I feel like I know Alan Wake. Really, know him. It’s like being part of a secret club, but it’s also uncomfortable. In the first game, I didn’t connect with the troubled writer, but his mission to find his wife intrigued me. Now, in Alan Wake 2, I finally got a glimpse into his bleak and nightmarish world.
The Dark Place
Alan has been trapped in the Dark Place for 13 years, a twisted version of New York filled with references to his life and regrets. The demo starts with Alan in a TV talk show, confused and transported to an interview with Mr. Door. This meta narrative cleverly explains the premise of the game without being too heavy-handed.
The nightmarish New York is overwhelming, with graffiti-covered walls and familiar locations from Alan’s life. It feels like a black and neon fantasy world that I quickly settle into alongside Alan.
Shifting Darkness
Exploration has evolved in Alan Wake 2. Instead of a battery-eating torch, Alan now uses an Angel Lamp to store and throw light. Light is still crucial for fighting shadowy figures and revealing hidden paths. Not all shadowy figures are enemies, creating a sense of paranoia and uncertainty.
The mechanics have drastically changed, allowing Alan to actively alter the world around him. He can pick up plot elements and locations to create new paths and progress the story. His writer room serves as a tracking board for different stories and plot elements.
Living Nightmare
The visuals in Alan Wake 2 are mind-blowing, blurring the line between live action and CGI. The seamless transition adds to the dream-like nature of the Dark Place. Sam Lake, the creative director, wanted to create something interesting and he has certainly achieved that.
Alan Wake 2 promises to be a mind-bending experience that I can’t wait to play.
Source: DOTESPORTS
