Layers of Fear 2
The Polish development team Bloober Team returns with the second part of the psychological horror game Layers of Fear to present us with a new story and a new environment in which events take place, but in the same style that characterized the first part, according to this review We will tell you more about the experience.
The story is about a famous Hollywood actor who stars in a film by an eccentric director, and the events aboard the ship are even stranger. The story is considered the core of the experience in Layers of Fear 2. and we will content ourselves with saying that things are not as they seem and the further you progress in the experience, the clearer the truth becomes. Little by little, but at the same time, some questions and facts will remain unclear, as they are left to the player to deduce or accept on their own.
On a technical level, the game looks good and attention has been paid to the various details in the narrow spaces and corridors of the ship, which will change a lot throughout the game. As for the audio content, we have good voice acting for some of the characters, in addition to beautiful melodies placed in the right place, sometimes that’s all you hear. It is the sounds of the waves coming from outside or the calm and beautiful music while walking through some memories. At the right moment the music will be confusing and create tension when there is danger.
If you’ve tried the first part, you know what the gaming experience is limited to.
The experience is very linear and relies on tricks and sudden changes in the environment to disguise that linearity. You can peek through the lock on one of the doors to see what’s in the room, and you’re in it, and you may be walking through it. One of the corridors that changes when you are distracted by anything around you, and you can enter the same room again and again, each time with a small change.
The atmosphere will change a lot throughout the experience, from dark and dim to the point where it’s difficult to see anything, to walking around in a normal ship that’s well lit, and sometimes everything turns black and white , which makes the manipulation of the environment more effective.
There are puzzles, but they are very simple, such as finding a key or finding a secret code. However, in most cases you don’t have to look far for this and you can find the key in the same room or in the next room. Other puzzles do not require you to use logical equations or solve problems as they are simple and contain clear clues to solve them. The purpose of the puzzles is to distract you a little from the exploration part, which is the bulk of the experience, so it doesn’t get boring.
Although the game is largely linear and exploration is usually limited to walking in one direction until you encounter a closed door and then changing direction, you will find a group of publications and paintings, some depicting films, in which the actor you are playing has played one of the roles.
There are also a group of decoration pieces and images that can be found and are presented to you in a main area of the game that you return to from time to time.
The experience provides approximately 6 hours of play time, with the option to repeat the experience again if you are interested in collecting the remaining paintings, pictures and other collectibles. Layers of Fear 2 is generally not scary and the gaming experience is very simple and straightforward as it focuses on presenting an exciting and mysterious story rather than aiming to do so. It offers a lot beyond the scope of the narrative, and if you were a fan of the first part, this part will give you more of that experience.
Pros
- The game features stunning visuals and attention to detail, especially in the narrow spaces and corridors of the ship.
- The voice acting for some of the characters is well done, adding to the immersive experience.
- The game utilizes beautiful melodies and sound effects to enhance the atmosphere and create tension.
- The gameplay is linear but relies on tricks and sudden changes in the environment to keep players engaged.
- The atmosphere of the game changes dynamically, from dark and dim to well-lit and even black and white, making the manipulation of the environment more effective.
- The puzzles in the game are simple and contain clear clues, serving as a distraction from the exploration part of the gameplay.
- The story is the core of the experience and is aimed at those looking for an interesting and mysterious narrative.
- The game offers approximately 6 hours of gameplay, with the option to replay and collect additional collectibles.
Cons
- The gameplay can feel repetitive and limited, with exploration often limited to walking in one direction until encountering a closed door.
- The puzzles in the game are relatively easy and may not provide a significant challenge for experienced players.
- The horror element of the game is not as strong as expected, with jump scares and sudden changes in the environment being the primary sources of tension.
- The game may not appeal to players who are looking for a more intense and terrifying horror experience.
FAQ
1. What is the story of Layers of Fear 2?
The story revolves around a famous Hollywood actor who stars in a film by an eccentric director aboard a ship. As you progress through the game, the truth becomes clearer, but some questions and facts are left for the player to deduce or accept on their own.
2. How does the gameplay of Layers of Fear 2 differ from the first game?
The gameplay in Layers of Fear 2 is similar to the first game, with a linear experience that relies on tricks and sudden changes in the environment. The atmosphere and settings change throughout the game, from dark and dim to well-lit ship corridors. The puzzles are simple and serve as a distraction from the exploration aspect of the game.
3. Is Layers of Fear 2 a scary game?
While Layers of Fear 2 contains some terrifying moments, such as jump scares and sudden appearances of monsters, the horror element is not as strong as in other horror games. The focus of the game is primarily on delivering an interesting and mysterious story.
4. Are there collectibles in Layers of Fear 2?
Yes, there are collectibles in the game, including publications, paintings, and decoration pieces. These can be found throughout the game and are presented in a main area that you return to from time to time. Collecting these items adds to the overall experience and provides additional playtime.
5. How long does it take to complete Layers of Fear 2?
The game offers approximately 6 hours of gameplay. However, if you are interested in collecting all the remaining paintings, pictures, and other collectibles, you have the option to replay the game for additional playtime.
