The most narratively fascinating game of this console generation and perhaps one of the most interesting and groundbreaking narrative games of all time. Alan Wake II isn't a perfect story whatsoever, there's character writing and pacing issues that leave much to be desired but Remedy should be commended for their ability to step up their storytelling and twist and turn the story so remarkably so that you're left questioning everything-- it truly is a thinking man's game.
The genre and theme juggling is incredible as Alan Wake II is ultimately a survival horror game, but at its core is a beautiful mishmash of ideas and different forms of media (music, short film, gameplay), excelling at each one of these.
Remedy creates a unique brand of horror present in Alan Wake II which is so effective primarily because of the sequel's departure from the first game in both gameplay and mood. The Lynchian inspiration is there, but you can tell there lies a more sinister and intense undertone that rears its head to truly strike fear into the player.
My issues with the game don't lie in general gameplay but rather half baked elements of the game's central narrative. The storytelling of Alan Wake II for the most part is brilliant, there's no contention there. However, anyone sticking with this game for 20+ hours will find the ending fairly rushed including Saga's arc. This is my ONLY issue and I find the rest of the game to be a blast. The performances, gameplay, combat, puzzles, graphics, music, and horror are all a 10/10 and I'm overall satisfied with my most anticipated game of 2023.
The genre and theme juggling is incredible as Alan Wake II is ultimately a survival horror game, but at its core is a beautiful mishmash of ideas and different forms of media (music, short film, gameplay), excelling at each one of these.
Remedy creates a unique brand of horror present in Alan Wake II which is so effective primarily because of the sequel's departure from the first game in both gameplay and mood. The Lynchian inspiration is there, but you can tell there lies a more sinister and intense undertone that rears its head to truly strike fear into the player.
My issues with the game don't lie in general gameplay but rather half baked elements of the game's central narrative. The storytelling of Alan Wake II for the most part is brilliant, there's no contention there. However, anyone sticking with this game for 20+ hours will find the ending fairly rushed including Saga's arc. This is my ONLY issue and I find the rest of the game to be a blast. The performances, gameplay, combat, puzzles, graphics, music, and horror are all a 10/10 and I'm overall satisfied with my most anticipated game of 2023.