Layers of Fear 2 (2019) did not disappoint. As per the first game, this installment offered plenty of bizarre psychological experiences and content unlike most other traditional horror games out there. This series is trippy and bizarre, and never really what you might be expecting. They certainly have a way of catching one off guard. The game may start off fairly slow, and seem like average dark narrative-driven simulation, but it soon progresses and evolves into a mind-bending, surreal trip-vastly different from other subpar / typical horror games.
Visually and audibly, this game is so great, excellent really-but the story itself can be a bit convoluted and hard to understand at times. I feel that this game truly asks and deserves multiple playthroughs, in order to get a better grasp of the storyline. Much of the story is given out of order and played in flashbacks, so it can be tricky to piece together. It really is a lot to take in and can be very interpretive. There are so many theories floating around as to the actual meaning, but it personally moved me and made me ponder on it a lot afterwards. I appreciate horror games that make me think a bit.
I think many players may be expecting another style of horror when going into this, but we all must keep in mind that psychological horror is a much different animal than other facets of the horror genre. Psychological has the potential to burrow into your head, much more deeply than other kinds. Sometimes it deals with supernatural or paranormal events or perhaps the imagery may act as symbolism of past trauma, or a portrayal of a realistic decent into madness, or substance addiction etc. These aren't your typical zombie games and certainly not appreciated by everyone. They may often take more patience and intellect to put together the pieces.
LoF2 was dark and weird, and did a really good job of causing unease. Even though I never felt truly horrified, the game sure tried and unnerved me on a few occasions. It was entertaining, to say the least. Highly creative and disorienting. The bizarre, macabre imagery was creative and startling and especially towards the end, made it definitely worth a play.
STORY: 8/10
GAMEPLAY: 10/10
GRAPHICS: 10/10
ART DESIGN: 10/10
MUSIC: 10/10
OVERALL RATING: 9.