Article Key Points
Alan Wake 2 fully embraces the survival horror genre, making it a perfect fit for the sequel's darker story and tone.
Drawing inspiration from Resident Evil, the game incorporates familiar gameplay mechanics like a third-person perspective and inventory management. Alan Wake 2 outshines Resident Evil in terms of next-gen graphics, spectacular set pieces, and demanding puzzles, thus raising the bar for the franchise's next installment.
The survival horror genre has a long and storied history in the world of video games. It was first popularized by titles such as Sweet Home in 1989, followed by Alone in the Dark in 1992, and Resident Evil in 1996. While the genre has remained fairly popular over the past two decades, there has been a significant resurgence in recent years, thanks to games like The Evil Within and the Resident Evil remakes. Alan Wake 2 is the latest addition to fully embrace the survival horror genre, following in the footsteps of its predecessor which had more of an action-thriller focus. Alan Wake 2, however, has made the wise decision to focus solely on survival horror, aligning perfectly with its darker story and tone. This outstanding example of modern survival horror has set a high standard for upcoming Resident Evil remakes.
Alan Wake 2 Wears its Resident Evil Inspirations on its Sleeve
While Alan Wake 2 is undeniably innovative in numerous ways, Remedy openly acknowledges the influence of other games, with Resident Evil being a major inspiration. In fact, the game heavily draws from the Resident Evil series, which has significantly shaped the survival horror genre in recent years.
One clear example of this influence is seen in the general gameplay of Alan Wake 2. The game adopts a third-person perspective with an over-the-shoulder camera angle, similar to the recent Resident Evil remakes. Additionally, there is a notable emphasis on managing inventory and a strong focus on conserving ammunition and other resources, but this merely scratches the surface of the game's RE inspirations.
Alan Wake 2 Sets a High Bar for the Next Resident Evil
Alan Wake 2 is a Truly Next-Gen Horror Game
In surpassing its source of inspiration, Resident Evil, Alan Wake 2 has raised the bar for the next installment in Capcom's survival horror franchise. One notable achievement is that Alan Wake 2 is a truly next-gen horror game, a rarity in the genre. Although the recent Resident Evil 4 Remake boasted impressive visuals and seamless cross-platform performance, it does not quite match the level of fidelity delivered by Alan Wake 2. Moreover, Alan Wake 2 showcases remarkable set pieces, often accompanied by mind-bending reality shifts that instantaneously transform the player's environment, all without any loading screens.
Alan Wake 2 Has Some Great Puzzles
Resident Evil's gameplay loop has always featured puzzles as an integral element. While Resident Evil 4 Remake did have its fair share of puzzles, they were not particularly intricate and required minimal mental effort from the player. Taking inspiration from Resident Evil, Alan Wake 2 has managed to surpass recent Resident Evil titles in terms of puzzle complexity, presenting challenging brain teasers.
Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2 is set to be released in 2023, marking thirteen years since the original game debuted in stores. The first installment of Alan Wake captivated audiences with its psychological horror story inspired by Stephen King. Sam Lake from Remedy Entertainment shares that the upcoming game will fall under the genre of survival horror, deviating from the action game with horror elements that defined its predecessor.
Franchise: Alan Wake
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Release Date: October 27, 2023
Developers: Remedy Entertainment
Publishers: Epic Games
Genre: Survival Horror
Metascore: 89
Editor's P/S
Alan Wake 2 is a highly anticipated sequel that has been in the works for over a decade. The game is set to release in 2023 and will be available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X. The game's developers, Remedy Entertainment, have stated that Alan Wake 2 will be a true survival horror game, which is a departure from the action-thriller focus of the original game.
One of the most striking things about Alan Wake 2 is its visuals. The game is absolutely stunning, with incredibly detailed environments and character models. The game's lighting effects are also particularly impressive, and they help to create a truly immersive atmosphere. The game's sound design is also top-notch, and it does a great job of creating a sense of tension and suspense.
In terms of gameplay, Alan Wake 2 is a third-person shooter with a strong emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving. The game's combat is fairly straightforward, but it is still fun and engaging. The game's puzzles are more challenging, and they can be quite rewarding to solve.
Overall, Alan Wake 2 is a fantastic game that is sure to please fans of the original game and newcomers to the series. The game's visuals, sound design, and gameplay are all top-notch, and the game's story is engaging and suspenseful. I highly recommend checking out Alan Wake 2 when it releases in 2023.