The PlayStation Plus Essentials tier has had a mixed year so far, with some months offering great value and others falling short. However, the June 2023 games, including NBA 2K23 and Jurassic World Evolution 2, were impressive. Now, the July 2023 lineup is one of the best in a while, featuring Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Endling - Extinction is Forever, and Alan Wake Remastered.
While Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War will likely be the most anticipated free game for many subscribers in July 2023, Alan Wake Remastered is a close second. Despite not being as new or content-rich as Black Ops Cold War, Alan Wake Remastered's release on PS Plus comes at a perfect time and sets the stage for a potentially huge release in 2023.
Alan Wake Remastered on PlayStation Plus Paves the Way for the Sequel
Originally launched in 2010, Alan Wake is a gripping supernatural thriller about a crime-fiction writer who struggles with writer's block. During a trip to a secluded mountainside resort with his wife, Alan stumbles upon a spine-chilling mystery that turns into a pursuit by shadowy figures that appear to be afraid of light. Equipped with a reliable flashlight and any weapons he can find, Alan embarks on a quest to unravel the secrets of this sleepy town.
Now available in a remastered version as of October 2021, Alan Wake Remastered offers the expected enhancements and improvements that modern gamers anticipate. In the PlayStation 5 iteration, players can enjoy a consistent frame rate of 60 FPS and significantly enhanced visuals. The game's user interface has also undergone a major revamp, enhancing the cinematic feel of the experience. Additionally, PS5 players will have the opportunity to fully utilize the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers of the DualSense controller, as Alan Wake Remastered makes excellent use of these innovative features.
The release of Alan Wake Remastered on PlayStation Plus is well-timed as it coincides with the upcoming sequel set to be released in October of this year. Alan Wake 2, announced in 2021, takes place 13 years after the events of the first game. While Remedy Entertainment, the developer, has stated that playing the first game is not necessary to enjoy the sequel, having prior knowledge of the protagonist and the impending dangers will enhance the narrative.
Unlike its predecessor, Alan Wake 2 will adopt a survival-horror gameplay approach, shifting away from a focus on third-person action. From what fans have seen in trailers, it appears that Alan Wake 2 is combining the best elements of Resident Evil, Twin Peaks, and True Detective to create a truly unique experience. With the release of Alan Wake 2 just a few months away, now is the perfect opportunity for the first game to reach a whole new audience through PlayStation Plus. This can potentially attract new fans who may be interested in the sequel later this year.
Alan Wake Remastered is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.