Layers of Fear

 PC
Layers of Fear Image
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 327 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • 10
  • 9
  • 8
  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • Summary: Layers of Fear is a psychedelic horror where you take control over an insane painter in his quest to finish his magnum opus.

Trailer

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:
You are not allowed to view this material at this time.
Layers of Fear - Steam Early Access Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 46
  3. Negative: 2 out of 46
  1. The Escapist
    Feb 14, 2016
    100
    The true masterpiece is the endless struggle to create art. Jump scares and predictable tricks in horror games won't work anymore. The story of the artist is intriguing while still making you feel tense and uneasy about what you see. Layers of Fear made story, gameplay, and atmosphere work together in harmony.
  2. GameOver.gr
    Feb 24, 2016
    90
    Layers of Fear is probably the scariest game of all time. A nightmarish journey through the mind of a deranged talented painter. Riveting atmosphere, fitting music and otherworldly scenes are going to haunt your thoughts for several days after the completion of your walkthrough. Magnificent.
  3. Hooked Gamers
    Feb 24, 2016
    85
    If you're a horror fan, or even just a fan of storylines that make you think, Layers of Fear should be right up your alley. Though it can be completed in a couple of sittings or less, it's an experience not easily forgotten.
  4. Multiplayer.it
    Feb 14, 2016
    75
    This horror experience infuses deep feelings of fear, both through great sound and images. However there should have been bigger interactions and extended puzzle solutions.
  5. ActionTrip
    Mar 4, 2016
    70
    Despite the abundance of clichés, you can see that a lot of effort went into setting the right tone and atmosphere. There are some downright mind-blowing scenes and unique uses of audio and color.
  6. GameSpot
    Feb 14, 2016
    70
    On the surface, this is a simplistic horror game with a claustrophobic atmosphere and plenty of creepy moments. The straightforward puzzles and unusual visuals give it wide appeal. Beneath that there are secrets to uncover and the subliminal pleasure of playing as the monster. For those that want to probe deeper there are angles of art and psychology to ponder. Stacked up like the rickety tiers of a gothic building, Layers of Fear proves aptly named.
  7. Quarter to Three
    Feb 15, 2016
    20
    In other words, not so much a game as a tool to drive traffic to someone’s YouTube channel. That’s not game development. It’s pandering.

See all 47 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 64
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 64
  3. Negative: 10 out of 64
  1. Banjoconker
    Aug 27, 2015
    10
    The best horror game this year! Absolutely amazing mood, groundbreaking visual style. It looks a way better then PT. There is just one snag -The best horror game this year! Absolutely amazing mood, groundbreaking visual style. It looks a way better then PT. There is just one snag - you better don't play this game alone at night!… Expand
  2. GingerCat77
    Feb 23, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In the mind of schizophrenic, addicted to the alcohol, grieving man. I feel sick playing this, but in the good way. This game really moved me to the core.… Expand
  4. DaniMayor
    Feb 24, 2016
    9
    this critic is in spanish

    Wow,me e pasado hace poco este juego y la verdad es que me a sorprendido y mucho. Este es un juego de miedo pero    this critic is in spanish

    Wow,me e pasado hace poco este juego y la verdad es que me a sorprendido y mucho.
    Este es un juego de miedo pero algo peculiar,usa mucho la repeticion y bebe mucho de P.T por no decir que es casi igual pero me gusta y mucho,el mirar hacia algun lado y al darse la vuelta ves que todo cambia es flipante de narices,de quedarse aplaudiendo en algunas ocasiones de lo tremendo que es

    El miedito:

    En cuanto al terror te digo que es bueno,en algunas ocasiones recurre al susto facil(cosa que no me gusta) pero cuando estas con los cascos a tope y la habitacion a oscuras es facilisimo sumergirte en el juego y sentir de verdad miedo.

    Historia:
    Como no la historia tambien es buena,nose si por cosa propia(ya que me encantan las historias contadas con pequeños guiños,sutilezas y notas osea que no te cuenta la historia de sopeton)
    pero la verdad que es bastante buena y el final tambien.

    Graficos:

    Simplemente increibles,flipantes en algunos casos,para dejar la baba colgando

    Rendimiento:

    El rendimiento en general es bueno pero aveces da una caida de framerate que no deberia de ocurrir,alomejor si tienes un pc mas modesto no podras jugar este juego a 60 fps constantes

    En resumen es un juego corto (6 h max) pero intenso que no te va a dejar indiferente muy recomendado    … Expand
  5. xKindred
    Feb 19, 2016
    8
    What it lacks in complexity & finesse, it more than makes up for with its sheer terror and immersing atmosphere. Layers of Fear is aWhat it lacks in complexity & finesse, it more than makes up for with its sheer terror and immersing atmosphere. Layers of Fear is a well-flowing sequence of (sort of) interactive horror events that strike fear & toy with the mind of the unfortunate player. The evocative story & impeccable setting is definitely adequate enough to make the player want to explore every corner of this game, despite its unapologetic linearity. This game is an excellent pick-up for those up for a terrifying & memorable experience on the PC.… Expand
  6. LoletinAlexis
    Jun 3, 2018
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It is very interesting the fact that everything is a madness formed by himself, or at least, is what I interpret. It contains a hidden plot in a kind of bubble that with each painting in the picture is getting bigger, and that eventually ends up exploding with several endings (depending on whether you collect the collectibles, whether or not you happen in history ...).… Expand
  7. SparkyVS
    Jul 5, 2018
    5
    Promising plot becomes dull really early. I like walking simulator, narrative and atmosphere games, but Layers of Fear pacing is terrible,Promising plot becomes dull really early. I like walking simulator, narrative and atmosphere games, but Layers of Fear pacing is terrible, awful jumpscares and super easy puzzles. Honestly, if it was more condensed and well designed, could be a instant classic. But it isn't.… Expand
  8. dmack0823
    Jun 13, 2016
    0
    It isn't scary, at all. Its just weird images, and jump scares. It lacks atmosphere, it lacks mood. It also rips of off better, scarier,It isn't scary, at all. Its just weird images, and jump scares. It lacks atmosphere, it lacks mood. It also rips of off better, scarier, horror games, such as PT and Amnesia.… Expand

See all 64 User Reviews

Trailers

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016
38
#38 Most Shared PC Game of 2016

Current PC Games

Full List »
91 Disco Elysium
85 Control
82 Children of Morta
81 Hunt: Showdown
81 Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones
81 Stormland
78 Lost Ember
77 Green Hell
76 Neo Cab
76 Cat Quest II: The Lupus Empire
74 The Beast Inside
74 Phoenix Point
73 Darwin Project
73 Code Vein
73 MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries
69 Overland
68 Deliver Us The Moon
67 Shenmue III
62 Kingdom Under Fire II
62 Daymare: 1998
All Current Games »