Skip to main content

Mirror Layers

96%Game Brain Score
atmosphere, gameplay
story, music
96% User Score Based on 150 reviews

Platforms

PCPCWindowsWindows
Buy Nowfrom $9.99
Buy NowGet on Steam$9.99

About

"Mirror Layers" is a social horror game where players explore a mysterious apartment and survive horrors in a distorted reality known as the Mirror. Collaboration is key, and players can interact through a social network called Propaganda to share items, advice, and more. The game emphasizes solving puzzles, exploring the environment, and collecting clues, with a web and Android app available for Propaganda to facilitate cooperation even when players are away from the game.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Mirror Layers screenshot
Mirror Layers screenshot

96%
Audience ScoreBased on 150 reviews
atmosphere16 positive mentions
story3 negative mentions
  • Mirror Layers offers a unique blend of horror and puzzle-solving, enhanced by its innovative in-game social network, Propaganda, which allows players to collaborate asynchronously.
  • The game excels in creating a tense atmosphere and engaging gameplay, with challenging puzzles that provide a satisfying sense of accomplishment when solved.
  • Players appreciate the depth of the story and the immersive experience, with many considering it one of the best horror games they've played, highlighting its creativity and attention to detail.
  • Some players found the monster chase sequences frustrating and felt they detracted from the overall experience, making certain segments feel more annoying than scary.
  • A few puzzles were criticized for being overly difficult or unfair, leading to moments of frustration, especially in the later stages of the game.
  • The pacing can be slow at times, with some players expressing disappointment that the full game did not match the engaging experience of the demo.
  • atmosphere
    34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its dark and immersive qualities, effectively building tension through sound design and environmental details. Players appreciate the balance between jumpscares and a pervasive sense of dread, particularly in the context of puzzle-solving and narrative exploration. Overall, the game's ability to evoke fear and intrigue, especially in a dimly lit setting with headphones, makes it a standout experience in the horror genre.

    • “I heard about this game through one of the other developers' top-notch horror games called 'I'm Scared,' and honestly, that was a gem. Currently, this is the only game out of 80 other horror games that I have that actually leaves me slightly shook to even move. The atmosphere is incredible in Mirror Layers; this game is fantastic and fulfills my desires as someone who plays horror games.”
    • “The attention to details, the quality of the puzzles, and the atmosphere are unbelievable, especially if you think it has been developed by only a handful of skilled individuals.”
    • “I don't know if I will ever finish it, because I already had some heart attacks from the jumpscares and very scary atmosphere.”
    • “It's not just 'rahh' jumpscares; it has some jumpscares, but the majority of what scared me was the atmosphere and the unknown.”
    • “I think those segments have enough creepy atmosphere where you really don't need to do that.”
  • gameplay
    24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Mirror Layers" is characterized by its unique mechanics and well-constructed puzzles that challenge players to apply different types of intelligence. While it incorporates typical horror elements, such as evading monsters, it stands out for its innovative balance between adrenaline-pumping action and thoughtful puzzle-solving. The game features an intriguing file and object editing system, enhancing the overall experience and making it a noteworthy entry in the indie puzzle genre.

    • “Extremely good puzzle game with revolutionary twists on old mechanics.”
    • “It has an excellent balance between sheer adrenaline-pumping horror gameplay and more thinky puzzles.”
    • “Gameplay: puzzles are well built and each of them has its own characteristic and requires a different type of intelligence to be applied.”
    • “Outside of that, gameplay was your typical horror fare: complete puzzles and get out of harm's way when a monster is lurking.”
    • “Not just a spook to keep you on edge, but as a part of gameplay, which immediately made it seem cheap and amateurish when I know the people in charge are better than that.”
    • “- some mechanics that were coded into the game but never used?”
  • graphics
    20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game have received mixed feedback, with some players noting a generic appearance typical of indie horror titles, while others praise the quality and effectiveness of the visuals, particularly in creating an unsettling atmosphere. Although there are minor inconsistencies in aesthetics, the overall graphical presentation, including animations and environmental design, exceeds expectations for an indie game. The combination of good graphics and a strong sound environment enhances the gameplay experience, particularly in puzzle-solving scenarios.

    • “The graphics are really good, and the audio is minimal but almost perfectly effective.”
    • “This game is god tier; the graphics, the animations, the controls, and the overall quality of the game are beyond my expectations.”
    • “The aesthetics of the mirror world, which seem to be inspired by the Upside Down from Stranger Things, made me feel incredibly uneasy every time I crossed into it from the comfort of the real-world apartment.”
    • “Some people might be put off by its generic-looking HD visuals; it definitely isn't unique for being a first-person horror game set inside a house.”
    • “There were some inconsistent graphics and aesthetic choices, though these are just minor cons.”
    • “It's an indie game, so don't expect AAA graphics and animations, but still, they do their job.”
  • story
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is praised for its creativity and depth, moving beyond typical horror tropes to present a unique narrative experience that unfolds through various enigmas. Players appreciate the well-crafted presentation and the gradual revelation of story details, which enhances replay value despite some frustration over the inability to start a new game. Overall, the story is described as brilliant and engaging, encouraging players to piece together its intricacies.

    • “Edit: I now understand more of the story, and let me just say that once it sinks in, you'll realize just how brilliant it is!”
    • “I personally love when the story is unraveled in pieces of information in the game.”
    • “The story is creative and really interesting in how it changes up each enigma, like in the game Visage.”
    • “Last thing, the horror aspect and general atmosphere are on point; there is some weird stuff going on, but I need to play again to fully understand the story.”
    • “I don't want to spoil any more, and yes, I just teased you with what is the interesting part of the game, so you can buy it and try it yourself, piecing together the story of this scary fever dream.”
  • humor
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is highlighted through its quirky art, roleplay opportunities, and the lighthearted approach to challenging puzzles, making the cooperative escape room experience enjoyable. Players appreciate the comedic elements woven into the gameplay, which adds a unique charm to the overall atmosphere. The dubbing also enhances the humorous tone, contributing to a fun and engaging experience.

    • “Half of the game is basically a cooperative escape room with quite difficult puzzles. Don't worry, if you get stuck, I'm sure you can find people discussing how to progress on propaganda, funny art sharing, and minesweeper.”
    • “(It also allows me to identify myself by doing some funny roleplay.) I appreciate that he has been dubbed, and I like it!”
    • “Mirror Layers is an indie asynchronous co-op horror mystery puzzle game, a lot of big funny words that together mean: this is a very, very different beast from what you might be used to, and if you'll take my word for it, it's also very, very good.”
  • music
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game features minimal music, but the tracks that are present are well-suited to the atmosphere. While the scarcity of music is noted, the sound effects are praised for their quality, adding to the overall experience. Additionally, the music serves a functional role in alerting players to in-game events.

    • “It's also worth noting that he can sometimes just find you for no reason; however, you can tell when he's onto your location by the music and his walking pace!”
    • “Music is rare in this game, but it's okay; the sound effects are really good.”
    • “Music is rare in this game but it's okay; the sound effects are really good.”
    • “Very little music is featured, but most of what is here is oddly fitting and appropriate.”
    • “Its also worth noting that he can sometimes just find you for no reason; however, you can tell when he's onto your location by the music and his walking pace!”
  • stability
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's stability is generally solid, with only a few rare and minor glitches reported, such as visual anomalies and occasional delays in retrieving information. These issues do not significantly detract from the overall experience.

    • “There were also a couple of rare and minor glitches, like a flashlight shining through a wall, and finding a pertinent answer on propaganda sometimes took a few page flips and a good amount of research time.”
  • emotional
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players report that the emotional impact of the game is heightened by the unsettling aesthetics of the mirror world, reminiscent of the "Upside Down" from Stranger Things, creating a stark contrast to the comfort of the real world. This design choice effectively evokes feelings of unease and tension during transitions between the two realms.

    • “The aesthetics of the mirror world, which seem to be inspired by the Upside Down from Stranger Things, made me feel incredibly uneasy every time I crossed into it from the comfort of the real-world apartment.”

Buy Mirror Layers

Videos

Games Like Mirror Layers

Visage Image
This game contains adult content
82%7.4kreviews

Visage

2020Simulation
PCPCPlaystation 4Playstation 4Playstation 5Playstation 5+5
In Sound Mind Image
83%3.3kreviews

In Sound Mind

2021Survival Shooter
Nintendo SwitchNintendo SwitchPCPCPlaystation 5Playstation 5+4
Madison Image
This game contains adult content
85%1.2kreviews

Madison

2022Survival Simulation
Nintendo SwitchNintendo SwitchPCPCPlaystation 4Playstation 4+7
The Room Two Image
94%10kreviews

The Room Two

2016Puzzle
iPhoneiPhoneNintendo SwitchNintendo SwitchPCPC+6
Viviette Image
76%251reviews

Viviette

2018Survival Action Adventure
Nintendo SwitchNintendo SwitchPCPCSteam DeckSteam Deck+3
Reveil Image
This game contains adult content
77%635reviews

Reveil

2024Action Adventure
Mac OSMac OSPCPCPlaystation 5Playstation 5+6
Among the Sleep Image
76%3.9kreviews

Among the Sleep

2016Action Adventure
Mac OSMac OSNintendo SwitchNintendo SwitchPCPC+9
DARQ Image
84%1.9kreviews

DARQ

2021Arcade Action Adventure
Nintendo SwitchNintendo SwitchPCPCPlaystation 4Playstation 4+6
The Dream Machine Image
87%1.5kreviews

The Dream Machine

2012Casual Puzzle
Mac OSMac OSPCPCWindowsWindows
Aporia: Beyond The Valley Image
82%512reviews

Aporia: Beyond The Valley

2017Open World Puzzle
PCPCWindowsWindows