Board 8 > Alan Wake II Review Zone

(+) Yeah! (+)

https://opencritic.com/game/15022/alan-wake-2
https://www.metacritic.com/game/alan-wake-ii/

After 2019's Control really started opening things up and 2021's Remaster of the first game, Alan Wake's much prophesized return in the Remedyverse is finally here! I only really got into the series because of Control and I felt like I had been missing out for a decade composted to people who have been into this since the original's release on Xbox 360.

So far we're at an 89 through 24 reviews so far which sounds pretty good! That might be the highest a Remedy game has scored since the original Max Payne? Scores are actually like way above that but there is one 6 out of 10 that is currently dragging it down

Dextero 10/10
Circling back to everything that made the original shine while adding not only new gameplay innovations, but captivating new characters marks a bold step forward for the series, for Remedy, and the industry at large. Alan Wake 2 is a towering accomplishment that will keep you hooked from start to finish and leave you with a little darkness you'll be thinking about for years to come.

GamesHub 10/10
Alan Wake 2 almost feels mad in its approach, with an overwhelming array of threads in the tale that threaten to collapse under pressure at any moment. Yet with clear and incisive logic, matched with a devotion to delightful absurdity, the team at Remedy has managed to craft a breathtaking story one that plays out in clever, fascinating, and horrifying ways.

TheGamer 10/10
Remedy has always been seen to push boundaries, or experiment with different ideas using its own kooky melting pot of creative innovation, but never has it felt as accomplished as it is with Alan Wake 2. This feels like the game this developer has wanted to make for years, unrestrained in the best possible way as it goes hard on layered storytelling, flawed yet fascinating heroes and a series which for over a decade now has been harbouring untold potential. To see that ambition finally realised is a delight, and the end result is one of the best survival horror games Ive ever played. Its Remedy let loose, debuting a shared universe that is bound to continue changing the game for years to come.

God is a Geek 9.5/10
Alan Wake 2 is a sensational sequel that was worth waiting over a decade for. The story of Saga and Alan takes some serious twists and turns on its journey through darkness, and features some of the greatest (and most unexpected) moments of this wonderful year of gaming. Remedy has truly made something special in Alan Wake 2, and I simply wasn't prepared to love it as much as I do.

Playstation Universe 9.5/10
13 years since its predecessor, Alan Wake 2 was absolutely worth the wait. Improving on the original in every way, with Remedy embracing their inspirations, and honing their craft, Alan Wake 2 is a surrealist horror masterpiece.

Metro GameCentral 6/10
A peculiar sequel that at times seems to be purposefully undermining the best elements of the original, but it still gets just enough right to please both existing fans and potential newcomers.

92 average on the PC version right now

i guess I should play the first game finally

I tried playing Alan Wake earlier this year when it was free on PS Plus. I couldn't get into the gameplay, but the vibes were immaculate. Maybe if you're into third person adventure games you'd be more willing to overlook the combat/exploration issues.

I loved Control, so Im probably willing to overlook some stuff to be able to fully engage with the universe.

I also loved Control; it's just that the original AW feels quite dated, even in the remaster.

colliding posted...

I also loved Control; it's just that the original AW feels quite dated, even in the remaster.

eh I dunno, I played through the Steam version earlier this year and still enjoyed it quite a bit

Yeah I played through AW Remastered for the first time last week and thought it was pretty good. I mean it definitely feels like a game from 2010 but the combat is fine.

The American Nightmare DLC feels really good though. You get actual guns in that one and it's more of an action game.

Yeah strong disagree on AW feeling quite dated; it's definitely a 2010 game but I don't think that's really a bad thing? I find the combat really satisfying and fun. Sound design helps a lot there.

I mean you don't even need to aim your gun. You just fire in the general direction of enemies and it hits them lol.

LET'S GO ALAN WAKE! THAT'S MY BOY!

Excited to play this!

https://youtu.be/d3PKE8uTSp8?si=OVgA0gZ1ZO5CzkEV

Me when seeing that theres another 2023 GOTY contender.

Really though super thrilled about this, it always looked terrific and understanding of what worked about the original against what didnt, I was just worried that maybe technical issues would hold it back. Apparently not!

Wow this is much higher than I expected

I didn't realize this isn't getting a physical release on console, kinda weird for a big game in 2023.

Might have to check out the first one

Holy shit I did not expect THIS high of reviews, incredible.

After replaying Alan Wake 1 recently though, I'll say it feels a bit clunky at times. I felt frustrated in certain points just because the combat wasn't very refined. American Nightmare certainly fixed that, but the good news is that easy mode on the original makes it a breeze to go through of the combat is frustrating to you!

Just hoping and praying we get Barry and Mr. Scratch in this one though. I think Mr. Scratch was already confirmed, which is great because he was awesome in American Nightmare and nobody played it!

You can watch Mr. Scratch's videos here which gives you pretty much the coolest parts of AN if you never watched it.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcnL-G24_MP0XMBJy-HBkClK2ZJOINop1&si=nKho5JvocyR11Pmr

It feels totally surreal that this game is not only real after all this time, but seems to be garnering such universal praise on top of apparently being on the cutting edge technologically. So happy with where Remedy is these days and absolutely can't wait for tomorrow.

remastered is on sale on the Microsoft/Xbox store for like $10 so I went for it

ok Im like fifteen minutes in and I can see how it might be a bit janky, but also I get the vibe this might be like if Deadly Premonition was made by competent developers

and thats pretty appealing

I wouldn't call Alan Wake's combat fantastic, and it's definitely dated, but I still enjoyed it a lot. Had a nice vibe to it.

https://twitter.com/alanwake/status/1717269848886038876?s=20

Digital Foundry tech review

https://youtu.be/JawxvOF__4Q?si=8a4lFCp9rNTjBDop

Havent even finished Super Mario Bros. Wonder yet but I think Ill get this tonight.

On Alan Wake 1 combat, it is really fun the first time. Then you realise how much you are going to have to keep doing it. There was a similar issue with Control. This game seems to solve that!

I've got a pretty darn capable PC but holy moly maxing everything out on this absolutely brings my system to its knees. Like, we're talking screaming hardware heating my room up about 10 degrees. God damn gorgeous though - this is probably the first game I've seen that legitimately has a "next-gen" feeling to it, the graphics and lighting are truly remarkable. I don't think I can crank the performance I'd want to play through the whole game like this but it's an awesome glimpse of what's to come for games, and replaying this years down the road with better hardware will no doubt be an absolute treat.

About six hours in. Definitely plays a lot better than the first, so far. Not a fan of the jumpscares, but they are effective at keeping things tense. I like Saga, though she's a little bit dry. Reminds me a bit like a less campy Francis York Morgan. Alan is still as hammy as ever, but less of a dick. REALLY going hard on the Remedyverse crossovers this time though. Like, I don't think I've gone an hour without something from another game showing up in some form.

Xiahou_Shake posted...

I've got a pretty darn capable PC but holy moly maxing everything out on this absolutely brings my system to its knees. Like, we're talking screaming hardware heating my room up about 10 degrees. God damn gorgeous though - this is probably the first game I've seen that legitimately has a "next-gen" feeling to it, the graphics and lighting are truly remarkable. I don't think I can crank the performance I'd want to play through the whole game like this but it's an awesome glimpse of what's to come for games, and replaying this years down the road with better hardware will no doubt be an absolute treat.

Is it that much better than path tracing Cyberpunk?

I haven't played Cyberpunk with path tracing actually but as the only other non-tech demo (I count Portal and Quake here) with full implementation I have to imagine that's also at least pretty up there.

Played through to the start of Chapter 2, the atmosphere is incredible. I really like how so far I have fought exactly one enemy.

On Alan Wake 1 combat, it is really fun the first time. Then you realise how much you are going to have to keep doing it.

finished AW1 last night and yeah, I liked it, but by the end I was really ready for it to stop. The combat encounters got pretty repetitive.

but I was into the rest of the games whole vibe

ill probably check out American Nightmare next, save AW2 for Christmas time

Checking out some stuff from AW1, I didn't realize the Old Gods of Asgard brothers' last names were Anderson.

MoogleKupo141 posted...

finished AW1 last night and yeah, I liked it, but by the end I was really ready for it to stop. The combat encounters got pretty repetitive.

but I was into the rest of the games whole vibe

ill probably check out American Nightmare next, save AW2 for Christmas time

I will say, I dont know how the currently available version does it (and dont remember from when I played) but if you havent you absolutely need to play the AW1 DLC. It was part of that annoying trend when games were straight up putting the ending in DLCs.

LightningStrikes posted...

I will say, I dont know how the currently available version does it (and dont remember from when I played) but if you havent you absolutely need to play the AW1 DLC. It was part of that annoying trend when games were straight up putting the ending in DLCs.

I'll second this. The AW1 DLC is extremely fun and interesting. I love the mechanics they used for it.

PrivateBiscuit1 posted...

I'll second this. The AW1 DLC is extremely fun and interesting. I love the mechanics they used for it.

Are you talking about the DLC or American Nightmare, which is a separate game?

MacArrowny posted...

Are you talking about the DLC or American Nightmare, which is a separate game?

The DLC. They're short little additions that take the mechanics from the original game and add minor story stuff to the universe. But they had very fun portions in it that I enjoy.

American Nightmare is a fully different game that feels more combat-oriented rather than survival. And they made the combat feel much better, so it's a more breezy ride to get to. I think it's 6 hours long? The best part is that Mr. Scratch is pretty awesome in it and the story feels like a little Twilight Zone episode. It's a lot of fun though, and if you were bumming on the combat in the first game, you'll have a much better time of it with this one.

The only unfortunate thing about American Nightmare is the terribly boring reuse of the areas.

I'm finally playing control before I start this and I can't believe I waited so long.

I didn't realize it was such a backdoor sequel until I got into it.

Anyone else feel like AW2's a bit too open? I quite enjoyed how linear AW1 was. Exploration doesn't feel too rewarding for me; I'm more here for the story.

Saga's a great new character. I quite enjoy her parts.

PrivateBiscuit1 posted...

The DLC. They're short little additions that take the mechanics from the original game and add minor story stuff to the universe. But they had very fun portions in it that I enjoy.

Hmm, I can see that for the second, but not the first. The first DLC is mostly generic combat, while the second's a lot more creative using flashlight transformations and such. Story is continuous between both, with a lot of the best story bits in the second too.

I started the first DLC, but I got pretty annoyed with how it was just the same gameplay through basically the same environments

but if the second is more interesting, maybe Ill power through the rest of the first. Based on the collectibles I found, I was like somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 done when I quit probably, so it wouldnt be a big deal.

I liked Alan Wake and did not like either of the DLCs. The 2nd one has a boss fight that I had to do about 20 times.

They're both under 2 hours each I'd say but yeah I'd just skip through on Youtube if you don't want to play them.

MacArrowny posted...

Anyone else feel like AW2's a bit too open? I quite enjoyed how linear AW1 was. Exploration doesn't feel too rewarding for me; I'm more here for the story.

It's very different, to say the least. I'm probably not going to render a verdict on it until I'm further in but it's kind of nuts just how different this game is compared with the first. I definitely get the sense that this is probably more of what they wanted to do with the original game but just couldn't for multiple reasons. Exploration feels reasonably rewarding to me so far between Saga's charms and (more directly/seemingly powerfully) Alan's words of power, plus the lore you get along the way, but it all does lend itself to the pace of this game being enormously drawn out compared to how relatively snappy the first one was.

All of that said I'm really digging it so far. The atmosphere is absolutely nuts and while I'm undecided on the pacing itself, it's really cool how every enemy encounter actually feels significant and threatening versus Alan Wake 1's endless meat grinder of shadow people. (I do feel like it might be a smidge egregious that you maybe fight a total of like, four enemies within the first 5 hours of the game, though!)

I'm about 15 hours in now, about half way through both character's stories. I feel like the combat is spread just thin enough that I'm not getting bored of it. The pacing is still super slow though, yeah. Doesn't help that no one runs faster than a gentle jog, even when something is barreling down on them.

Chapter 4 of Alan's story is the best so far. Gonna be hard to top that, honestly.

Some of the levels benefit more from openness than others. Exploring towns is alright, but areas like the subway were pretty bad, despite having an otherwise cool gimmick.

I do enjoy it having less combat.

Is there a way to have audio on the manuscript pages while reading them at the same time? It's weird to me that these are separated into two separate things here.

On the Alan Wake 1 DLC its mostly the story that makes it essential, they just had the ending of the game in there. However gameplay-wise the second part is definitely better than the first.

As for 2, I just did Alans first chapter last night. That was a trip. Also did the additional exploration for Saga before it and there were a lot more enemies than just critical-pathing through the game. Still nowhere near the original though, and well spaces out.

Alan Chapter 4: is this the best moment in a 2023 game? Jesus that was fun. Might even say it was better than the Ashtray Maze. I wish other games did stuff this cool.

unpopular opinion: jump scares are bad, actually

Boo!

beated after 17h32m.

0/10 no barry

(actual thoughts tomorrow probably)

lolz I'm over 20 hours and only just hit the point of no return for Saga. Still have to play through the majority of Wake's chapters since I've been ignoring them once you get the ability to switch back and forth

Wake's chapters are quite a bit shorter than Saga's on average. I didn't do much exploration either.

Game beated. Great stuff, not much more to say.