.png)
Eleven years have passed since the debut of Alan Wake, a title born in the flames of "development hell," which saw Remedy revolutionize its concept several times over five years. Published in May 2010 exclusively on Xbox 360, the dream-like thriller from the Finnish developer has become a true cult classic and one of the cornerstones of Remedy's interconnected universe. After the success of Control, it's no surprise that Alan Wake makes its way back to the gaming world.
A Writer's Nightmare
Two years after his latest bestseller, Alan Wake is trapped in a creative crisis, a writer's block that only intensifies over time. His wife, Alice, suggests a trip to the charming town of Bright Falls to find inspiration. However, something dark and powerful lurks in the shadows of Cauldron Lake, echoing the writer's own literary fantasies. Alan Wake reaffirms Remedy's talent in crafting intense and engaging stories, full of Lynchian nuances and a constant sense of alienation.
Gameplay and Combat
The gameplay remains unchanged, aging gracefully over the years. To defeat the eerie foes in Bright Falls, players use a flashlight to dispel darkness and then take well-placed shots. While effective, the formula can feel repetitive, with occasional frustrations stemming from a less-than-stellar control system. Environmental puzzles and driving sections show the signs of age, but the doubled frame rate improves the overall experience.
Collectibles and Exploration
Exploration is encouraged through collectibles that offer new narrative pieces and insights into the game world. These ideas, now integrated into the Remedy-verse, will excite fans.
The Shadows of Bright Falls
Alan Wake is a classic remaster, elevating the game's visuals and performance. Even if cutscenes at 30fps reveal their age. The character models have seen improvements to resemble Alan Wake from Control, while the animations remain the same.
The lighting system and graphical enhancements have positive effects on the game's atmosphere, making it more natural and credible. However, the absence of HDR and ray tracing feels like a missed opportunity, though it's consistent with the goals of a remaster.
The changes extend to a more readable interface and a richer, enveloping sound sector.
The Verdict
Overall, Alan Wake is a well-made product, made even more appealing by the success of Control and the emergence of Remedy's interconnected universe. While we're unsure of Remedy's next narrative move, it's an exciting journey we can't wait to embark on. In conclusion, Alan Wake shines a new light on a classic that deserves to be experienced again in the modern gaming era.
Final Score:
Comments