The Interconnecting Universe of Alan Wake 2 and Control

Article Key Points

Alan Wake 2 connects directly to Control through in-game documents and the AWE DLC, with Alan Wake guiding Jesse Faden and a future report teasing the sequel.

The presence of the Federal Bureau of Control in Alan Wake 2 is integral, showcasing their technician and their efforts to confine the Dark Presence.

Both Control and Alan Wake 2 incorporate a space known as the Oceanview, which is linked to alternate dimensions and shares a spiral layout, implying a profound correlation between the two games.

Centered around a captivating supernatural mystery, boasting incredibly gratifying god-like abilities, and showcasing exceptional technical prowess, Control was already an exceptional game. However, its collectibles served as the groundwork for something grander. Players unfolded the direct link between Control and the original Alan Wake through the in-game documents, and Remedy later confirmed the existence of their interconnected universe, which takes center stage in Alan Wake 2. As the first title published post-universe announcement, fans had high expectations. Fortunately, Alan Wake 2 not only delivers an enthralling narrative of its own, but also subtly intertwines with Control and other significant elements of the wider Remedy connected universe.

How Alan Wake 2 Ties Into Control

These connections between Alan Wake 2 and Control are crucial, featuring numerous Control references such as books authored by Dr. Casper Darling and various hidden elements hinting at the shared environment.

The End of Control's DLC Sets Up Alan Wake 2

Not only can players discover in-game documents that provide information on the events of the first Alan Wake in Control, but the ties between these two Remedy games extend further. In Control's AWE DLC, the connection between the games becomes even more direct. Jesse Faden, who takes on the role of the newly appointed director of the Federal Bureau of Control, is given the task of eliminating any remaining Hiss threats in the Investigations Sector. Throughout her journey, she begins to have visions of Alan Wake, who appears to be guiding her.

During her mission, Jesse is tasked with the mission to track down and exterminate Dr. Hartman, a resident of Bright Falls who has been possessed by the Dark Presence and confined within the FBC headquarters. After successfully eliminating the threat and clearing the sector, Jesse receives an urgent notification informing her that the FBC has recently received a new report on an Altered World Event occurring in Bright Falls. Intriguingly, the report is dated several years into the future, hinting at the potential development of Alan Wake 2.

The Federal Bureau of Control Makes Some Big Appearances in Alan Wake 2

Being the first game since Remedy's announcement of a connected universe, fans had high expectations for the presence of the Federal Bureau of Control in Alan Wake 2. However, it seems that the final product exceeded their expectations. Early in the game, there is a scene where an FBC technician is repairing a relay near Cauldron Lake. As the story takes a supernatural turn, the relay starts emitting a loud beacon, presumably sending a report back to the FBC. Later on, the FBC makes a dramatic entrance in Alan Wake 2, as they mobilize their forces to contain the Dark Presence, referred to as The Shadow.

Alan Wake 2 and Control Both Have an Oceanview Hotel

Both Control and Alan Wake 2 feature an area called the Oceanview, although it serves different purposes in each game. In Control, the Oceanview is represented as a motel, while in Alan Wake 2, it takes the form of a hotel. Despite the subtle differences, there appears to be a strong connection between the two locations, although this connection has not been explicitly stated yet. In Control, the Oceanview motel is a Place of Power that protagonist Jesse uses to traverse between various dimensions. Each room's door leads her to a different location. Notably, one of these doors allows Jesse to communicate with Alan Wake in Control's AWE DLC. Interestingly, this particular door features a spiral, reminiscent of the doors leading to the author's writing room in Alan Wake 2. In Alan Wake 2, the Oceanview hotel exists within the Dark Place and is where poet/filmmaker Tom Zane resides. During his time there, Alan even catches a brief glimpse of Jesse Faden on a television screen.

Alan Wake 2

The highly anticipated sequel, Alan Wake 2, is set to be released in 2023, a staggering thirteen years since the original game made its debut in stores. Audiences were captivated by the first game's psychologically intense horror story, drawing inspiration from the works of Stephen King. According to Sam Lake from Remedy Entertainment, this new installment will delve further into survival horror, distinguishing itself from its predecessor which he likened to an action-packed game with elements of horror. The franchise, Alan Wake, will be available on various platforms including PC, PS5, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X. Developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by Epic Games, the game falls under the genre of survival horror with a notable Metascore of 89.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of both Alan Wake and Control, I am thrilled to see the two games interconnected in Alan Wake 2. The references and appearances from Control in Alan Wake 2 are exciting and add depth to the narrative. The presence of the Federal Bureau of Control in Alan Wake 2 is particularly intriguing, as it showcases their efforts to confine the Dark Presence. The inclusion of the Oceanview, a space linked to alternate dimensions, further emphasizes the connection between the two games.

Overall, I am incredibly excited about the interconnected universe that Remedy is creating with Alan Wake 2 and Control. The potential for future crossovers and narrative developments is immense, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for these two extraordinary worlds.