The Thrilling Successor to Alan Wake - A Resurgence Inspired by Resident Evil 4 Strategy?

With its unique blend of light mechanics and storytelling, Alan Wake 2 is poised to join the survival horror game lineup of 2023. The recent remakes of Dead Space and Resident Evil 4 may have left genre fans craving for more, making Alan Wake 2 the perfect game to fill the void. While some parallels can be drawn between the PlayStation showcase trailer of Alan Wake 2 and Resident Evil games, such as the third-person camera over-the-shoulder perspective, there are a few game-changing elements beyond the trailer that some players may have missed.

One significant aspect that sets Resident Evil 4 Remake apart from the original game is the alterations made to the story and gameplay, such as the improved playable mission when rescuing Leon with Ashley. Likewise, as a sequel to the 2010 game, Alan Wake 2 appears to introduce new types of collectibles or unlockables, in addition to familiar weapons and items from the original or remastered Alan Wake game. Although the specific collectibles are yet to be confirmed, information about the possible new additions in the Alan Wake 2 pre-order packs gives players a clue about what to expect, hinting at a potential page taken from Resident Evil 4's playbook.

How Alan Wake 2’s Charms Could Impact Its Horror Survival Gameplay

Both the standard and Deluxe Editions of Alan Wake 2 offer pre-order extras, including a new charm feature for the game's new playable character, Saga. The standard edition comes with a coffee mug charm that can save Saga from a single killing blow, but it will break upon use. Additionally, certain survival pack items will become available after the second mission. The Deluxe Edition, on the other hand, offers a lantern charm that gives Saga an extra battery for her flashlight. It is unclear how players will be able to attach these charms, but they may appear in the player's inventory. Interestingly, these charms bear a striking resemblance to the charms found in Resident Evil 4 Remake, which could be attached to Leon's attaché case to provide various buffs and perks. While it is unknown if any other charms will be available in Alan Wake 2, players can imagine similar Resident Evil 4 Remake-style charms that could offer crucial advantages or saves at pivotal moments in the game's story.

How Alan Wake 2 Might Improve Alan Wake Remastered’s Collectibles

While Alan Wake's collectibles, such as thermos flasks, are mainly for achievement-hunting, incorporating purposeful collectibles or more discoverable charms could greatly enhance gameplay and replayability. The inclusion of a coffee cup and lantern charm in Alan Wake 2 hints at the possibility of other charms that could provide unique benefits for Alan or Saga. For instance, a blue thermos charm could offer a temporary stamina boost, which could prove especially useful during critical moments. Though Alan's slow running speed adds tension, a longer sprint duration could be invaluable. It remains to be seen what types of collectibles will appear in Alan Wake 2 and how they will enhance the survival horror experience, but more information may become available once the achievement list is released or as further details emerge.

Alan Wake 2 is due for release on October 17, 2023, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.