Layers of Fear 2 still struggles to compare, however, and scares often fail to land.
I adore the original Layers of Fear.
Disclaimer:This review was made possible by a review code provided by Bloober Team.
There’s so much detail and personality in every room and hallway in Layers of Fear, especially the original game and DLC.
The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.
It’s the best way to play the series, but it’s not a perfect reimagining.
Stunning visuals and stable performance aid Layers of Fear in building a morbid, terrifying atmosphere.
There’s so much detail and personality in every room and hallway in Layers of Fear, especially the original game and DLC.
First, an overview of bugs and overall stability.
For the most part, Layers of Fear (2023) felt very polished.
Layers of Fear: New content
The marketing for Layers of Fear (2023) was terrible.
The Musician’s Story is heartbreaking, especially when you already know the end.
This isn’t a one-to-one remake it’s a reimagining supported by all-new content and enhancements.
The original Layers of Fear also benefits from plenty of changes.
There’s also lots of new lore, notes, and voiceover to add to the story.
A descent into madness that cannot be halted or slowed.
It’s macabre and depressing, and there are no happy endings here (consider yourself warned).
The original Layers of Fear and its DLC remains the peak of the series.
Gameplay wise, Layers of Fear (2023) is almost exactly what I expected.
One of the brief moments of sunlight and hope in Layers of Fear, right before it’s shattered.
Bloober Team took from Layers of Fear 2 to add a pinch of combat to the original game.
Just know there’s an option to make the enemies harmless if you’d rather not deal with that.
Even the music, one of the highlights of the original game, is less potent and memorable here.
A new lantern mechanic slightly shakes up the gameplay of the original Layers of Fear.
Layers of Fear makes great strides in accessibility and approachability, but there’s still work to be done.
There are no color-blind options, nor other visual options like highlighting interactive elements or increasing the brightness.
Layers of Fear: Should you play it?
Reason and reality matter little within the confines of a broken mind.(Image credit: Windows Central)
You should play this if …
You should not play this if …
It is difficult to ascribe a singular conclusion to my feelings on Layers of Fear (2023).
For a penny under $30, it’s a fantastic value and can keep you occupied for hours.
In between chapters, the mansion almost feels like a home.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Is it one of thebest Xbox gamesof the year?
Not quite, but Layers of Fear (2023) still earns my heartfelt recommendation despite its weaknesses.
You never know what you’ll find in the next room in Layers of Fear.(Image credit: Windows Central)
One of several hauntingly beautiful moments in Layers of Fear. It gives me goosebumps every time.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Enhanced lighting and fantastic environmental detail bring Layers of Fear to life.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Layers of Fear makes great use of light and darkness to make you feel uneasy.(Image credit: Windows Central)
There’s so much to love about Layers of Fear, but its ability to terrify comes and goes.
Exploring this ominous world has never been easier, although it can still be hard to see.
I still love Layers of Fear, even the much-maligned sequel, but I can’t ignore its faults.
