Not too long ago, we provided you with a glimpse of the gameplay for the upcoming remake of the Layers of Fear franchise, along with the confirmed release date. Now, the full game has been released and is readily available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Additionally, it can be accessed on Apple Mac systems. The official website of the game contains a link to the Apple store, where you can find complete specifications. Furthermore, the website presents detailed PC requirements, outlining both the minimum and recommended specifications. However, it’s important to note that there are separate requirements for ray tracing and ray tracing with 4K resolution. When I played the demo, I set everything to the maximum, including ray tracing, while meeting the minimum system requirements. Now, the long-awaited Layers of Fear (2023) is finally here, providing us with the perfect opportunity to embark on a terrifying journey.
So, what does Layers of Fear (2023) offer? Well, it’s not merely a replica of the original game.
They broke down a post on Steam about all the new changes.
- A full-fledged, revitalized Layers of Fear from 2016
- A full-fledged, revitalized Layers of Fear 2 from 2019
- The original DLC “Inheritance”
- A new protagonist: the Writer
- A new story: the Lighthouse
- Bonus new content: the “Final Note” chapter
- Lantern, a new item that changes the game mechanic
They added there will be more to discover as well. The game was rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5.
Layers of Fear (2023) – How The Remake Shapes Up
Below is chunk of Xbox Series X Game footage. It is captured from the painter’s story in the original game and the actor’s story in the sequel. Also with footage from the writer’s story.
Gameplay
The game plays really well and when I did revisit the original games I found them very easy to play. Though if you want to see how they hold up today then look here. It was a smooth experience and I didn’t experience any major stuttering or frame drops. A positive sign when you factor in visually we have a lot going on. New mechanics added to the games add a slightly new take on games some of you may know well. They also combine the games and new content rather well with similar gameplay mechanics throughout. Though the puzzles can be challenging at times and may frustrate those new to the genre. Though if you are familiar with the original games you may find progress much swifter.
We have an option of a safe mode which means enemies in the game are unable to harm or kill you. If you want to take a slightly easier route, this may be an option for you. However, the game may be disturbing for some so the option to show sensitive warnings can be toggled on or off. If the genre or game is new to you this may be really worth considering
Graphics
We have a comparison video found here of the original and remake which may help show exactly how much work has been put in. As the game is one of the best looking out there thanks to Unreal Engine 5. Though some particle effects could be improved somewhat. Textures in rooms and corridors are excellent and the use of ray-traced lighting is a treat. At times the way the game implements the lighting and has a dark hazy lit room or corridor becomes very creepy. It really creates a dark foreboding and at times uncomfortable atmosphere.
Audio
The audio is also incredibly well done and is another strong point. We get a fantastic musical score that can change from dramatic to extremely intense. It complements the visual aspect so well. Also like we saw in Hellblade, it uses binaural audio so headphone use really enhances the experience. The use of this audio really enriches the sound effects such as the voices you hear or footsteps for example. Even with a powerful score, the volume as it appears doesn’t detract from the sound effects. They work together along with what you see to portray the fear.
Story
The hardest part to describe as it gives us three characters obsessed with their craft. The first game focuses on the painter who is trying to create his magnum opus whose muse was his wife. We follow his story as we explore their mansion and experience his sanity beginning to crack. In the second game you are the lead actor and your latest project is being filmed on an ocean liner. You end up exploring to find out why you were chosen for the role. The two games are linked together by a third character who is new and the lighthouse story and adventure of the writer is designed to link everything together. We also have a new DLC which gives more of an insight into the painter and his story in “The Final Note”. Alongside this, we have all the DLC previously released in the series. Though the remake would probably have worked as two separate releases.
Layers of Fear (2023) Worth It After All – Let’s Take A Look
If you’re a horror fan this is certainly worth looking into. I look on Steam and all the reviews are mostly positive, a view I agree with. However, it’s one of the first proper looks of a game running in Unreal Engine 5. It’s a horror game where you don’t see where the fear lies. I found it unsettling and uncomfortable at times. So Bloober Team achieved what they set out to do.
Layers of Fear (2023)
Deluxe $34.99 / £28.99 - Standard $29.99/£24.99
