Highlights
Alan Wake 2, influenced by Remedy's recent games like Control, maintains a creepy atmosphere and visual style showcased in the latest trailer.
Control and Alan Wake 2 are thematically connected by their unconventional and interpretive storytelling as well as their utilization of outdated technology, which evokes an unsettling and otherworldly atmosphere.
By incorporating live-action sequences into the trailer and reimagining familiar locations such as hotel hallways and movie theaters, Alan Wake 2 further intensifies the sense of horror and enigma, demonstrating Remedy's distinctive approach to video game horror.
Ever since the release of the first Alan Wake game in 2010, Remedy has been dedicated to developing other projects that have only enhanced the studio's reputation and distinct style. In the upcoming Alan Wake 2, the essence of Remedy's more recent games, particularly 2019's Control, will be seamlessly integrated. The latest trailer for Alan Wake 2 effectively captures the unsettling visuals and haunting atmosphere, further solidifying the link to Control.
Although Remedy initially gained recognition through the original Max Payne games in the early 2000s, the studio later ventured away from the gritty and hyper-violent realm of New York's criminal underworld. Instead, they embraced more experimental and supernatural narratives with an almost Lynchian touch. This unconventional storytelling approach was also seen in Control, which shares the same universe as Alan Wake. With this evident connection, fans anticipated similarities between Alan Wake 2 and Control, and the recent Gamescom trailer effectively reinforces this connection.
Alan Wake 2 Looks Full of Control Energy
Control centers around Jesse Faden as she becomes the Director of the Federal Bureau of Control, a government agency responsible for investigating supernatural occurrences. The majority of the game takes place in the FBC headquarters, which features a dingy and outdated office environment, providing an eerie atmosphere and plenty of eerie occurrences. The building's retro technology and analog devices contribute to its unique aesthetic. The recent trailer for Alan Wake 2 appears to incorporate some of these distinctive elements.
While the Alan Wake 2 trailer includes explicit references and characters connected to Control, it also exhibits an unpredictable and dreamlike vibe, presenting opportunities for thematic connections to Control. At a surface level, the trailer showcases outdated technology similar to that seen in Control, such as typewriters, old televisions, and traditional film projectors. Though seemingly insignificant, the absence of modern devices further enhances the uncanny and otherworldly ambiance shared by both the Alan Wake 2 trailer and Control.
Adding to the compelling tone and mystery of Alan Wake 2 is the inclusion of live-action segments in the trailer, seamlessly blending in-game footage with real actors. This technique, also seen in Control, creates an unsettling atmosphere where it becomes difficult to distinguish reality from fiction. This thematic resonance is a key element in both games.
In the trailer for Alan Wake 2, various environments are showcased, which bear similarities to those found in Control. While Control takes place within an office building, Alan Wake 2 explores other familiar settings such as hotel hallways, subways, and movie theaters. This cleverly heightens the horror element in both games by transforming mundane spaces that players are acquainted with into eerie and unsafe territories.
Remedy has crafted a distinctive style of video game horror with their titles Control and the Alan Wake franchise. While they openly draw inspiration from various mediums such as video games, films, and literature, this does not diminish their unique quality. As this distinct brand of horror continues to gain recognition, players can expect to discover further connections between Alan Wake 2, Control, and future releases from Remedy. Mark your calendars for October 27, 2023, when Alan Wake 2 will be available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.