Alan Wake 2: A Prime Illustration of Gaming's Latest Trend

Article Key Points

Alan Wake 2 adopts the recent trend of time loop games, positioning itself as one of the best examples of the genre in the modern age.

Time loops have emerged as a popular phenomenon in the gaming industry, with Undertale and Deathloop taking the lead. Joining the ranks is Alan Wake 2, a remarkable game that pushes the limits of this distinctive genre.

This highly anticipated sequel uncovers the hidden depths of the time loop concept, hinting at the possibility of a future installment that delves even deeper into exploration and innovation within this genre.

The gaming industry has witnessed numerous trends come and go in the past few decades, similar to the movie industry where specific movie genres gain popularity, then fade away, only to resurface years later. Similarly, the video game industry follows this pattern, with certain genres dominating for a while before being replaced by the latest and hottest trend. Alan Wake 2 fearlessly embraces a few of these recent trends.

Among the significant trends that Alan Wake 2 incorporates is the revival of the survival horror genre, which has gained considerable popularity in recent years, despite maintaining a consistent following since its introduction in the 1990s. Games such as the Resident Evil remakes have contributed to this genre's golden age, and Alan Wake 2 clearly draws inspiration from them. In fact, it may even be recognized as one of the finest modern survival horror games. However, there is another notable recent video game trend that Alan Wake 2 adopts, solidifying its position as one of the genre's standout examples.

Time Loops Have Become Gaming's Most Prominent Recent Trend

Time Loops Have Been a Concept in Gaming for a While

The concept of a time loop game revolves around players repeating the same story multiple times, while achieving different outcomes with each repetition. While most games aim to keep players engaged beyond the ending, only a few embed this replayability factor into the fundamental structure of the game, and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask was among the pioneers in doing so. Widely regarded as one of the franchise's finest titles, Majora's Mask features Link's endeavor to prevent the end of the world by reliving the same three days repeatedly, trapped in a cycle until he can save the day. Although not every fan favors this gameplay loop within the series, it remains an innovative concept and one of the earliest instances of a time loop in mainstream gaming.

Time Loops Are Really Starting to Grow in Popularity

Alan Wake 2 Is Another Great Time Loop Game

Time loops have gained immense popularity in recent years. Undertale, a game that has played a pivotal role in the current gaming era of time loops, introduces its players to the concept of save and load mechanics as in-game abilities that enable them to enter a time loop. The trend of time loops has only intensified in the past few years, with the release of notable games such as Deathloop, Loop Hero, 12 Minutes, Returnal, and The Forgotten City, all arriving in relatively close succession to each other.

With a slew of recent time loop games, Alan Wake 2 stands out as one of the finest. Revealing little about the intricate storyline, the highly anticipated sequel revolves around Alan Wake's journey through the Dark Place. Trapped in this eerie alternate dimension for the past 13 years, he finds himself stuck in a perpetual time loop, awakening each time without recollection of what preceded.

Players initially assume control of Alan at the beginning of these loops. However, it becomes apparent to Alan that things are not as they appear. Without spoiling the conclusion of Alan Wake 2 directly, it is revealed that the supposed time loop holds much more complexity than initially believed by both the characters within the game and its devoted fans. In the final moments, Alan Wake 2 ingeniously subverts the concept of a time loop, creating an enticing teaser for a sequel that has the potential to push the boundaries of this unique genre even further.

Alan Wake 2

Alan Wake 2 is set to launch in 2023, marking thirteen years since its predecessor made its debut in stores. The original Alan Wake mesmerized audiences with its eerie psychological horror story, drawing inspiration from the works of Stephen King. According to Sam Lake of Remedy Entertainment, the upcoming game will delve into the realm of survival horror, deviating from its predecessor's classification as "an action game with horror elements."

Franchise: Alan Wake

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

Release Date: October 27, 2023

Developed by: Remedy Entertainment

Published by: Epic Games

Genre: Survival Horror

Metascore: 89

Find more information at the Official Site or on the Playstation Store.

Editor's P/S

Alan Wake 2 is a highly anticipated sequel that combines survival horror with the latest gaming trend: time loops. As one of the best examples of this popular concept, it immerses players in a uniquely terrifying experience. Get ready to unravel the mysteries of time in this gripping sequel.

The time loop trend has been gaining traction in recent years, with games such as Undertale and Deathloop leading the way. Alan Wake 2 takes this concept to the next level, offering a deep and complex story that will keep players engaged for hours on end. The game's time loop mechanic is used to great effect, creating a sense of urgency and suspense that will keep players on the edge of their seats.