Layers of Fear 2 is a first-person, psychological thriller, horror video 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. Darkness surrounds as you stand silently in the spotlight, the only sounds to be heard over your heartbeat are the distant breaking of waves against the hull and the sound of cameras pointed in your direction preserving this moment for eternity. A deep and commanding voice rises from the distance. "Act". What part will you play...?

For those that enjoy immersive mystery games with an intriguing storyline, Layers of Fear 2 ticks all the right boxes. It has atmosphere and an engaging narrative. It also has the occasional "jump" sequence, like most good horror movies, which will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Wandering around the environments I did, however, feel that for the majority of the game, the developers were holding my hand. There's very little option to explore your surroundings and feel like you have free run of the place, as there's only ever one route and when it appears blocked it's simply a case of doubling back to discover a locked door has now opened.

The creepy atmosphere, like a good haunted house attraction, is heightened by the unsettling appearance of your surroundings, which are retro in appearance, something that has been done before, most notably in 2007's Bioshock.

There's the occasional puzzle to tackle but mostly this game is all about walking around and being creeped out (and impressed at some of the design ideas) by your surroundings.

It's a novel, fun game that should provide an interesting distraction.

7

Nick Smithson