Lack of a Crucial Menu Feature in Alan Wake 2 Raises Concerns

Article Key Points

Alan Wake 2 is visually stunning, with surreal environments and a mix of media that adds to its uniqueness and presentation.

Unlike its predecessor, Alan Wake 2 deviates from the episodic thriller format and does away with the "Previously On..." segments. Nonetheless, it could have been advantageous to include a recap option in the menu to assist newcomers. The sequel sheds light on certain aspects of the characters and events from the original game while also introducing fresh mysteries. Though a recap would have enhanced the clarity of the story, its absence maintains a sense of immediacy and prevents excessive reliance on the popularity of the original.

The presentation of Alan Wake 2 is truly exceptional. The sequel's visuals are not only stunning in terms of fidelity, but they also incorporate a unique blend of mixed media, creating surreal environments when interacting with the Dark Presence. While there are notable differences between the sequel and the original, fans of the first game will find a great deal of similarity that adds to the thrill. Unlike its predecessor, Alan Wake 2 is no longer structured like an episodic thriller, but one particular feature should have made a comeback in some form.

Although Alan Wake revolves around a renowned author, the game itself is designed to resemble an eerie TV show. Episodes are connected with transitional sequences and a 'Previously On...' segment, setting the stage for the next episode. This approach made sense given the narrative presentation. However, it is peculiar that Alan Wake 2, a game that could have greatly benefited from this feature, chose not to include it. Instead of having a 'Previously On...' segment between episodes, it would have been appreciated if Alan Wake 2 had one in the menu for newcomers to the 13-year-old game.

Alan Wake 2 Doesn’t Have an In-Game ‘Previously On…’ Feature

In order to quickly bring players up to speed with the story, some sequels have started incorporating a concise cinematic recap into their main menus. This feature is especially beneficial for players who are new to the franchise or have a hazy memory of the previous games. Even games like God of War Ragnarok, despite being relatively recent, have included a story recap in their main menu.

The fact that Alan Wake 2 doesn't address the convoluted narrative events and conclusion of its predecessor is a strange oversight. Moreover, the sequel doesn't attempt to retcon or dismiss the original events; instead, it heavily relies on them to explain Alan's whereabouts over the past 13 years, the changes in Bright Falls during this period, and the fate of Alice.

Alan Wake 2 Only Answers So Many Questions Between Its Dual Protagonists

Players thankfully do not require a comprehensive memory of every fleeting detail concerning Alan Wake's characters and interactions in order to grasp the storyline of the sequel. However, for clarity, a brief recap to remind players of the identities of characters like Thomas Zane, the Old Gods of Asgard, and Sarah Breaker would have been helpful.

Nonetheless, the absence of a self-indulgent recap in Alan Wake 2 maintains the game's fresh feel and avoids relying too heavily on the original game's symbols and popularity. This is particularly impressive considering that much of the sequel's events occur in familiar locations such as Cauldron Lake and Bright Falls. Perhaps retelling those events outside the context of the sequel would have been burdensome and unnecessary, as the story may not have been any clearer than it already was. Additionally, Remedy's inclusion of a subtle reference to their famous line "It's not a lake, it's an ocean" suggests that expanding on those events would have been superfluous.

Players are given the opportunity to rediscover the events that transpired with Alan, just as Saga learns of them for the very first time. As Alan embarks on a journey through the streets of New York City within the enigmatic Dark Place, he unravels the truth about the state of the world. To ensure players were up to speed before the release of Alan Wake 2, promotional efforts were made through external channels such as a recap video on Remedy's official YouTube channel and a special Alan Wake collaboration in Fortnite.

Because the original and the sequel both end in a similar uncertain state, it will be intriguing to observe if Alan Wake 2's The Lake House and Night Springs expansions make an effort to further connect those gaps. Regardless, as Remedy's shared universe continues to evolve, it could become significantly more intricate, and a periodic recap in each installment would be warmly received.

Alan Wake 2

Alan Wake 2 made its long-awaited debut in October 2023, marking almost fifteen years since the release of its predecessor. Developed by Remedy Entertainment, this survival-horror game presents a captivating dual-protagonist narrative. Players can explore the thrilling journey of the titular writer and also experience the suspenseful perspective of an agent named Saga Anderson. Alan Wake 2 is available on multiple platforms, including PC, PS5, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X. Published by Epic Games, the game has garnered critical acclaim, boasting an impressive Metascore of 92. Currently, it is not available through the PS Plus subscription service.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the lack of a "Previously On" feature in Alan Wake 2. On the one hand, I understand the desire to keep the game fresh and avoid relying too heavily on the original. On the other hand, I think a recap could have been helpful for newcomers to the series or those who need a refresher on the events of the first game.

Overall, I think the decision to exclude the "Previously On" feature is a missed opportunity. While it may not have been necessary for die-hard fans of the series, it could have made the game more accessible to new players and helped to create a more cohesive experience.