Layers of Fear ups the game on horror

Video games, that give a spook without relying on jump-scares are hard to come by, especially if you want a story. And if you would also like decent graphics? That’s a cute thought. But alas, Layers of Fear is a game-changer. Reality is subjective right? Well, Layers of Fear takes it to a whole other level.

In Layers of Fear, you play as a washed-up painter. The game opens in a picturesque house with a grand Victorian feel. Nothing is wrong, but nothing feels right either. As you get into the meat of the game, you realize that reality is not as it seems.

You may enter a door and then exit it, finding yourself in an unfamiliar room. The house literally falls apart around you and black gunk covers every surface. The more you play, the more you uncover the mystery of the painter’s story, and uncover the horrors that await in the impossible house.

Released in early 2016 by the Bloober Team, the game is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and on PC from Steam. It is a single player, first-person perspective game. The gameplay is fantastic. The mechanics of the game, from the opening of doors, to observing objects, and even as simple as the realistic head bobbing as the character walks, is truly immersive.

The game is extremely story based- there are few action sequences and no fighting occasions. Layers of Fear evokes a feeling of dread in the player; they know they can do nothing but experience what the game is presenting. Players can collect “whispered words” which are notes that are written either by the painter or his wife that progress the story, and items that also give bits of story.

The game is a bit of a choose-your-own-path. Depending on the items you pick up and the notes you read, you can get one of three endings. However, one ending is more common than the other, and most players need walkthroughs to find the other two.

The game is formatted into an free-roam prelude, six chapters that end in a crucial piece of the story, and a final cutscene. After each chapter, the return point is the painter’s workshop where you can see the manifestation of the continued story.

This game has strengths that by far outweigh its failures. The game is long, fully worth the price. It is both interesting and scary. The scary nature is created by the atmosphere. However, the games capitalizes on the uneasy feeling with strategically placed jump-scares. So, if jump-scares are a huge “no” for you- this game may not fit your fancy. The only other weakness I can think of is that

This is a game you do not want to miss. Layers of Fear has won “Best Indie Game 2016” from PC Guru Magazine, “Best Art Award 2016” from Pixel Heaven, and “Best Horror Game 2016” from Windows Central. For those still disappointed in PT’s cancellation, this game is PT on crack. Overall, if you’re bored of your reality, get immersed in this one.

Check out the Layers of Fear website for a look at the game and its story: https://www.layersoffear.com/main.html