Layers of Fear

One of the best horror games ever made, this will scare you in incredibly clever ways and make you question everything you see.

Some exceptionally clever misdirection means that this indie delight delivers more terrifying surprises than a cupboard full of haunted Kinder eggs. [Apr 2016, p.81]

That they've come out with something that plays to their strengths so well is an impressive achievement, and if you have any love for horror games whatsoever, you owe it to yourself to play Layers of Fear.

Whether or not the PT hype-ship has finally sailed in to the distance, you should pick this up and give it more than the viewing of a YouTube Let’s Play.

Layers of Fear is a fantastic horror game close to the Silent Hills PT experience.

Layers of Fear is an incredible ride through an ever-changing house that demonstrates an understanding of the horror genre. It succeeds in creating a genuinely unsettling house that never relies too hard on cheap scares. Instead it’s filled with moments that’ll stick with me for a long time.

I have to praise the Bloober team for their execution and real understanding of gamer psychology on a second play of a horror game. After that there’s no reason to play again outside of looking for collectables. It’s argued that video games are a medium of art, if that is the case then this is one of the masterpieces you need in your collection.

Layers of Fear is everything a mature, modern horror game should be. Subtle, smart, unnerving and genuinely intriguing.

Layers of Fears is a great horror game. It doesn't really invent anything, but it uses known techniques in clever ways. Together with its great atmosphere and some interesting gameplay features you don't really get to see during the first playthrough, it's a very recommendable option.

Starting this review by comparing Layers of Fear to P.T. is unfair, because even if P.T. had never existed, Bloober Team's work would still be stellar. However, those intrigued by that now-deceased project's approach would do well to step into the shoes of this miserable artist for a few hours... They should empty their bladders before turning their consoles on, though.

Interesting and immersive, Layers of Fear isn't a masterpiece per se, but it's an excellent experience you shouldn't miss if you have any inkling of interest in the exploration and horror genres.

A sophisticated horror story, with an excellent art direction and the ability to build a constant sense of fear and oppression. The gameplay is pretty basic and not particularly challenging, but it has its good moments.

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.

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

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.

Layers of Fear sits somewhere between the pejoratively classified ‘walking simulators’ and a full game experience, as for the most part you are simply wandering around and solving the odd puzzle.

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.

Layers of Fear isn't shy about its influences, but if you were impressed by the P.T. demo, then how do you fancy five or so hours more? This is a tidily presented, tantalisingly tense trip through a fractured psyche – it's dark, desperate, and depraved. Bloober Team hasn't concocted the most original slice of horror in history, but it has pulled its inspirations together shrewdly – and the results are both repulsive and rousing.

Frightening, disturbing and psychedelic, Layers of Fear is an excellent horror experience inspired by P.T. The Bloober Team’s game might be a little too short and not so much interactive but it’s a great journey inside a psychotic mind.

The game’s characters and disturbing visions are so twisted yet vivid that they will stay with you for a long time, and even become part of your own nightmares.

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.