Alan Wake 2 Holds a Special Surprise for Call of Duty Zombies Enthusiasts

Article Key Points

Call of Duty Zombies' music adds depth to the gameplay experience, with tracks that reflect the story and themes of each map.

Not only does Alan Wake 2 effectively utilize music to enhance the mood, but it also adds a deeper meaning to the narrative of the game. Similar to the hidden songs in CoD Zombies, paying attention to the music in Alan Wake 2 can significantly amplify the player's immersion in the story.

When considering Call of Duty Zombies, it is always surprising to see a military FPS game with such a mode. Treyarch's cooperative survival experience offers unique elements like perk-a-colas and Wonder Weapons, set in distinctive locations such as a medieval castle and an alternate version of Stalingrad overrun by dragons. CoD Zombies not only has an engaging storyline, but it also incorporates narrative elements through its Easter egg songs - a technique also employed in Alan Wake 2.

The hidden songs in Call of Duty Zombies originated in Verruckt, the second Zombies map developed by Treyarch. "Lullaby of a Deadman," although created prior to the narrative development of the Zombies mode, became a part of the story. As Treyarch started to weave a narrative within the mode, the songs began to align with that story. The lyrics of each song reflected the overall themes of the maps or provided insight into specific characters' perspectives. With the assistance of talented artists like Kevin Sherwood, the songs not only sounded great but also enhanced the overall experience. For fans of Zombies seeking a game that employs music in a similar manner, Alan Wake 2 is highly recommended.

Alan Wake 2 and Call of Duty Zombies’ Music Do Similar Things

Call of Duty Zombies’ Music Has Always Been a High Point

Activating Call of Duty Zombies' hidden songs has often involved unique methods, such as shooting coins or meeting unusual deaths. However, the most widespread approach to unlock the music in CoD Zombies is by discovering three concealed items. Once players accomplish this, they are rewarded with an awe-inspiring musical piece that complements either the storyline or the specific Zombies map they are playing on. Legendary tracks like "115" and "Beauty of Annihilation" have become iconic within the game, while the introduction of the enigmatic Shadow Man added a new layer of significance to the initial riddle presented in "Abracadavre," making it an enjoyable experience to revisit.

"Coming Home" from Moon closely aligns with Samantha Maxis' journey at that moment in the story, while "We All Fall Down" pays homage to the skyscraper gameplay of Die Rise - something that players frequently encounter during the match. "Where Are We Going?" effectively captures the anxieties of the mobsters central to Mob of the Dead, while "Archangel" signifies a significant collaboration of all CoD Zombies' singers and perfectly represents Origins' significance within the overarching narrative. The inclusion of "Dead Again," "Dead Flowers," and "Dead Ended," each representing the fallen members of Ultimis in Black Ops 3's DLC maps, was a stroke of brilliance, and the excellent music persisted through Black Ops 4 and Black Ops Cold War. Notably, "Lost," featuring Julie Nathanson, the actress who portrays Samantha, singing about her experiences while trapped in the Dark Aether, plays an integral role in the storytelling of Firebase Z.

Alan Wake 2’s Music Suits The Game’s Mood and Themes

Much like how Call of Duty Zombies relies on its Easter egg songs for its unique atmosphere, Alan Wake 2 would lose some of its charm without its own accompanying music. These songs can be appreciated even outside the game, like the track "Superhero," which holds deeper meaning when considering the character Saga and its placement in the story. While Alan Wake 2's end of chapter songs are undeniably impressive, it's important to mention the standout music sequence featuring the Old Gods of Asgard. Just like how the Zombies' music enhances the experience of fighting the undead, certain tracks in Alan Wake 2 also have a profound impact when paired with gameplay.

Whether it's the inclusion of Remedy Connected Universe characters like Trench or the lyrics of "Follow You Into The Dark" that allude to Saga's quest for Alan, it's crucial for players to pay close attention to the music in the closing moments of each chapter and episode in Alan Wake 2. Just like the music in Call of Duty Zombies, these tracks enhance the overall experience for those seeking to fully immerse themselves in the story. While players have the option to skip over them, similar to the choice of not activating the hidden songs in Zombies, those who choose to embrace the music are depriving themselves of a sublime auditory experience that not only sounds amazing but also adds significant value to the overall gameplay.

Alan Wake 2

Alan Wake 2 is set to launch in 2023, marking a thirteen-year gap since the release of its predecessor. The initial Alan Wake gained immense popularity for its gripping psychological horror narrative influenced by Stephen King. Remedy Entertainment's Sam Lake stated that the upcoming game will delve into the survival horror genre, deviating from the first game's classification as "an action game with horror elements."

Editor's P/S

As a long-time fan of both the Alan Wake and Call of Duty Zombies franchises, I am thrilled to see the connection between the two games being explored in Alan Wake 2. The music in both games has always been a standout feature, and I believe that the developers have done an excellent job of using music to enhance the atmosphere and storytelling in both games.

In Alan Wake, the music creates a sense of unease and dread, perfectly capturing the game's unsettling atmosphere. The music in Call of Duty Zombies, on the other hand, is more upbeat and action-packed, reflecting the more fast-paced and intense gameplay. I believe that the music in both games is essential to the overall experience, and I am excited to see how the music in Alan Wake 2 will build upon the legacy of both franchises.