could be more engaging. The clear attention to detail that has been paid to the game’s overall presentation in combination with the clever level design that theLayers of Feargames are known for makes for a very well-crafted experience. This level of care has me excited to see what Bloober Team will be able to pull off in its upcoming remake ofSilent Hill 2. It is just a shame thatLayers of Fearisn’t a scarier experience.
Layers of Fear 2023– 7/10
Layers of Fear was reviewed on PS5 with a code supplied to FandomWire byTerminals.io.
Daniel Boyd
Former Head of Gaming and Tech
Articles Published :169
Dan is one of FandomWire’s Former Gaming Content Leads and Editors. He is a 28-year-old writer from Glasgow. He graduated from university with an honours degree in 3D Animation, before pivoting to pursue his love for critical writing. He has also written freelance pieces for other sites such as Game Rant, WhatCulture Gaming, KeenGamer.com and The Big Glasgow Comic Page. He loves movies, video games and comic books.
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