A Perfect Match for Fans: Alan Wake 2 - Akin to the Incredible Last of Us 2 Section

Article Key Points

Alan Wake 2 impresses gamers with stunning visuals, a meta plot, and solid survival-horror gameplay, offering a unique experience unlike any other recent game.

Alan Wake 2 stands out for its level design and structure, which bear resemblances to The Last of Us Part 2. Just like the latter, it combines open-ended exploration with linear sections. However, in contrast to The Last of Us 2, Alan Wake 2 takes a semi-open world approach that permeates the entire game. This results in hub areas and numerous paths to explore, ultimately delivering a more extensive and immersive gameplay experience.

Remedy Entertainment's latest release, Alan Wake 2, has managed to captivate gamers across the industry with its impressive visuals, thought-provoking meta plot, and solid survival-horror gameplay. Not only does the game expand on the unique light-based mechanics introduced in the original Alan Wake, but it also incorporates various distinctive elements that set it apart from other recent video game releases. Interestingly, one aspect of its design bears a striking resemblance to a beloved area in The Last of Us Part 2.

In Alan Wake 2, players will experience the story through the eyes of two protagonists: the eponymous Alan Wake and Saga Anderson, an FBI agent and a fresh face in the Remedy Connected Universe. Although the sections featuring Alan and Saga differ in several ways, they do share certain resemblances in terms of their basic mechanics and overall structure. As players progress through the various locations that both Alan and Saga explore in their respective narratives, an intriguing parallel emerges, drawing similarities to The Last of Us Part 2.

Alan Wake 2's Level Design Shares Similarities with The Last of Us 2's Seattle

While Alan Wake 2 embraces absurd humor and charm, providing a stark contrast to the grounded and bleak tone of The Last of Us 2, both games share similarities in their approach to certain aspects of level design and structure. Although neither game can be classified as open-world, they both incorporate a combination of open-ended exploration and linear sections. Additionally, the implementation of this structure in each game builds upon the foundation set by their respective predecessors.

One of the most memorable levels in The Last of Us Part 2 occurs early in the game when Ellie and Dina arrive in Seattle. While visually stunning and realistic, its significance in The Last of Us 2 lies in its unique structure within the game. Unlike the rest of the game, which is fairly straightforward and linear, this area offers a semi-open world experience. Players can explore at their own pace and discover optional areas with extra loot and side narratives. This standalone area stands out from other sections of the game, and many fans appreciate its departure from Naughty Dog's traditional linear formula.

Alan Wake 2 takes a similar approach, but to an even greater extent. Unlike its sequel, the original Alan Wake is quite linear. However, the second game introduces a significant amount of nonlinearity, particularly in the Bright Falls area. Here, players can engage in open-ended exploration, uncover optional loot, and discover side content alongside the scripted narrative moments and set pieces. Unlike The Last of Us 2, Alan Wake 2's semi-open world approach is more widespread, extending beyond a single level. Saga has access to multiple hub areas that branch off into different paths, incorporating elements of Metroidvania progression into the game.

On a fundamental level, Alan Wake 2 and The Last of Us 2 both adopt similar approaches towards incorporating openness within a predominantly linear gameplay experience. However, while Alan Wake 2 shares parallels with Splinter Cell in this aspect of its level design, Remedy takes it a step further by not limiting it to a single, isolated area, but rather, integrating it at various points throughout the game. This makes openness a pivotal and consistent aspect of the overall gameplay rather than a temporary deviation from linearity. In essence, Alan Wake 2's juxtaposition of open areas with linear sections bears resemblance to The Last of Us 2's renowned Seattle level, albeit on a larger scale with more intricate details.

Alan Wake 2

Franchise: Alan Wake

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

Release date: October 27, 2023

Developer: Remedy Entertainment

Publisher: Epic Games

Genre: Survival Horror

Metascore: 89

Availability on PS Plus: N/A

Official website: Visit Official Site

Playstation Store: Visit at Playstation Store

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the release of Alan Wake 2 and its similarities to The Last of Us Part 2. I appreciate the combination of open-ended exploration and linear sections in both games, as it allows for a more immersive and atmospheric gaming experience. The semi-open world approach in Alan Wake 2, which permeates the entire game, is particularly intriguing, as it provides more extensive and immersive gameplay compared to The Last of Us Part 2.

Additionally, the implementation of this structure builds upon the foundation set by their respective predecessors, making for a more refined and enjoyable gaming experience. Overall, I believe that Alan Wake 2 has the potential to be a standout title for fans of both franchises and I am eager to see how the game further develops and expands upon these concepts.