Alan Wake means a lot to me. It’s a game that captured my teenage brain instantly from the trailer alone. I loved the look of the setting of the quaint Pacific Northwestern town of Bright Falls, the contrast between playing at day and at night, and the mystery around a writer and his missing wife. I had never liked horror, but I was so taken in by the game, I had to try it. While not being a full blown horror, you could’ve fooled me. Barbara Jagger gave me the fear the first time we met in the Oh Deer Diner toilets, and every jump scare involving her terrified me. But I didn’t let it stop me – each scare felt exhilarating. While some of the gameplay was frustrating, I was desperate to carry on. One more manuscript page. One more cutscene. One step closer to the truth.
I’ll be honest in saying I had no idea what the truth was when I first finished the game and DLC. But the game stuck with me in a way others didn’t. I’d revisit chapters of the game, simply taking in the sights and sounds of Bright Falls during the day time. I’d look up theories online. I’d see the game in my dreams…
If you’re a fan of Alan Wake, there’s likely another pacific northwestern town that you’re – at the very least – aware of. Twin Peaks, Washington. Many enjoy Alan Wake’s subtle (and sometimes not so subtle!) references to David Lynch and Mark Frost’s cult classic TV show of the 1990s. Alan Wake ended up being a pseudo Twin Peaks video game for many fans. For me however, it was the other way around! I craved more of that feeling Alan Wake gave me. And Twin Peaks was the answer. It took me a while to come across it – maybe 6 or 7 years after my first playthrough of Alan Wake – but when I did I was hooked.
Lynch and Frost returned to Twin Peaks years later in “The Return”, a much darker and experimental show compared to the original, but it still had the heart – and sometimes goofiness – that the series was known for. Remedy is now in a similar situation, returning to Alan Wake and the town of Bright Falls years later, on its own terms. The original Alan Wake is a game I’ve played through so many times now. It’s almost a yearly tradition at this point – and will continue to be thanks to the remaster. I would always see articles pop up about a sequel – that it was a dream of Remedy’s and they still love the IP – but I never actually imagined we’d get to where we are today. On the precipice of Alan Wake 2’s release.
Alan Wake 2 comes at a time where I am now ready to embrace the horror that my thirteen year old self wouldn’t have been ready for all those years ago. And Remedy are doubling down and making its first attempt at a Survival Horror game. The genre is in the midst of a renaissance with the success of the Resident Evil remakes, and I think it is the perfect vehicle to tell the next chapter of Alan Wake.
I appreciate Remedy’s commitment to making the game stand on its own while also very clearly continuing the story of Alan. The decision to include Saga Anderson as a playable character alongside Wake is a smart choice, as she is a newcomer to the Remedy Connected Universe – much like many of the players will be. Having Saga investigate Bright Falls also allows Remedy to continue using the town that was such an immense setting, while still continuing the tale of our favourite tortured writer. Remedy are not interested in a cash grab here – they want to continue building their universe and will take as many risks as necessary to do so. I commend them for it!
While Remedy are keeping quiet in regards to gameplay until Summer Games Fest, there are a few small details to chew on. Weapon charms exist in the game and offer unique perks. This is reminiscent of the Resident Evil 4 remake accessories system – a bunch of unlockable character accessories that had special effects including infinite ammo, stronger melee, and extra health.
A fan favourite feature from Control is also returning – costumes. Both Saga and Alan have the ability to change outfits, so here’s hoping there’s some extravagant costumes hidden away for players to find. Maybe we’ll even see one inspired by an orange jacket wearing, Christmas light toting, literary agent (if he’s not still around that is!).
To Sam Lake and all the other extremely talented people at Remedy. Thank you. You often thank the fans for keeping the Alan Wake light shining, but what are we if not the reflection of your art. As the good writer says: “The unanswered mystery is what stays with us the longest, and it’s what we’ll remember in the end.”