Layers of Fear (2023) Xbox Series X Review
| Game: | Layers of Fear |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Anshar Studios |
| Developer: |
From the minds of Bloober Team comes Layers of Fear (2023), a newly remade version that aims to bring together all of the games in the series, including all DLC, with the aim to make a more cohesive story. Each game follows a protagonist as they struggle with mental health issues, while attempting to create their own artistic masterpieces.
The game consists of a total of five stories: the Painter, the Musician (the brand new Final Note DLC, which provides the perspective of the Painter’s wife), and the Actor (Layers of Fear 2), with another new addition being the Writer, whose story ties together all of the others. In Layers of Fear: Inheritance, the narrative centers around the daughter of the Painter and the Musician. She grapples with her own mental health challenges, influenced by the tumultuous relationship between her parents and the troubled upbringing she experienced as a result.
The 2023 version of the game not only strives to enhance the story’s cohesiveness but also presents a striking visual upgrade that is evident when comparing the original releases to these remade editions. The environments now exhibit a sleeker design, featuring reduced noise and fewer white seams, while boasting increased movement and dynamic shadows. The lighting system has undergone a comprehensive overhaul, resulting in a significantly moodier atmosphere. Thanks to the implementation of Unreal Engine 5, the graphics as a whole exude a heightened sense of realism, surpassing the visuals of the original versions and making use of ray tracing, HDR and 4K enhancements.
The graphics have undergone a notable darkening, adding to the atmospheric ambiance, though this is not a bad thing. A noteworthy and welcome new feature in the game is the inclusion of torches and lanterns, some players, of which, myself included, may forget has been added, therefore playing a lot of the game darkened. These light sources serve the obvious purpose of illuminating your path, but they can also be utilised to burn away the newly included enemies and red glowing objects that unveil notes or other valuable items. While the initial release of these games drew comparisons to walking simulators, the inclusion of enemies, torches and lanterns brings a welcome interactive element to the gameplay. As the games progress, choice-driven elements are introduced, influencing the outcome of each respective story and offering replayability as you discover all the possible endings.
In addition to the enhanced graphics, certain aspects of the game have been refined, including the removal of a particularly unintentionally humorous loop, along with various other tweaks throughout. Noteworthy additions have also been introduced, including the new aforementioned storyline centered around The Writer, who finds herself trapped within a lighthouse until she completes her latest book.
The least compelling story among them revolves around the wife, who grapples with a sense of confinement within her home and her own thoughts. Throughout the game, there are overt indications, such as the abundance of chains, that symbolise her profound feelings of entrapment. Furthermore, a supernatural entity, known as the Rat Lady, is featured in each story, urging the protagonists to complete their magnum opus. Considering that each narrative already delves into the horrors of mental health, this additional aspect feels superfluous and unnecessary.
Despite their relatively straightforward narratives, each story is skillfully conveyed through the immersive visuals of every game. As you progress, your protagonist traverses through multiple unsettling “layers” or loops, each progressively more terrifying as their tale unravels. Despite not being particularly great, an appreciated enhancement is the inclusion of voice acting for notes, establishing a stronger sense of connection between these collectibles and the overall games and stories, rather than being mere items to discover.
Every game unfolds within a distinct setting, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience. The Painter, Musician, and Inheritance share a common backdrop of a grand mansion, reflecting their familial connection. As mentioned, the Writer’s narrative, on the other hand, unfolds within the captivating confines of a lighthouse, while the Actor’s tale takes place aboard an intriguing ship.
Among all the stories, the Actor’s journey captivates me the most, featuring innovative gameplay centered around mannequins and building up palpable tension as the plot advances, especially with a relentless pursuer lurking in the shadows.
Overall, Layers of Fear (2023) successfully delivers a cohesive and visually impressive experience, combining captivating narratives, refined gameplay, and a heightened sense of realism, all within a haunting exploration of mental health and artistic expression.
