I loved this game for about three weeks, but it got old soon. It's beautifully designed but ultimately frustrating. Though you're encouraged to explore, there are so many difficulties with exploration that I gave up. Almost all game real estate is infested with hostile beasties and it's a really long hard slog getting from one level to the next. I found too many times I'd be getting to the end of a quest, having completed all but the last obstacle, but then at the end I was always faced with not only a super boss, but with him scores of minions who would continue to teleport in until I was ultimately overwhelmed. Better gear (such as I could afford) and continuous practice didn't get me over the hump. This game lacks the sense of exploration and wonder that Skyrim had.

Layers of Fear is not only a fascinating exploration game, it's also a work of art. Every detail contributes to a creepy and pervasive sensation of alienation and dread while preserving artistic coherence and integrity. In other words this game, in my opinion, is an esthetic experience as well an effective invocation of the macabre. You, the point of view character, are insane, and it's only getting worse. You are trying to complete a painting of your beloved, but you keep messing it up. You wander throught the rooms and corridors of this impossible old house while the storm beats relentlessly against the windows. You're looking for some connection to your lost love. I was impressed with how beautifully the house was realized and how it changes its configuration to reflect the confusion in your diseased mind. You can go through a door and turn around and the door is no longer there! At on point times seems to be progressing in reverse direction.

This game has a particular scenario that you follow, while giving the illusion of free will. But of course you don't have free will. Fate controls everything you do and there is no escape. However I found the experience exhilerating. You can't stop trying, exploring those endless creepy corridors and trick rooms trying to find some connection to your lost love. Is there a conclusion, a resolution? You'll just have to find out for yourself.

There are a few rather obscure puzzles, but not many. Mostly it's about atmosphere and suspense. I am impressed witih the artistry and imagination that went into creating this game. In quality of the both esthetics and gaming experience it is far and away better than most other games available in its class.