Remedy Delivers its Finest in Alan Wake 2's Outstanding Musical Sequence

Article Key Points

Alan Wake 2 is Remedy Entertainment's weirdest and most complex game to date, pushing the boundaries of supernatural concepts and mind-bending narratives.

The game presents a surprising musical sequence that flawlessly combines eerie amusement with comedy and horror, exemplifying Remedy's distinct storytelling approach. The band Poets of the Fall, performing under the name The Old Gods of Asgard, actively contributes to the game's musical segments, including a thrilling fight by the lakeshore, enhancing the immersive nature of the overall experience.

If the past decade has shown anything, Remedy Entertainment has proven its willingness to venture into the realm of the unconventional. While the Max Payne series had its share of odd moments, it was 2010's Alan Wake that marked Remedy's initial foray into stranger territory. With its abundance of supernatural elements and melodramatic voiceovers, the game set the stage for future ventures. Quantum Break attempted to blend a live-action TV show with a video game, while Control fully embraced mind-bending gameplay and narratives. However, Alan Wake 2 takes the eccentricity to new heights.

While Remedy has previously explored unconventional concepts, Alan Wake 2 pushes the boundaries even further. It stands as the studio's weirdest and most intricate game to date, earning praise from many who consider it their best work thus far. Although the story starts as a simple murder mystery, it rapidly delves into increasingly bizarre territory with each passing chapter. The game culminates in an unexpected musical sequence, a feat that only Remedy could successfully accomplish.

Alan Wake 2's Musical Sequence is Something Only Remedy Could Pull Off

Alan Wake 2 is divided into two distinct halves. In one half, players assume the role of FBI Agent Saga Anderson as she delves into the investigation of a string of cult-related murders in the town of Bright Falls. Meanwhile, the other half gives players the opportunity to control Alan Wake himself, as he desperately tries to escape the Dark Place—a parallel dimension where he has been trapped for the past 13 years. While Saga's narrative retains a sense of realism and grounding, Alan's portion takes a more surreal and enigmatic turn. There is a particular sequence that perfectly captures this eerie essence.

Alan Wake 2's Musical Sequence Is a Perfect Blend of Unsettling Fun

In the midst of Alan Wake's narrative in Initiation: Chapter 4 "We Sing," an intriguing occurrence takes place. As Alan traverses through the Dark Place, there arises a captivating 20-minute-long musical sequence that stands out as one of the game's most remarkable moments. This surreal experience, known as "We Sing," depicts Alan's hallucinations within the Dark Place where players find themselves navigating through a dim void resembling the backstage area and set of a talk show. Meanwhile, the game's live-action cast takes part in a captivating musical performance displayed on the screens above.

Remedy has made attempts to incorporate live-action elements into its games for nearly ten years, but it has never resonated with audiences until now. In Alan Wake 2, the live-action aspect thrives. The idea of a grand musical number appearing in the middle of an intense survival horror game is already absurd, but when combined with the game's actors performing and singing in live-action, it becomes even more bizarre. This perfectly aligns with the unsettling and perplexing atmosphere of the Dark Place.

Furthermore, the musical number itself is truly remarkable. Named "The Herald of Darkness," this extensive track was primarily written and performed by The Old Gods of Asgard, an alter ego for the band Poets of the Fall, whom Remedy has collaborated with since Max Payne 2. Mixing hard rock with elements of musical theater, "The Herald of Darkness" essentially rehashes the events of the first Alan Wake game, but in an exaggerated and tongue-in-cheek manner. Remedy is renowned for taking bold risks, and this musical sequence in Alan Wake 2 may be their most audacious yet, effortlessly blending comedy and horror in a manner that only Remedy seems capable of.

The band known as The Old Gods of Asgard played a significant role in Alan Wake 2, contributing various songs, including the intense lakeshore battle scene. Within the game's universe, the band is depicted as being formed by Tor and Odin.

Alan Wake 2

Alan Wake 2 is set to release in 2023, marking a thirteen-year gap since its predecessor's debut in stores. The original Alan Wake captivated audiences with its psychological horror story inspired by the works of Stephen King. Sam Lake from Remedy Entertainment revealed that the upcoming game will be a survival horror experience, differentiating it from its predecessor, which he described as an action game with horror elements.

Franchise: Alan Wake

Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

Release Date: October 27, 2023

Developer(s): Remedy Entertainment

Publisher(s): Epic Games

Genre(s): Survival Horror

Metascore: 89

Editor's P/S

Alan Wake 2 is Remedy Entertainment's most ambitious and creative game yet. The game's musical sequence is a perfect example of the studio's willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of what is possible in video games. The sequence is a surreal and unsettling experience that perfectly captures the game's unique blend of horror, comedy, and mystery.

The musical sequence is also a testament to Remedy's incredible storytelling ability. The studio has a knack for creating memorable characters and stories, and Alan Wake 2 is no exception. The game's characters are complex and well-developed, and the story is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you're looking for a game that will challenge you and stay with you long after you finish it, then Alan Wake 2 is the game for you.