Alan Wake 2 Embraces Survival Horror Roots

The PlayStation Showcase recently unveiled a new trailer for Alan Wake 2, much to the excitement of fans eagerly awaiting its release. The trailer offered a tantalizing glimpse into the game's story, setting, and characters, showcasing a darker and more Lovecraftian atmosphere. While some elements from the original game have been carried over, Alan Wake 2 is poised to become a standout title in the survival horror genre. With its clear influences from the genre, Remedy promises to deliver one of the best gaming experiences of 2023. Originally announced in December 2021 at The Game Awards, Alan Wake 2 is the long-awaited follow-up to the acclaimed first game, which followed protagonist Alan Wake's journey to uncover the truth behind his wife's disappearance in a small Washington town. The game's unique gameplay mechanics, which revolve around light sources and combatting darkness, have been amplified in the sequel, making for an even more tense and atmospheric experience.

Alan Wake 2 Is Going Full Survival Horror

The gameplay trailer for Alan Wake 2 unveiled a fresh playable character, Saga Anderson, and showcased the game's immersion into contemporary survival horror. Remedy had previously promised a horror-centered experience, and they seem to have delivered. Anderson's gameplay style seems to draw heavily from Resident Evil 2 Remake, with Alan Wake 2 adopting a similar over-the-shoulder perspective as recent Resident Evil remakes.

According to reports, both Anderson and Wake will be playable characters, each in a distinct setting. Anderson will investigate Bright Falls, while Alan is trapped in the Dark Place, allowing for a broad range of horror influences to be explored. The first game left players questioning the events taking place, but Alan Wake 2 appears to cast the author as an unreliable narrator.

Remedy's Control reveals that the town of Bright Falls was hit by an AWE triggered by a para-natural entity known as the Dark Presence. The FBC's investigation file reveals that a writer named Alan Wake fought against this dark force that was turning fiction into reality. By linking Alan Wake's story to Control's narrative, Remedy has expanded the horror universe and set the stage for the AWE DLC, where Alan and Jesse Faden team up to battle their respective game's malevolent forces. With Alan delving deeper into the Dark Place in Alan Wake 2, his ability to perceive reality and craft the game's plot may be in jeopardy.

Alan Wake 2 Still Honors Its Prior Influences

Alan Wake 2 pays homage to its roots while venturing into the realm of survival-horror. The game draws inspiration from Twin Peaks and the literary genius of Stephen King, as evident from the first spoken line which is a direct quote from the author. In this sequel, Alan attempts to escape the Dark Place by manipulating the town through his writing, while Mr. Scratch takes his place in the real world and plays a pivotal role. Set to release globally this Fall, Alan Wake 2 is Remedy's most ambitious project yet, available for pre-order in two digital-only versions. The trailer released this week promises a spine-chilling experience, making it clear that fans are in for a truly unique and terrifying return to Bright Falls.