Remedy's Love for Live-Action Shines Again with Alan Wake 2

Article Key Points

Remedy Entertainment has always been known for pushing the boundaries of gaming through innovative gameplay mechanics and storytelling, as seen in Alan Wake 2.

Live-action elements have been a consistent aspect in the games developed by Remedy. Although they were not completely successful in Quantum Break, they were more effectively incorporated in Control.

Alan Wake 2 achieves the ideal harmony between live-action and gameplay, heightening the game's eerie supernatural atmosphere with unsettling cinematic sequences and startling moments.

Remedy Entertainment consistently pushes the boundaries of gaming by focusing on two main areas: gameplay and storytelling. When it comes to gameplay, the studio strives to introduce innovative mechanics, such as the iconic bullet-time feature in Max Payne. In terms of storytelling, Remedy incorporates unique imagery, concepts, and themes that are rarely seen in video games, which is evident in Alan Wake 2.

In their pursuit of innovation, Remedy Entertainment has experimented with various mechanics and narrative devices, but none have had as lasting an impact as live-action storytelling. For years, Remedy has incorporated live-action elements into their games with mixed results. However, in Alan Wake 2, these live-action sequences not only work well but actively enhance the overall experience.

Remedy Has a Long History of Putting Live-Action in its Games

Quantum Break Took Things a Step Too Far

Back in 2016, Remedy unveiled Quantum Break, their first major project since the original Alan Wake in 2010. To push the boundaries of their first proper next-gen, high-budget game, Remedy implemented an exceptionally unique video game structure for Quantum Break. The gameplay loop entailed players participating in third-person action gameplay for a chapter, followed by a 30-minute live-action TV episode. As players progressed, their in-game choices would impact the live-action TV episode they would subsequently view at the end of the chapter. Despite being a groundbreaking concept, this approach significantly disrupted the pacing of Quantum Break and proved to be overwhelming for many fans.

Control Offered a Good Compromise

Hearing the criticisms from Quantum Break, Remedy made the bold decision not to abandon live-action entirely in its next major release. Instead, they chose to integrate it into the game's structure in a more organic manner. Control, released in 2019, once again incorporated live-action elements, but this time, it didn't dominate the core gameplay loop like before. Instead, most of Control's live-action sequences took the form of in-game informative presentations. Federal Bureau of Control members, portrayed by live-action actors, conducted demonstrations on a projector screen, which resonated well with many fans.

Alan Wake 2 Finally Uses Live-Action to Great Effect

Alan Wake 2, according to most accounts, successfully achieves a seamless blend of live-action and gameplay, effectively debunking any doubts surrounding Remedy's investment in live-action. Instead of interrupting the immersive experience or slowing down the momentum, the live-action elements in Alan Wake 2 beautifully enhance the eerie atmosphere characteristic of supernatural horror games.

One of the prime examples showcasing this phenomenon is the extensive use of live-action cutscenes in Alan Wake 2, specifically when Alan finds himself trapped in the eerie Dark Place. Given that the Dark Place is a nightmarish, otherworldly dimension, it is entirely logical for the inclusion of unsettling live-action segments with an oddly-toned atmosphere. A similar approach is taken with Alan Wake 2's jumpscares, although the game may have an excess of them. These brief but chilling bursts of live-action imagery have a unique ability to unsettle players in a manner that conventional video game animation cannot replicate. Another instance of incorporating live-action elements repeatedly is seen in Saga's Mind Place Profiling. However, this choice once again aligns with the game's overall tone, swiftly conveying to players the unnatural and peculiar nature of this particular ability.

Alan Wake 2

Scheduled for release in 2023, Alan Wake 2 comes thirteen years after the original game made its debut. This psychological horror game, inspired by Stephen King, captured the attention of audiences. Sam Lake from Remedy Entertainment has stated that the sequel will be a survival horror game, in contrast to its predecessor, which had more of an "action game with horror elements" feel.

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

As an enthusiastic fan of Remedy Entertainment, I am thrilled to see the studio continue to push the boundaries of gaming with Alan Wake 2. The game's flawless integration of live-action elements solidifies Remedy's commitment to this innovative approach, which they have been refining since Quantum Break. In Alan Wake 2, the live-action sequences not only work well but actively enhance the overall experience, creating a truly immersive and unsettling atmosphere.

Remedy's mastery of live-action storytelling is evident in the way they use it to enhance the game's supernatural horror elements. The extensive use of live-action cutscenes in the Dark Place, for example, creates a nightmarish and otherworldly atmosphere that would be difficult to achieve with traditional video game animation. Similarly, the brief but chilling bursts of live-action imagery used for jumpscares are uniquely effective at unsettling players in a way that conventional video game animation cannot replicate.