Alan Wake 2 Review

After a long 13-year wait, Remedy Entertainment has finally released Alan Wake 2. However, it appears that many die-hard Remedy fans who eagerly anticipated the next chapter in the story might find themselves somewhat disappointed.

The original Alan Wake had elements of horror without fully embracing the genre, but Alan Wake 2 goes all-in on horror, albeit with mixed results. Those seeking genuine scares in the game may end up let down, as it relies heavily on overused jump scares, where sudden faces flash on the screen with loud noises. These jump scares lose their impact quickly, especially given their frequency in Alan Wake 2.

Nevertheless, the game does have moments that are disturbing and create tension, especially during the live-action segments, particularly those featuring Alan Wake. His segments, set in The Dark Place, a twisted version of New York City, tend to be spookier and more atmospheric.

In Alan Wake 2, players are not limited to controlling just Alan; they also get to play as FBI agent Saga Anderson, who arrives in Bright Falls with her partner Alex Casey to investigate ritualistic murders. Saga's character is a strong addition, with Melanie Liburd delivering a believable performance, given the extraordinary circumstances she encounters in the game.

However, the detective work in the game falls short of expectations. It lacks engagement and challenge, and placing evidence on Saga's case wall often feels too straightforward. While Saga's profiling technique has potential, it tends to give information away rather than creating a satisfying mystery-solving experience.

Alan Wake has his own unique gameplay element where he manipulates the unfolding story in his writer's room. This adds a layer of creativity to the game, allowing players to collect story ideas and apply them to change the game environment in The Dark Place.

The combat in Alan Wake 2 feels solid and punchy, reminiscent of the newer Resident Evil games. However, there are issues with the game's balance, as many enemies can be easily avoided, leading to a surplus of unused resources like flares and med-kits.

The game introduces various enemy types, with standout encounters involving large wolves in the woods near Cauldron Lake, adding variety to the gameplay. However, a significant portion of the gameplay revolves around puzzles and navigating the game's sometimes confusing and large environments, leading to substantial backtracking.

Overall, Alan Wake 2 balances walking, talking, puzzle-solving, and occasional combat, which might appeal to some but leave others wanting more action. The narrative is also likely to divide players, with some finding it captivating and others frustrated with the use of deus ex machina, leading to a story that lacks the levity provided by characters like Barry Wheeler in the first game.

The game is marred by technical problems, such as glitches affecting evidence placement and unexpected black screens. While not overly prevalent, these issues can be frustrating, and in some instances, they forced resets, costing players significant playtime.

Alan Wake 2's graphics and audio design are commendable, offering a stunning visual experience with incredibly realistic facial animations and a detailed game world. However, the game's steep PC requirements and occasional technical hiccups might deter some players.

In conclusion, while Alan Wake 2 impresses with its graphics and audio, it falls short in terms of gameplay and narrative for many players. Hardcore fans of the original may still find some bright spots in the game, but others might prefer to wait for patches or discounts.