Mirror Layers
- October 29, 2021
- Revolab
Get on Steam"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.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Mirror Layers offers a unique horror experience that combines puzzle-solving with an innovative social media aspect, allowing players to collaborate asynchronously to progress.
- The game excels in creating a tense atmosphere, with well-designed puzzles that challenge players without feeling unfair, and a compelling story that unfolds through exploration.
- Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke genuine fear and suspense, with a focus on atmosphere rather than relying solely on jump scares.
- Some players find the monster chase sequences frustrating and feel they detract from the overall experience, making certain segments feel more like a chore than an engaging challenge.
- A few puzzles are considered overly difficult or obscure, 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 in the lack of immediate puzzles and action compared to the demo.
- atmosphere17 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
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, with many noting that the game's ambiance significantly enhances the horror experience. Overall, the combination of creepy settings, engaging puzzles, and a well-executed soundscape creates a memorable and chilling atmosphere that captivates players.
“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. So I figured, hey, let's check this one out and see what it's about. 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 without a doubt 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.”
“It's not just 'rahh' jumpscares; it has some jumpscares, but the majority of what scared me was the atmosphere and the unknown.”
“I don't know if I will ever finish it because I already had some heart attacks from the jumpscares and the very scary atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere and the general horror elements were decent for the most part.”
- gameplay12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is characterized by a unique blend of innovative puzzle mechanics and traditional horror elements, offering players a mix of adrenaline-pumping moments and thoughtful challenges. While it features typical horror gameplay of evading monsters, the incorporation of a computer and file editing system adds depth and originality. Overall, the puzzles are well-crafted, requiring diverse problem-solving skills, making it a standout experience in the indie game scene.
“As far as gameplay and puzzle difficulty, Mirror Layers does well.”
“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?”
- graphics10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players noting a generic appearance typical of first-person horror games, while others praise the high quality and effective animations. The aesthetics, particularly in the mirror world, create a strong sense of unease, although there are minor inconsistencies in visual quality. Overall, while not on par with AAA titles, the graphics are considered good for an indie game and contribute positively to the gameplay experience.
“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, the overall quality of the game is beyond my own 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.”
- story9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its creativity and depth, moving beyond typical horror tropes to offer a unique narrative experience that unfolds through various enigmas. Players appreciate the well-presented and intricate storytelling, which encourages exploration and piecing together details, although some find the lack of a new game option limiting for fully grasping the rich narrative. Overall, the story is described as brilliant and engaging, enhancing the game's horror atmosphere.
“This game does more with the horror genre than just the standard 'run/hide from the monster while solving mundane puzzles and piecing together a run-of-the-mill edgy backstory', and I really appreciate that about it.”
“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.”
“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 the story of this scary fever dream.”
“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.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted through its quirky art style, engaging roleplay elements, and the lighthearted approach to challenging puzzles, making the experience enjoyable and unique. Players appreciate the comedic aspects woven into the gameplay, which adds a refreshing twist to the cooperative escape room format. Overall, the humor contributes significantly to the game's charm and appeal.
“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.”
- music3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game features minimal music, but the tracks that are present are well-suited to the atmosphere. While music is sparse, the sound effects are highly praised, adding to the overall experience. Players also note that the music serves as a cue for in-game events, enhancing the tension.
“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!”
“Very little music is featured, but most of what is here is oddly fitting and appropriate.”
“Music is rare in this game, but it's okay; the sound effects are really good.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
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, while present, 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.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional impact of the game is heightened by the unsettling aesthetics of the mirror world, reminiscent of the upside-down from "Stranger Things," which creates a stark contrast to the comfort of the real-world apartment, evoking feelings of unease and tension.
“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.”
