– A Game That Will Forever Live in My Heart, layers of fear 2016

My opinion of this game might be deeply rooted in nostalgia, but I truly believe it's something special—a beautiful, haunting experience that transcends just being a game.

This was the very first horror game I ever played, and I wasn’t alone—I played it with my mom, back when it had just come out. We were both so hooked. My mom was a massive horror fan; she even worked at a haunted house, and thanks to her, I inherited that love. She introduced me to the genre, and this game was the very beginning of that journey.

Every time I play it now, I'm hit with a wave of memories. I remember sitting beside her, clutching the controller, jumping at the same scares, laughing nervously when the tension broke, and just sharing those unforgettable moments together. It's more than a game to me—it's a piece of my childhood, a part of my relationship with her that I can revisit. And that means everything, especially since she's no longer here. Rest in peace, Mom.

Years later, after I finally got my own PC, the first thing I wanted to do was find that game—the one that started it all. But I couldn’t remember the name. I only had scattered images in my head: a ruined dog painting, a blood-streaked room, a child’s night lamp flickering in the darkness. I searched for months—typing everything I could into Google: “horror game with dog painting,” “haunted house horror game with painter,” anything I could think of. And then... I found it. The moment I saw the screenshots, it all came rushing back. I actually cried. Not out of sadness, but out of overwhelming emotion. It felt like reconnecting with a long-lost friend... or maybe even with a piece of my mom.

I love this game with my whole heart. The storytelling is rich and eerie, the atmosphere is thick with dread, and the way it pulls you into the mind of its broken protagonist is just masterful. Even when you're not playing it yourself, just watching someone else go through it is mesmerizing. It grips you.

To me, the 2016 version is the version. There might be a newer one, but it just doesn't hit the same. Maybe that’s nostalgia talking, sure, but there’s a rawness to this original that can’t be replicated. It’s not the most perfect game out there in terms of mechanics or polish—but perfection isn’t what makes something great. This game changed me. It sparked a passion, gave me moments I’ll treasure forever, and helped me feel close to someone I’ve lost.

If you’re a horror fan, or even just someone who appreciates games that tell deep, unsettling, and emotional stories—play this. I recommend it with all my heart.

Layer's of fear 2016 ★★★★★