72
MONSTER
Layers of Fear is a first-person psychedelic horror chronicle focused on tense exploration and immersive storytelling - a new game built upon the foundations of Layers of Fear, LOF: Inheritance, and Layers of Fear 2 with a surprising new story and gameplay direction All stories must come to an end, even twisted and eerie ones. The canvas. The stage. The novel. This narrative-focused psychological horror experience is ready for its final brushstrokes, its curtain call, its final chapter. Are you ready to return and face your fears one last time?
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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79
Critics have mixed opinions on Layers of Fear's story. Positive reviews praise its engaging narrative, artistic themes, and well-paced clues leading to terrifying moments. However, negative feedback points out its predictability, lack of originality, and ineffective horror elements. Overall, while some critics find the story cliched, others appreciate its depth and symbolism, making it a compelling experience for many despite its flaws.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
79
Positive (80-100)
77%
Mixed (50-79)
13%
Negative (0-49)
10%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics have mixed opinions on Layers of Fear's story. Positive reviews praise its engaging narrative, artistic themes, and well-paced clues leading to terrifying moments. However, negative feedback points out its predictability, lack of originality, and ineffective horror elements. Overall, while some critics find the story cliched, others appreciate its depth and symbolism, making it a compelling experience for many despite its flaws.
Gameplay Mechanics
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67
Critics have mixed opinions on the gameplay of Layers of Fear. Some praise its immersive exploration and puzzle-solving elements, while others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking challenge. Despite differing views, most agree on the game's attention to detail and ability to create psychological terror, making it a worthwhile experience for horror game fans.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
67
Positive (80-100)
7%
Mixed (50-79)
77%
Negative (0-49)
17%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics have mixed opinions on the gameplay of Layers of Fear. Some praise its immersive exploration and puzzle-solving elements, while others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking challenge. Despite differing views, most agree on the game's attention to detail and ability to create psychological terror, making it a worthwhile experience for horror game fans.
Graphics and Visual Design
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85
Critics raved about Layers of Fear's stunning graphics, immersive atmosphere, and creative visual tricks, praising its attention to detail and eerie ambiance. However, some noted technical issues like frame-rate problems and glitches that impacted the experience. Despite these drawbacks, the majority of critics found the game visually impressive, realistic, and chilling, with intricate details that added to its psychological terror.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
85
Positive (80-100)
63%
Mixed (50-79)
38%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics raved about Layers of Fear's stunning graphics, immersive atmosphere, and creative visual tricks, praising its attention to detail and eerie ambiance. However, some noted technical issues like frame-rate problems and glitches that impacted the experience. Despite these drawbacks, the majority of critics found the game visually impressive, realistic, and chilling, with intricate details that added to its psychological terror.
Music and Sound Design
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79
Critics mostly praise Layers of Fear for its expertly crafted sound design and haunting music that enhance the game's terrifying atmosphere. Positive feedback from numerous sources highlights the immersive experience created by eerie noises, creepy music, and a haunting soundtrack. However, a few critics mention flaws like choppy audio and wooden voiceovers, though these criticisms are outweighed by the overall strong reception of the game's sound design and music.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
79
Positive (80-100)
56%
Mixed (50-79)
40%
Negative (0-49)
4%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics mostly praise Layers of Fear for its expertly crafted sound design and haunting music that enhance the game's terrifying atmosphere. Positive feedback from numerous sources highlights the immersive experience created by eerie noises, creepy music, and a haunting soundtrack. However, a few critics mention flaws like choppy audio and wooden voiceovers, though these criticisms are outweighed by the overall strong reception of the game's sound design and music.
Voice Acting
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65
Critics are split on the voice acting in Layers of Fear. Some praise it for enhancing the game's atmosphere and emotion, while others criticize it for lacking depth and failing to connect with the character. Positive reviews highlight its impact, but negative ones call it distracting and unconvincing. Overall, the voice acting is a divisive element, with some finding it effective and others finding it lacking.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
65
Positive (80-100)
38%
Mixed (50-79)
50%
Negative (0-49)
13%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Critics are split on the voice acting in Layers of Fear. Some praise it for enhancing the game's atmosphere and emotion, while others criticize it for lacking depth and failing to connect with the character. Positive reviews highlight its impact, but negative ones call it distracting and unconvincing. Overall, the voice acting is a divisive element, with some finding it effective and others finding it lacking.
Technical Performance
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60
Critics had mixed opinions on the technical performance of Layers of Fear on PS4 and PC. Some found minor issues like occasional frame rate hitches, while others highlighted significant problems like frame rate drops and stuttering. Overall, the consensus is that while some critics found the technical issues tolerable, others felt they detracted from the experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
60
Positive (80-100)
6%
Mixed (50-79)
82%
Negative (0-49)
12%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Critics had mixed opinions on the technical performance of Layers of Fear on PS4 and PC. Some found minor issues like occasional frame rate hitches, while others highlighted significant problems like frame rate drops and stuttering. Overall, the consensus is that while some critics found the technical issues tolerable, others felt they detracted from the experience.
Replay Value
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64
Critics are divided on the replay value of Layers of Fear. Some praise its multiple paths and collectibles for added depth, while others criticize its short playtime and linear design. Overall, opinions lean towards limited replayability, with individual preferences playing a key role in determining if it's worth revisiting.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
64
Positive (80-100)
0%
Mixed (50-79)
71%
Negative (0-49)
29%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics are divided on the replay value of Layers of Fear. Some praise its multiple paths and collectibles for added depth, while others criticize its short playtime and linear design. Overall, opinions lean towards limited replayability, with individual preferences playing a key role in determining if it's worth revisiting.
Overall Verdict
72
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
72
Positive (80-100)
52%
Mixed (50-79)
47%
Negative (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Layers of Fear has received a mix of positive and negative reviews. Critics praise its immersive atmosphere and compelling narrative, comparing it to horror classics like P.T. Some even call it a masterpiece. However, issues with performance and reliance on cliches were noted by others. Overall, the game offers a chilling experience with memorable design, though some find it lacking in originality.
72
MONSTER
Reviews
177 reviews found100
GamesRadar+
Feb 14, 2016
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is praised as one of the best horror games ever played, creating a new toolset for interactive scares. It perfectly dramatizes a descent into madness and blurs the boundaries of reality. The minor issues do not diminish its power.
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95
CGMagazine
Feb 15, 2016
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review highly praises Layers of Fear as a masterpiece and recommends playing it, especially for horror fans. It is compared to PT and Silent Hills as a great horror experience.
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90
DarkZero
Apr 7, 2016
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Layers of Fear is a high-point in the genre and deserves to be seen as a standard bearer.
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90
PSNStores
Feb 16, 2016
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
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.
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84
Digital Chumps
Feb 19, 2016
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Layers of Fear is a fine horror game that is recommended and worth experiencing. The reviewer also expresses interest in playing it again in VR.
80
Arcade Sushi
Feb 14, 2016
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Layers of Fear delivers a layered experience of fright, immersion, and mystery. Despite some missteps and the demand for thorough exploration, it is a competently told psychological journey.
80
ZTGD
Feb 15, 2016
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Layers of Fear offers a unique and scary experience, descending into madness. It scared the reviewer.
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80
Attack of the Fanboy
Feb 14, 2016
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Layers of Fear is an excellent and clever horror title with a few flaws that can be improved
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80
Examiner
Feb 16, 2016
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Layers of Fear offers an intriguing take on the horror genre and video game storytelling. The creepy atmosphere, sound effects, and unique premise make it worth experiencing despite its performance issues and lack of replay value.
80
Push Square
Feb 14, 2016
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Layers of Fear is a tidily presented, tantalizingly tense trip through a fractured psyche. It may not be the most original horror game, but it effectively combines its influences to create a repulsive and rousing experience.