Layers of Fear (2016)

Layers of Fear is a first-person perspective psychological horror PC game, developed by Bloober Team and published by Aspyr. The game blends the elements of exploration, collecting visual clues and story-driven gameplay. In LoF, the player becomes an artist, who tries to complete his masterpiece. As he moves around his studio looking for inspiration, the reality bends around him slowly driving him mad.

Gameplay

The gameplay of LoF is based on exploration and the slow discovery of plot elements. The player observes the action from the first-person perspective, as they walk through the halls of the artist’s studio. The reality seems to be warping around them, amplifying the atmosphere of uneasiness. Jumpscares, scattered here and there in the game world, add to already terrifying experience. To progress through the game, the player must collect items, with which the Artist will be able to complete his masterpiece. Layers of Fear includes challenging puzzles, which require the player to locate clues within the game’s environment.

Story in Layers of Fear

The masterpiece – a dream of all painters. A sight to behold for the viewers, a priceless treasure for collectors, the Artist’s soul captured in the canvas. You are that artist. You return to your studio to create your opus magnum, your best work to date. Your work until now was met with critical acclaim, but there was something missing, something you can’t quite put your finger on. That’s why this one is so important. This is the one they’ll remember you by. As you continue to paint, the world might bend around you, your sanity might slip, past blend with the present. But no matter! For what is sanity, when eternal fame is at stake?

Reception

Layers of Fear received favorable reviews from the critics and player alike. Reviews praised the plot of the game, evoking the psychological horror atmosphere, and the setting which challenged the player’s sense of orientation with a constantly changing layout. Critics considered LoF one of the most terrifying games in history, a perfect title for the fans of horror and good storytelling.

Key features

• Become the artist and create your ultimate masterpiece
• Roam the empty halls of your home, where reality seems to bend
• Drown yourself in the psychological horror story full of dark twists
• Experience the Victorian art aesthetics, combining horror with elegance