Alan Wake 2 broke the Internet. Some call the new product a “stifling walking simulator”, others go crazy over the plot and tension. The fact is that the Remedy developers did not adapt to modern trends, did not simplify the puzzles and did not rewrite the plot for a new audience. Instead, Sam Lake and his team simply created a dream game with Epic Games money.
To get the most out of Alan Wake 2, you need to love the characters of this world, not be afraid of difficulties and be on the same page with the developers. If this sounds familiar, head to Bright Falls immediately!
Alan Wake 2: how to play?
Alan Wake 2 is available for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series. There are subtitles in Russian. The game is not officially sold in Russia.
The video is available on the PlayStation YouTube channel. The rights to the video belong to Remedy.
Incredible story, but for “our own people”
It is difficult to tell the plot clearly and avoid spoilers. FBI agents Saga Anderson and Alex Casey arrive in Bright Falls to investigate a murder. Unfortunately, a banal matter quickly turns into a battle with cultists, inexplicable mysticism, and a personal tragedy that makes the heart ache.
The focus of storytelling has changed. The first part is reminiscent of a series in the spirit of Lost, where the episodes end in suspense and the number of mysteries only grows. In the sequel, the story became calmer: events did not develop so quickly, the atmosphere became even more tense, and the characters were better developed. If you also have children, prepare for absolutely heartbreaking stress.
We have been waiting for this meeting for 13 years.
Photo: Remedio
The problem is that the plot is designed exclusively for “our own people.” I mean, for Remedy fans who have been worried about Alan Wake for a long time, know the Federal Bureau of Control and have been following all the references to the universe for the last 13 years, and also love Max Payne at least as image. .
Even videos that retell the plot won’t help. Now you find out that Rose loves being weird and that Thor and Odin are crazy about Valhalla, so what? To enjoy the story it is necessary to spend time with these characters, understand their pain, delve deeper into the characters. Otherwise, you won’t experience the joy of meeting Rose and will turn your head at the mention of the Nutcracker.
This time Ahti doesn’t just clean the floors.
Photo: Remedio
The game has two heroes: Saga and Alan. Their stories develop in parallel, and the player himself chooses which of the two stories to continue (you will have to go through both). Opinions on social media are very divided: most like Wake’s story, but the Saga campaign is criticized.
I found the story of the FBI lady more interesting: it is about reality, which is rewritten before her eyes, turning yesterday’s happiness into today’s tragedy.
Just let Saga open up and don’t criticize the investigations where the girl finds evidence in a very unconventional way. Over time, you will learn the secret of the heroine, which will explain many things to you.
Saga contemplates investigation
Photo: Remedio
I would like to make a special mention of the secondary characters. Everyone is wonderful, both old friends like Cynthia Weaver and newcomers like the Koskela brothers. It is interesting to listen to the stories of these guys and you will want to read every note they write.
The most striking supporting character, though, was Alex Casey, a depressed cop with Sam Lake’s signature smile and a caffeine addiction. He has had many memorable moments that will devastate the player or surprise them with a fourth wall break.
Heroes love to make faces, but there is a double meaning behind it.
Photo: Remedio
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Less fighting and more excitement.
The first Alan Wake was criticized for its monotonous combat system, where the hero shined a flashlight on the villains and then shot them; That’s where all the depth ended. In the second part, the battles work nominally the same, but the approach and mechanics have changed significantly.
In fact, even the genre is different now: Alan Wake 2 is a survival horror.
There are fewer enemies and their strength has increased. Villains quickly run across the sand, throw axes, rush at you with a sledgehammer at the ready, hide behind trees and stun you with a creepy appearance. To save yourself, you will have to use the entire arsenal: rocket launchers, explosive cylinders, crossbows, rifles, flash grenades.
And don’t believe the rumors about Alan Wake 2 being turned into a walking simulator. Already in the middle of the game there are moments when in a couple of minutes you destroy eight dangerous enemies, among them a big man, two wolves and a fast madman with axes. When exploring locations, the number of possessed people often seems excessive. For example, Saga can stay at the edge of the forest and search there for the key to the hideout, and the monsters will be reborn, reducing his ammo reserves.
Creepy and deadly creature
Photo: Remedio
However, the basic gameplay is associated with exploration and puzzles. Get ready to go through incredibly beautiful levels, search for clues, open caches, communicate with locals and solve puzzles. It’s fun? It completely depends on your preferences.
If you think a game should be entertaining and action-packed, you run the risk of getting bored. But players who appreciate a mysterious atmosphere, growing tension and dark tones will be delighted. Overall, this is a must-have game for fans of Twin Peaks, True Detective, and Mulholland Drive.
There’s also a lot of real horror. The novelty cannot be called very scary, but in some places, due to very successful screams, terrifying sounds and formidable enemies, it is necessary to turn off the console and put it in the closet. The episodes where the characters explore the dark world were especially stressful. There, rooms are rebuilt behind your back, bosses drive you crazy with their power, and every creak sends you into a nervous breakdown.
You will have to be afraid often.
Photo: Remedio
Alan Wake 2 is also the first blockbuster in many years that makes you think. As you complete story missions and side quests, you will encounter many difficult puzzles. Sometimes you will have to take out a pen and notebook; Otherwise, resource caches or weapon vaults will remain closed.
Something in the language of algebra.
Photo: Remedio
The most beautiful and melodic game of the year.
Experts consider Alan Wake 2 to be the most beautiful game of the generation. If they’re wrong, it’s not much. Each location truly looks like a work of art, whether it’s a forest, an empty city or a nursing home. In the corners there are small things scattered that reveal the history of the place, the walls are covered in significant graffiti and the quality of the textures and lighting is excellent. Therefore, with your mouth open, you walk around the map and hide everything that catches your attention.
The music works even better for the atmosphere. Alan Wake 2 is full of moments where the game is interrupted and the player is asked to rate a clue. In another game I would have shaken my head and moved on, but in Remedy’s success I listened to every song and added it to the playlist. I am sure that Ahti’s sweet voice, the passionate compositions of “Gods of Asgard” and the hypnotizing Follow You Into The Dark will play on my speakers more than once.
Bright Falls is as beautiful as ever.
Photo: Remedio
Alan Wake 2: is it worth playing?
Remedy fans bought Alan Wake 2 a long time ago and have no regrets. But what about other players? I would advise giving the new product a try. However, first check out the original game and get ready to calmly plunge into the abode of darkness, where the exploration of a beautiful world is more important than the action.
Alan Wake 2 Rating: 9/10
Appreciated
A twisted plot with secrets and unexpected turns. Shooting deadly enemies is a pleasure. Many interesting puzzles. The graphics and soundtrack are a delight.
I dont like him
The plot is designed for fans of the first part, some will get tired of walking and riddles.
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