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Layers of Fear 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Layers of Fear 2
Item: Layers of Fear 2
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Horror, Simulation, Thriller, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableMay 28, 2019

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperBloober Team

Overview

Layers of Fear 2 is a first-person psychological horror game with an emphasis on exploration and story. Players control a Hollywood actor who heeds the call of an enigmatic director to take on the lead role in a film shot aboard an ocean liner. Beware, for all may not truly be what it seems.

Elsewhere

6.5

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Layers of Fear 2 are quite diverse. Many critics praise the story for its intriguing and thought-provoking elements. But Why Tho?? describes it as "trippy and thought-provoking," while Pure Nintendo mentions that it is "suspenseful and layered." These critics appreciate the narrative's ability to keep the player engaged and questioning what is real and what is in their head. TheXboxHub even goes as far as calling the story excellent, poetic, scary, and beautiful. These positive opinions highlight the game's ability to create a haunting and emotionally impactful experience. However, not all critics share the same enthusiasm for the story. Nintendo Life criticizes the game for taking too long to establish a solid narrative foothold and lacking a clear purpose to propel the player forward. They also mention that the mediocre gameplay hinders the engagement with the story. PC Gamer finds the plot confused and lacking cohesion, while TheSixthAxis criticizes it for being obtuse and pretentious. These negative opinions suggest that the story may suffer from pacing issues, lack of clarity, and an overreliance on mysterious elements that hinder the overall understanding and enjoyment of the narrative. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some appreciate the story's depth and emotional impact, others find it confusing and lacking direction. Critics like CGMagazine and RPG Fan mention that the story demands thought and exploration from the player to fully understand its intricacies. On the other hand, critics like Game Informer and Push Square criticize the narrative for being vague and confusing. The varying opinions suggest that the story of Layers of Fear 2 is a polarizing aspect of the game, with some players finding it engaging and thought-provoking, while others struggle to connect with its cryptic and fragmented nature.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Layers of Fear 2. Some praise its haunting and emotionally impactful elements, while others criticize its lack of clarity and confusing nature. Positive reviews highlight its engaging and thought-provoking narrative, while negative feedback points out pacing issues and an overreliance on mysterious elements. Overall, the story is polarizing, with some finding it captivating and others struggling to connect with its cryptic nature.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Layers of Fear 2, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. Several critics, such as But Why Tho?? and Universo Nintendo, highlight the positive aspects of the gameplay, emphasizing the exploration and interaction with objects. The game offers puzzles to solve, items to find and collect, and hidden items and messages to discover, providing a sense of engagement and reward for the player. IGN also praises the gameplay, specifically mentioning the splendid puzzles that inform the events of the story and make each puzzle feel different than the last. These positive opinions indicate that the gameplay of Layers of Fear 2 has elements that can be enjoyable and satisfying for players. However, there are also several negative opinions regarding the gameplay. Critics like Nintendo Life and Noisy Pixel criticize the over-dependence on hackneyed scare tactics, frustrating insta-kill sections, and boring puzzles. The gameplay is described as repetitive and fails to engage or reward the player. Additionally, CGMagazine mentions issues with pacing, getting tangled up and lost, and unnecessarily complicated triggers. These negative aspects suggest that the gameplay of Layers of Fear 2 may not consistently deliver a satisfying and immersive experience for players. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the gameplay of Layers of Fear 2 is mixed. While some critics appreciate the emphasis on exploration, interaction, and puzzle-solving, others find the gameplay repetitive, frustrating, and lacking in engagement. The opinions of critics such as Pure Nintendo and TheXboxHub highlight the similarities to the previous game and minimal interaction, while critics like The Indie Game Website and Cubed3 find aspects of the gameplay hindered by cliches and trial-and-error chase sequences. It is important for players to consider these varied opinions and determine whether the gameplay elements mentioned align with their own preferences and expectations.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on the gameplay of Layers of Fear 2. Positive feedback praises the exploration, puzzles, and interaction, while negative feedback criticizes repetitive scare tactics, frustrating sections, and boring puzzles. Some find the gameplay engaging and rewarding, while others feel it lacks immersion and satisfaction. Players should consider these varied perspectives before diving in.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Layers of Fear 2 are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praise the game for its attention to detail, expert cuts, and creepy visuals. The environments and sets are well-crafted, with stunning imagery and clever lighting choices. Critics like But Why Tho?? and Pure Nintendo highlight the realistic graphics and well-designed different environments that are interesting to explore. The game's visuals are often described as stunning, with lifelike lighting, vibrant colors, and a sense of physicality. Reviewers such as Hardcore Gamer and IGN appreciate the game's remarkable attention to detail, clever environment-changing design, and the ability to create surreal and nightmarish environments. The visual treatment is also commended for its crispness, with meticulously crafted and period-appropriate corridors on the ship, as mentioned by PlayStation Country. While the majority of critics have positive opinions about the graphics and visual design, there are a few minor criticisms. Some critics, such as PC Gamer, mention that the game struggles with stylistic consistency and that the horror sequences are overshadowed by segments where nothing much happens. The use of mannequins is also criticized by Xbox Tavern, as it becomes laughable and repetitive. Additionally, The SixthAxis notes that some visual tricks and references to films feel familiar from the first game, which may lessen the impact for players who are familiar with the franchise. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Layers of Fear 2 are highly impressive. The game's visuals are praised for their stunning attention to detail, clever design choices, and ability to create a sense of unease and immersion. The environments are often described as diverse, authentic, and rich in details. The game's ability to seamlessly blend different environments and scenes is also appreciated. The positive opinions of critics like Noisy Pixel, CGMagazine, and Game Informer further support the overall consensus that the graphics and visual design of Layers of Fear 2 are top-notch.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Layers of Fear 2's graphics and visual design, praising its attention to detail, creepy visuals, and stunning imagery. While some mention minor issues like stylistic consistency and repetitive elements, the overall consensus is highly positive. The game impresses with its realistic graphics, clever design choices, and ability to create immersive and eerie environments.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

Layers of Fear 2 received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics regarding its sound design and music. The first paragraph will focus on the positive aspects mentioned by the reviewers. Critics such as But Why Tho?? and Pure Nintendo praised the game for its chilling sounds, spooky audio spatial sounds, and effective audio effects that created jumpscares and filled players with dread. The voice acting was also highly praised, with Noisy Pixel highlighting the performance of the Director and Destructoid mentioning the well-delivered narration by Tony Todd. The music was also commended by critics like Hardcore Gamer and Cubed3, with mentions of standout sound effects, a haunting original score, and a smooth recurring song that fits the classic Hollywood theme. The expert use of silence, creepy sounds, and unpleasant instrumentation was also noted by RPG Fan. Moving on to the negatives, there were a few criticisms regarding the sound design and music of Layers of Fear 2. PlayStation Country mentioned that while the sound design provided stingers and shocks, it didn't enhance the atmosphere. Push Square noted that while the audio cues and visuals created a foreboding atmosphere, the game lacked genuine scares. Xbox Tavern mentioned that while the voice acting was well-scripted and played with the player's mind, the storytelling was confusing and lacked clarity. Additionally, Xbox Tavern also pointed out that the sound design included random occurrences that felt predictable. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Layers of Fear 2 were very good. The majority of reviewers praised the game for its ability to enhance the horror experience through its sound design. COGconnected mentioned that the sound design and music contributed to the frightful and disorienting atmosphere of the game, while Screen Rant highlighted the delicate and atmospheric moments accompanied by building music that created a sense of dread. The Indie Game Website also commended the impressive sound design, particularly the elements of the ship's sounds and haunting original score that established a lonesome, threatening tone. The positive feedback from multiple critics suggests that the sound design and music were successful in immersing players in the unsettling atmosphere and psychological horror of Layers of Fear 2.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praised Layers of Fear 2 for its chilling sound design, spooky audio effects, and effective music that enhanced the horror experience. Positive highlights included standout sound effects, haunting original score, and well-delivered voice acting. However, some critics felt that the sound design didn't always enhance the atmosphere and the game lacked genuine scares. Overall, the majority of reviewers agreed that the sound design and music successfully immersed players in the unsettling atmosphere and psychological horror of the game.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Layers of Fear 2 has received mostly positive reviews from the critics. Many reviewers praised the performances of the voice actors, particularly Tony Todd as The Director. Critics such as Noisy Pixel, Screen Rant, and The Indie Game Website all highlighted the strong voice acting and how it added to the immersive experience and unsettling atmosphere of the game. The deep, gravelly voice of The Director, guided the player and created tension, according to The Indie Game Website. Tony Todd's performance as The Director was also described as standing out by Noisy Pixel. The talented cast was also commended for bringing the poetic scriptwriting to life, as mentioned by Cubed3. Overall, the positive aspects of the voice acting in Layers of Fear 2 include great performances, strong delivery, and an effective contribution to the game's atmosphere. However, there were some criticisms regarding the voice acting in Layers of Fear 2. Destructoid mentioned that while Tony Todd's lines were well-delivered, the detachment from the writing worked against the game's psychological horror. TheSixthAxis described the voice overs and imagery in the game as obtuse and pretentious, comparing The Director's taunts to Jigsaw from the 'Saw' franchise. IGN also mentioned that the dialogue bordered on the nonsensical at times, although they still found the delirious diatribes of The Director and the performance of Lily's younger brother to be earnest and impressive. These criticisms suggest that while the voice acting had its strengths, there were instances where it may have missed the mark in terms of enhancing the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Layers of Fear 2 is well-done and adds to the game's atmosphere. The majority of reviewers praised the performances of the voice actors, particularly Tony Todd as The Director. They commended the strong delivery, the immersive experience it created, and how it contributed to the unsettling atmosphere of the game. While there were some criticisms regarding detachment from the writing and occasional nonsensical dialogue, the positive aspects of the voice acting outweighed the negatives. The overall sentiment towards the voice acting in Layers of Fear 2 is positive, with critics highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing the game's atmosphere and narrative.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics mostly praised the voice acting in Layers of Fear 2, especially Tony Todd as The Director for his standout performance. The voices added to the immersive and unsettling atmosphere of the game. However, some critics found the dialogue detached and pretentious, though overall, the voice acting was considered a strong asset that contributed effectively to the game's atmosphere and narrative.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Layers of Fear 2, the opinions of the critics varied depending on the gaming platform. Starting with the positives, the game was generally praised for its performance on the Nintendo Switch. COGconnected mentioned that the game runs better when locked at 30 fps, while Noisy Pixel stated that the game performs surprisingly well on the Switch, with an option for an uncapped framerate. These reviews indicate that the game runs smoothly on the Switch, with only occasional dips in performance. Additionally, GameSpew noted that the performance on Xbox One has been massively improved since the first game, suggesting that the developers have made significant optimizations. Moving on to the negatives, the PC version of the game received some criticism. Hardcore Gamer mentioned optimization problems, including occasional frame rate drops and sluggish rendering. RPG Fan highlighted issues with controls, such as doors getting stuck mid-opening or having to be opened using the opposite direction. These reviews indicate that the PC version of Layers of Fear 2 suffers from technical issues that can impact the overall gameplay experience. Cubed3 also mentioned various glitches and bugs on the PS4 version, including disappearing assets, underwater audio, framerate stutters, and long loading times. However, it is worth noting that no game-breaking issues were encountered. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the technical performance of Layers of Fear 2 is generally solid on the Nintendo Switch and Xbox One. The game runs smoothly on these platforms, with only minor issues mentioned. However, the PC version seems to have more significant technical problems, including optimization issues and control glitches. While the PS4 version also had some technical issues, the overall impact on gameplay was not considered game-breaking. Despite these technical shortcomings, the critics generally agreed that the performance improvements in Layers of Fear 2 compared to its predecessor were noticeable, as mentioned by Push Square.

TL;DR

technical performance

Layers of Fear 2 shines on Nintendo Switch and Xbox One with smooth performance, while PC version faces optimization problems and control issues. PS4 version has glitches but nothing game-breaking. Overall, critics see improvements in performance compared to the first game.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

88%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Layers of Fear 2 are mixed. Some critics, such as But Why Tho??, Pure Nintendo, Hardcore Gamer, Screen Rant, and Push Square, highlight the game's multiple endings and the ability to make different choices and explore to uncover collectibles as positive aspects that contribute to its replay value. These critics appreciate the incentives provided by the game to replay it and discover new nuances in the story. They believe that the game offers enough content and variation to warrant multiple playthroughs. On the other hand, critics like Nintendo Life, CGMagazine, RPG Fan, The Indie Game Website, GameSpew, and Stevivor express more reservations about the replay value of Layers of Fear 2. They mention that while the game does offer multiple endings and collectibles, the idea of going through the game again may not hold a huge appeal for some players. These critics argue that replaying the game may water down the experience or feel like a chore due to repetitive elements such as chases and branching paths. They believe that the choices leading to the different endings are clear and one-dimensional, which may diminish the overall replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Layers of Fear 2 does offer some replay value, but its appeal may vary depending on the player's preferences. The game's multiple endings, collectibles, and ability to make different choices are seen as positive aspects that enhance the replayability for some critics. However, others express concerns about the repetitive nature of certain elements and the lack of depth in the choices, which may limit the game's overall replay value. It is worth noting that the critics' opinions are not unanimous, with some emphasizing the positive aspects more strongly, while others are more critical of the game's replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of Layers of Fear 2. Some praise its multiple endings and incentives for replaying, while others find the repetitive elements and simplistic choices less appealing. Overall, the game's replayability varies based on individual preferences.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

66%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Layers of Fear 2 has received a range of opinions from critics, with some praising its positive aspects and others highlighting its flaws. In terms of positives, several critics commend the game's immersive experience and well-crafted scenes. But Why Tho?? appreciates the creepy and thought-provoking nature of the game, while Shindig praises its atmosphere and detail, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. IGN describes the game as an "astonishing feat of storytelling" with splendid puzzles and masterful sound design. These positive reviews indicate that Layers of Fear 2 successfully creates an engaging and suspenseful horror experience, with attention to detail and immersive storytelling. However, there are also several criticisms raised by reviewers. Nintendo Life expresses disappointment in the game, citing predictable scares, repetitive gameplay, and disappointing puzzles. CGMagazine notes that the game is looser than its predecessor, while Destructoid mentions that the horror feels artificial and the story can be hazy. PC Gamer criticizes the game for failing to deliver on its early chilling atmosphere and for not anchoring its own ideas. These negative reviews highlight issues such as repetitive gameplay, lack of originality, and a failure to fully realize the potential of the game's atmosphere. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed. While some critics, such as Hardcore Gamer and The Indie Game Website, consider Layers of Fear 2 to be a captivating horror experience with thought-provoking storytelling and suspenseful atmosphere, others, like Nintendo Life and PC Gamer, find it lacking in various aspects. The game's visuals and sound design receive praise from multiple critics, but its gameplay, story, and scares are subject to criticism. The general sentiment suggests that Layers of Fear 2 may appeal to fans of the horror genre who appreciate its immersive storytelling and atmospheric design, but it may not be as successful in winning over those who are not already fans of the genre.

TL;DR

Layers of Fear 2 divides critics with praise for its immersive horror experience, detailed scenes, and masterful storytelling, but faces criticism for predictable scares, repetitive gameplay, and a hazy story. While some laud its atmosphere and puzzles, others fault it for lacking originality and failing to deliver on its chilling setup. Overall, the game appeals to horror fans for its immersive storytelling and atmosphere, but falls short for those seeking a more innovative experience.

CRITIK

Reviews

140 reviews found

IGN

May 24, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Layers of Fear 2 is an astonishing feat of storytelling with splendid puzzles, remarkable attention to detail, and masterful sound design.

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Shindig

Nintendo Switch

May 19, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Layers of Fear 2 is a highly impactful horror game that retains its atmosphere and detail on the Switch, offering the convenience of handheld play

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Hardcore Gamer

May 24, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Layers of Fear 2 is another horror masterpiece that improves on what the original accomplished.

TheXboxHub

Xbox One

May 27, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that if you are a fan of horror games and enjoyed the first Layers of Fear, you will enjoy the enhanced storytelling, puzzles, visuals, and sound design of Layers of Fear 2. However, if you are not a fan of the horror genre, the game may not appeal to you.

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Pure Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Jun 1, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Layers of Fear 2 is a fun horror game that focuses on psychological terror and provides a suspenseful experience.

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The Indie Game Website

May 28, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Layers of Fear 2 is a fresh and captivating horror experience with a thought-provoking story and suspenseful atmosphere.

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Game Rant

Xbox One

May 30, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Layers of Fear 2 is an improvement over the original, with its flaws but still recommended for lovers of the horror genre. It captures the fear and thrill of the game and stands out as a unique horror experience.

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But Why Tho?

Nintendo Switch

May 19, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Layers of Fear 2 on the Nintendo Switch may not be as scary as its console versions, but it is still creepy and thought-provoking. The well-crafted scenes and immersive experience make it worth playing.

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Screen Rant

May 24, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Layers of Fear 2 is a cryptic horror game with a strong story, impressive visuals, and satisfying gameplay. It offers a short but immersive experience that rewards exploration and multiple playthroughs.

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COGconnected

Nintendo Switch

Jun 1, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Layers of Fear 2 is a surreal and frightful experience that is thought-provoking and disorienting. The decision to port it to the Nintendo Switch is a welcome one, despite some flaws in puzzles and gameplay.

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