The Enigma of Alan Wake 2: Decrypting the Federal Bureau of Control

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Alan Wake 2 is a highly anticipated sequel that delivers a genuinely terrifying survival horror experience filled with jumpscares and intense chases.

In Alan Wake 2, the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC), which is prominently featured in the game Control, has a crucial role. It is responsible for investigating and safeguarding against paranormal dangers. The FBC's connection to the events of the initial Alan Wake game is significant, as the Bright Falls incident in 2010 is categorized as an Altered World Event. Currently, the FBC maintains vigilance over Bright Falls, where Alan Wake vanished, and the nearby Cauldron Lake.

After a 13-year wait, the highly anticipated Alan Wake 2 has finally arrived, surpassing the expectations of many fans. While incorporating some of the beloved elements and mechanics from its predecessor, Alan Wake 2 introduces a completely fresh set of innovations, fully embracing cutting-edge technology to deliver an unparalleled next-generation gaming experience, particularly fitting for this eerie time of year.

Embracing a stronger survival horror theme, Alan Wake 2 immerses players in a genuinely terrifying world, brimming with heart-stopping scare tactics, unsettling visuals, intense pursuit sequences, and a plethora of formidable adversaries. However, the protagonist is not alone in this battle against the Dark Presence. Accompanied by the new lead character, Saga Anderson, Alan Wake receives support from the well-known Federal Bureau of Control, a familiar organization to dedicated fans of Remedy's games.

Alan Wake 2: What Is The Federal Bureau of Control?

Initially introduced in Control in 2019, the Federal Bureau of Control is a highly secretive division of the US government responsible for researching and safeguarding the nation against paranormal dangers. A paranormal danger refers to any entity that originates from dimensions or realities beyond Earth's norms, thus operating outside the laws of nature. These paranormal threats can assume various forms, ranging from enigmatic Objects of Power to significant Locations of Power or Altered World Events.

During the events of Control in 2019, players are immersed in the perspective of Jesse Faden, a woman on a mission to find her missing brother. Her quest leads her to the Oldest House, the renowned headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC). Within these walls, she uncovers a menacing paranatural force called The Hiss, wreaking havoc on the FBC. After successfully eliminating the Hiss threat within the Oldest House, Jesse Faden assumes the esteemed position of the new director of the Federal Bureau of Control.

How The FBC Ties Into Alan Wake 2

During Control and its subsequent AWE DLC expansion, players uncover the undeniable connection between the events of the first Alan Wake game and the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC). The incident in Bright Falls in 2010, known as the Bright Falls incident, is identified as an Altered World Event caused by supernatural forces corrupting and manipulating reality. In response, the FBC has maintained surveillance on the town of Bright Falls, particularly Cauldron Lake, the location where Alan Wake mysteriously vanished.

In Control's AWE DLC, Jesse is inexplicably drawn to the Investigations Sector of the Oldest House after experiencing visions involving Alan Wake. Jesse makes a startling discovery – Dr. Hartman, directly involved in the Bright Falls incident, has been apprehended by the FBC and confined within this sector for research. The FBC suspects that Dr. Hartman has fallen under the control of a malevolent entity known as The Shadow, referred to as the Dark Presence by the FBC. The invasion of the Hiss empowers Hartman to break free from his containment, consequently enabling the Dark Presence to spread throughout the entire sector.

During the AWE DLC of Control, Jesse Faden frequently experiences visions of Alan Wake, as if he is acting as her guide during her encounter with the Dark Presence. These visions become particularly significant when Jesse is in the Oceanview Motel, where she appears to communicate with Alan through a spiral-marked door, possibly hinting at future Remedy games.

In the conclusion of Control's AWE DLC, Jesse receives information that an AWE report has just been received from Bright Falls, but it is dated a few years into the future. This cleverly sets the stage for Alan Wake 2, as the FBC is already aware and presumably ready to face whatever challenges await them in Bright Falls.

Alan Wake 2: A thrilling survival horror game.

Experience the intense franchise of Alan Wake across various platforms, including PC, PS5, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X. Developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by Epic Games, the game is set to release on October 27, 2023.

With a Metascore rating of 89, Alan Wake 2 promises an unforgettable gaming experience. Unfortunately, PS Plus members will not have access to this title.

Editor's P/S

Alan Wake 2 is finally here, and it's even better than I could have hoped for. The game takes everything that made the original great and amps it up to 11. The story is more intriguing, the characters are more developed, and the gameplay is more intense. I'm particularly impressed with the way the game incorporates elements from Control, Remedy's other recent game. The Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) plays a major role in Alan Wake 2, and it's clear that the two games are set in the same universe. This is a great way to reward fans of both franchises, and it makes me even more excited for future games in this shared universe.

The FBC is a fascinating organization, and I'm eager to learn more about its history and its role in the world of Alan Wake. I'm also curious to see how the FBC interacts with other organizations in the Remedy universe, such as the SCP Foundation and the Umbrella Corporation. The possibilities are endless, and I can't wait to see what Remedy does next.