Alan Wake Remastered vs Alan Wake 2: Spotting the Key Differences

Highlights

Alan Wake 2 features dual protagonists, allowing players to switch between playing as Alan and FBI Agent Saga in their investigation of a series of murders in Bright Falls.

The game presents players with the opportunity to explore two distinct realities: Bright Falls, known for its enigmatic Cauldron Lake, and a twisted, neo-noir rendition of New York City named the Dark Place.

Alan Wake 2 shifts its focus to the survival horror genre, placing a greater emphasis on creating a tense and atmospheric environment. With the introduction of creepier adversaries and an over-the-shoulder camera perspective, this sequel delivers a heightened level of horror compared to its predecessor.

Thirteen years have passed since players first entered the enigmatic world of Bright Falls. With the arrival of Alan Wake Remastered in 2021, the visual quality and content of the original 2010 game have been enhanced. Now, Remedy Entertainment presents Alan Wake 2, a continuation of the survival horror journey through Bright Falls. Fans who enjoyed both the original and remastered versions might be interested in exploring the distinct elements that Alan Wake 2 offers.

In comparison to Alan Wake Remastered, Alan Wake 2 introduces various changes to gameplay mechanics, systems, narrative components, and more. These differences extend beyond Alan's newfound beard. Delving into the breakdown of these features can provide newcomers with a better understanding of what to expect from one of the most highly anticipated game releases this fall.

10. Two Switchable Protagonists

In the original Alan Wake and its remastered version, players only played as the main character, Alan Wake. However, Alan Wake 2 introduces dual protagonists, allowing players to control both Alan and the newcomer FBI Agent Saga Anderson. Together, they investigate a string of murders in the town of Bright Falls.

Throughout the game, players have the ability to switch between playing as Saga or Alan at certain points in the story. Remedy, the game developer, gives players the freedom to choose when they want to change characters. This ensures that players have a unique experience in Alan Wake 2, while also making sure they don't miss any important parts of the game.

9. Two Realities To Explore

Players can explore two distinct world realities in addition to controlling two playable characters. The first reality is set in the town of Bright Falls and Watery as Saga, which serves as the original location of Alan Wake and its remastered version. This reality involves uncovering the mysteries of Cauldron Lake, which plays a crucial role in Alan Wake's Dark Presence.

On the other hand, when assuming the role of Alan, players find themselves trapped in the enigmatic Dark Place, initially set in a twisted version of New York City with a neo-noir atmosphere. Alan Wake 2 further enhances the gameplay by incorporating live-action video sequences that expand upon the brief glimpses seen on TV screens in the original game.

8. Survival Horror Genre Focus

Alan Wake 2 takes a different approach by changing its genre. While the previous installments, Alan Wake and Alan Wake Remastered, offered psychological thrillers with elements of horror, Alan Wake 2 now delves into the survival horror game genre.

The gameplay changes in Alan Wake 2 aim to create a stronger atmosphere and build tension, providing a more intense horror experience. In addition, there may be an increased focus on puzzle gameplay similar to the Resident Evil games. While the first game did have its moments of jump scares, with the Taken creatures lurking in the woods and objects coming to life, Alan Wake 2 takes the horror vibes to a whole new level with even creepier enemies and more terrifying encounters.

7. Over-The-Shoulder Camera Perspective

While Alan Wake 2 drew inspiration from movies, TV series, and video games, the influence of titles like the Resident Evil 2 Remake is undeniable. The game made a noticeable shift to an over-the-shoulder, third-person camera perspective, deviating from the wider, third-person view in the original Alan Wake. This change brings players closer to the action, resulting in a more immersive experience.

In Alan Wake Remastered, players had to rely on Alan's torch to weaken enemies and survive. This mechanic returns in Alan Wake 2, but with the new gameplay perspective, defeating enemies becomes even more intense.

6. The Dark Place

In Alan Wake 2, players are finally able to catch a glimpse of the unsettling Dark Place, where Wake's wife was previously imprisoned in the original versions. This eerie location, inhabiting the realm of Bright Falls, tormented Alan and distorted his familiar world. However, until now, players had never witnessed Alan's presence within this ominous realm.

Furthermore, the Dark Place within Alan Wake 2 introduces players to innovative methods of traversing between areas. While in the original game, Alan utilized light from a torch or environmental tools to clear obstructed pathways, players can now effortlessly open up new areas using cutting-edge light mechanics, allowing for an almost instantaneous transition.

5. More Open World Feel, But Not Traditionally Open World

In Alan Wake and its remastered version, the exploration of the environment followed a mostly linear path, guiding players towards specific routes. Despite not being a typical open-world game, Alan Wake 2 introduces larger and more expansive regions to explore, like the Diner area located in Bright Falls.

Before, players had the opportunity to discover hidden items such as Thermos Flasks and Night Springs video games. It will be fascinating to see the additional collectibles, secrets, or easter eggs that Remedy may incorporate into Alan Wake 2, as players delve into its interconnected realms.

4. The Mind and Writer's Rooms

In Alan Wake 2, players will be introduced to two new mechanics known as the Mind Room and Writer's Room. These interactive boards allow players to piece together the mysteries within the game. As the character Saga, players will use the Mind Room, an interactive case board in her mind, to profile and connect clues gathered from the world, ultimately unlocking new objectives. On the other hand, when playing as Alan in the Dark Place, players can use the Writer's Room and its Plot Board, which functions as a metaphorical chalkboard space. Here, players have the ability to craft new stories that physically alter the Dark Place, revealing new pathways and opportunities for progress.

3. Longer Gameplay Length

Alan Wake and its remastered version both had a playtime of around 11 hours. However, Alan Wake 2 is anticipated to offer a significantly longer gameplay experience, taking at least 20 hours to complete. This doesn't even account for the confirmed DLC plans for Alan Wake 2, making it one of Remedy's most extensive titles. Moreover, the DLC from the original versions introduced additional activities, such as discovering various collectibles and unlocking achievements and trophies in Alan Wake 2, potentially extending the horror experience even further.

2. Less But More Varied Combat

Alan Wake 2 retains the third-person-shooter style combat found in the original games, offering players an arsenal of weapons like the revolver and shotgun. However, it distinguishes itself by placing greater emphasis on building tension, providing a more diverse combat experience for both players and enemies.

Additionally, Alan Wake 2 introduces new types of equipment, such as charms reminiscent of those found in Resident Evil 4 Remake. Additionally, players may encounter various types of flares, including the rocket flare as seen in the survival resources pack included in the game's Deluxe Edition by Saga.

1. New And Familiar Characters

Contents of Alan Wake 2 are enriched with both new and familiar supporting characters, showcasing some notable distinctions. One notable addition is FBI Agent Alex Casey, who, for the first time, emerges within the game's universe as Saga's partner. It is worth mentioning that Alex shares the name with the fictitious protagonist of Alan Wake's book from the original games.

While there is a plethora of new characters, it is plausible that minor characters from the Remastered and original games may reappear, leaving the fans eagerly anticipating the potential return of beloved individuals like Barry Wheeler, Alan's Agent, who previously brought moments of lightheartedness and comic relief. Nonetheless, the exact identities of the characters making a comeback and their circumstances are yet to be unveiled.

Alan Wake 2

Platform(s) PC, PS5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XReleased October 27, 2023Developer(s) Remedy EntertainmentGenre(s) Survival Horror