Alan Wake II unfolds 13 years after the events of Alan Wake (2010). FBI agent Saga Anderson (Melanie Liburd) and her partner Alex Casey (portrayed with the likeness of director Sam Lake and voiced by James McCaffrey) are dispatched to Bright Falls to investigate a suspected ritualistic murder. They soon discover that unsettling events are afoot, and the sudden return of the long-missing author Alan Wake (Ilkka Villi) after 13 years precipitates a blurring of reality and fiction. Saga and Alan face a challenge of unprecedented scale and danger, where perception itself becomes unreliable.
Finnish developer Remedy achieved significant recognition with Max Payne, demonstrating the potential for blending cinematic presentation with challenging and engaging gameplay. A sequel followed in 2003, arguably surpassing the original. In 2010, the release of the first Alan Wake was met with considerable acclaim. The graphics were notably advanced for the Xbox 360, and the narrative proved uniquely compelling. Following two DLCs, the character resurfaced in other Remedy titles. Alan Wake II remained largely under the radar until its late October 2023 release announcement. Preferring an uninfluenced experience, I avoided trailers, and the game certainly delivered.
As with recent reviews, including the actors’ names alongside their characters feels appropriate. This stems from their exceptional talent and the profoundly cinematic nature of Alan Wake II. The environments, camera work, musical score, and sound design evoke a high standard of film production. Furthermore, Alan Wake II incorporates sequences filmed with the actual actors, seamlessly integrated within the game world.
Even during player-controlled segments, expertly implemented cinematic jump scares prove highly effective. Alan Wake II stands out as one of the most genuinely frightening games encountered. Navigating the darkness with only a flashlight, exploring shadowy forests, creates unparalleled tension. The encroaching darkness instills a palpable sense of dread, where the player anticipates potential threats at every turn.
Throughout the game, safe havens exist in the form of well-lit areas, rooms, or buildings inaccessible to enemies. The act of retreating to such a sanctuary while pursued is immensely satisfying. Saving progress is achieved through interacting with coffee thermoses. Notably, Alan Wake II features numerous coffee-related references, including a coffee-themed amusement park, perhaps a nod to Finland’s high per capita coffee consumption.
The initial shift in focus to the new protagonist, Saga Anderson (described in-game as being of Swedish descent), feels natural. The transition is so smooth that Alan Wake’s absence is hardly noticed initially. Minor spoiler: Alan Wake reappears after a few hours of gameplay, granting the player the option to experience either character’s narrative in a flexible order. Switching between them is possible at designated points within the game. The unfolding narrative may prove initially challenging for those unfamiliar with the first game. However, the developers have incorporated sufficient context to allow new players to grasp the core elements of the Alan Wake universe.
Similar to the first game, combat involves utilizing light and firearms against enemies. Flashlight batteries are as crucial as ammunition for revolvers. A new element introduced this time is Saga’s Mind Place, a location where she can compile collected evidence. The game does not pause while Saga is in her Mind Place, necessitating a secure location. Within, unlocked elements are gathered, requiring periodic visits to facilitate story progression, determine objectives, and identify relevant individuals to interact with.
Alan Wake possesses a comparable Mind Place, but his version features a typewriter that allows him to alter the narrative to advance. Depending on the narrative iteration, the world shifts, opening previously inaccessible pathways. He also wields a lamp capable of manipulating the environment. Initially, understanding the necessary actions and their timing can be complex, but the process gradually becomes intuitive and flows naturally with the narrative.
The game incorporates numerous intricate puzzles, and while clues are provided, the game refrains from excessive hand-holding, requiring players to actively seek solutions. Maps are available, however, they do not include waypoints. Instead, players must consult the map within the Mind Place to navigate. This approach encourages active problem-solving rather than passive GPS-following.
A potential drawback of Alan Wake II lies in the steep learning curve for newcomers to the series. Grasping the intricacies of the plot and understanding Alan Wake’s objectives can initially prove challenging. Solutions can sometimes be deceptively simple, as exemplified by overlooking a ladder while searching for a route past a fence. Despite occasional difficulty, the game avoids complete impasses, and persistence generally leads to progress before frustration sets in.
One minor detail that stood out was Saga’s handling of evidence without gloves, a practice that might be questioned given her FBI training. However, it’s possible that this perceived oversight is intentional, designed to subtly undermine the player’s sense of reality within the game’s world.
In conclusion, Alan Wake II is a remarkable achievement. Its unique and captivating narrative, combined with engaging and challenging gameplay, warrants a high score.
Just when Alan Wake II seems to have revealed all its strengths, it undergoes a further transformation, adding another layer of originality. Without divulging specific details, this occurs during the second talk show appearance as Alan Wake.
Remedy provided a review copy for this assessment. Submissions of material do not influence our editorial evaluations.
