Article Key Points
Alan Wake 2 takes inspiration from the best, including the Resident Evil series, but it doesn't copy Capcom's homework directly.
The game provides an unparalleled survival horror experience, offering one of the most unforgettable gaming experiences in recent times.
Alan Wake 2 showcases a diverse and distinctive range of settings, with contrasting visuals and gameplay between the tangible real world and the mysterious Dark Place, presenting a welcome departure from recent Resident Evil games.
Remedy Entertainment has been open about drawing inspiration from the Resident Evil series for Alan Wake 2, both before and after its launch. However, it is important to note that they have not directly copied Capcom's work. Alan Wake 2's combat, puzzles, and inventory management will feel familiar to longtime Resident Evil fans, but the rest of the game sets its own unique rules. In about 20 hours of gameplay, Remedy delivers a remarkable survival horror experience that defies expectations and offers genuine surprises. In fact, Alan Wake 2 may even surpass some of the recent Resident Evil titles, particularly in one specific aspect.
Alan Wake 2's Settings Feel Much More Varied Than Recent Resident Evil Games
Resident Evil Has Iconic But Familiar Settings
Many recent entries in the Resident Evil franchise have shared similar settings, leading to a lack of uniqueness. For example, Resident Evil 7 stood out with its Louisiana bayou, sunken ship, and underground mine, while the remake of Resident Evil 2 successfully revitalized Raccoon City. However, subsequent titles failed to offer distinct settings. The backdrop of Resident Evil 3 remake closely resembled that of Resident Evil 2, and Resident Evil Village received criticism for heavily borrowing from Resident Evil 4. As a result, even the upcoming Resident Evil 4 remake felt repetitive, leaving fans feeling fatigued from exploring these familiar locations repeatedly in recent years.
Alan Wake 2 Is Constantly Changing Environments
Despite Capcom's repetitive release schedule, recent Resident Evil games have failed to offer captivating locations. Even the highly regarded Resident Evil 4 remake, known as one of the best games in the franchise, only features three unremarkable settings: a village, a castle, and an island that many fans dislike. While these areas hold nostalgic value and are easily recognizable, they tend to blend together for most fans, resulting in a lack of distinctiveness.
In Alan Wake 2, the focus is on offering a wide range of settings to enhance the gameplay experience. The game presents two main settings: the real world and an alternate dimension known as the Dark Place. These two locations are visually and gameplay-wise distinct. The real world exhibits a grounded and realistic atmosphere with its visuals and lighting, whereas the Dark Place is characterized by an ethereal darkness and surreal imagery. Furthermore, within each setting, there is a significant variation in individual locations. For example, the forest surrounding Cauldron Lake in the real world differs greatly from the quaint town of Bright Falls, which in turn is nothing like the abandoned Coffee World amusement park. Each area within Alan Wake 2 possesses its own unique identity, leaving a lasting impression on players' minds, and this distinction is even more pronounced within the Dark Place.
Made in the likeness of a hauntingly atmospheric neo-noir version of New York City, the chilling realm known as the Dark Place boasts an array of distinct and captivating settings. From the labyrinthine subway tunnels to the nostalgic charm of old-fashioned hotels, from sleek modern apartment buildings to cinematic vestiges of the past, each location exudes its own unique allure. Furthermore, Alan Wake's extraordinary ability to manipulate the boundaries of reality infuses these surroundings with multiple mesmerizing visual interpretations, further enhancing the diverse tapestry of environments in Alan Wake 2.
Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2, the highly anticipated sequel, is set to release in 2023, an impressive thirteen years after the original game made its debut in stores. The first installment of Alan Wake captivated players with its thrilling psychological horror storyline, drawing inspiration from the works of Stephen King. Sam Lake, from Remedy Entertainment, revealed that the upcoming game will delve deeper into the survival horror genre, distinguishing itself from its predecessor, which he characterized as "an action game with horror elements." Scheduled for release on PC, PS5, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X, the franchise continues to be developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by Epic Games. With a Metascore rating of 89, Alan Wake 2 is sure to deliver another immersive and spine-chilling gaming experience.
Editor's P/S
Alan Wake 2 is a highly anticipated sequel that has been in the works for several years. The game is being developed by Remedy Entertainment, the same studio that created the original Alan Wake and Control. Alan Wake 2 is set to release in 2023 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
One of the things that makes Alan Wake 2 so exciting is its setting. The game takes place in the fictional town of Bright Falls, Washington, which is located in the Pacific Northwest. Bright Falls is a beautiful and mysterious town with a dark past. The town is home to a number of supernatural creatures, including the Taken, who are possessed by a dark force known as the Darkness.
The setting of Alan Wake 2 is one of the things that sets it apart from other horror games. The Pacific Northwest is a region that is known for its natural beauty, but it is also a place with a dark and mysterious history. The game's setting is both beautiful and terrifying, and it creates a perfect atmosphere for a horror game.