In a gaming landscape teeming with outstanding titles, Alan Wake 2 effortlessly claims the spotlight as the pinnacle of my gaming wishlist. Building on the foundation of its predecessor, this sequel introduces Saga Anderson, a compelling FBI agent, into the enigmatic universe reminiscent of “Twin Peaks.” The decision to shift focus from the titular character is bold but proves to be a stroke of genius as Saga’s story unfolds with gripping intensity.
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Yesterday, Remedy Entertainment announced the long-awaited sequel to Alan Wake, Alan Wake 2! The company also released a teaser and shared more details in a post. Below you’ll find both the teaser and the announcement. Wake up, and enjoy!
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Alan Wake took more than five years to develop but the end result is one of the greatest video games of all time. The game’s story follows bestselling thriller novelist Alan Wake as he tries to uncover the mystery behind his wife’s disappearance during their vacation in the fictional town of Bright Falls, Washington. While searching for his wife, Alice, he experiences events from the plot in his latest novel, which he can’t remember writing.
This compelling narrative is told through a series of eight episodes, two of which – “The Signal” and “The Writer” – are additional downloadable content. All eight episodes kept my rapt attention from start to finish, and when facing the game’s frightening enemies, known as “The Taken,” I was stricken with chills.
Alan Wake’s character development is exceptional. As the game progressed I found myself more attached to the main characters and emotionally invested in their well being. Another “character” worth noting is the town of Bright Falls. This fictional locale came to life in a way no setting has before in a video game since the original Silent Hill. The transformation of the town from light to dark was impressive, and its foreboding presence was amplified by the fact that I was in control of Alan Wake.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that Alan Wake’s score by Petri Alanko is simply gorgeous. It’s one of the most beautifully haunting pieces of orchestral music I’ve ever heard. It perfectly embodies the game’s mystical nature and Alan Wake’s dreamlike state. Even if you don’t play the game, you should give the score a listen.
While books, movies and television shows are wonderful mediums for telling stories, video games can be superior. Not only do they combine the best elements of the aforementioned art forms, but they put the person inside the story and make him or her play a key role in how it unfolds and, sometimes, how it ends. Having that level of agency within a game as spectacular as Alan Wake can only yield one result: complete satisfaction.
Below are three videos. The first is the game’s trailer, and the last two are about the making of Alan Wake.
