When you think horror in video games, you might leap straight for the shuffling undead or vengeful ghosts. You might think of chainsaw wielding psychopaths or madmen in asylums. You’ve probably never thought about an artist. Well that’s about to change. Watch the launch trailer, and if you manage to make it through without running away screaming for your mommy, read on about this new indie horror surprise.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JugLpqUxoCw&w=920&h=415]
Developed by Bloober Team SA, Layers of Fear is a first person psychedelic horror game set in a Victorian mansion with classic art and a chilling, haunting story. It has it all. As the player, we dive into the mind of an insane painter as we explore his dwelling. The canvas we always come back to will slowly be filled in and painted as his haunting past is revealed bit by bit to help complete the masterpiece he has always longed to create. What lead him to his madness? What is the story behind him. Every step of the way through the Victorian mansion covered in beautiful art masterpieces, the rooms you go through and the environment will constantly change. As scary as it is, only through each step of exploration will you be able to uncover more and move the story along.
Months ago, Layers of Fear launched its early access demo. Gameplay videos covered YouTube as many played it. What is even better is the highly praised positive reviews that it received for the atmosphere and the building storyline in a plot-driven indie horror game. Its rare to see a game that focuses on building the dread in a psychological horror effectively nowadays. The scares aren’t cheap and the contorting rooms and sounds and music will make the player feel immersed and trapped inside the artist’s mind and his tragic past. What is around the corner and behind that door? What are, if there are, the dangers that lurk? Its this unpredictability that drives a player to keep wanting to take a deep breath, pull on those big boy/girl pants and explore further as courageous as they possibly can.
Layers of Fear seems like possibly a new direction for indie horror games, tapping back into a world of psychological horror as well as an intriguing plot. Set in an haunting era, inspired by classic art, carried out with a plot filled with insanity. The first look is unique and creative. The hope is that the full game will be as promising if not even more.
Layer of Fear is due for a full release on February 16th.
