Alan Wake II Review

Editor’s note: Remedy Entertainment provided a PC review copy of Alan Wake 2 to IGN India for this review.

In the dimly lit corridors of psychological horror and supernatural mysteries, Remedy Entertainment has returned with a sequel to Alan Wake. This entry seeks to blur the lines between reality and the macabre. The game takes us into the world of the eponymous writer, where the written word wields the power to reshape reality itself. While horror fans are the primary target audience, the storytelling and gameplay of the game transcend genre boundaries to offer an experience that is worth enjoying by all.

Story and setting of Alan Wake 2

Let’s kick things off by diving headfirst into the story, which plays an especially vital role in Alan Wake 2. Don’t worry, we will get to the equally important gameplay shortly.

You find yourself in the cosy-but-still-kind-a-creepy town of Bright Falls, nestled in the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest in Alan Wake 2. You will step into the shoes of Saga Anderson, an FBI agent investigating a series of eerie ritualistic murders in this small town. On the flip side, there is Alan Wake, a famous horror writer who is lost in an alternate dimension — think of the Upside Down from Stranger Things. He needs to craft a story that can reshape his reality and help him escape from the enigmatic Dark Place. All of this takes place 13 years after the mysterious disappearance of Alan Wake.

Now, what is interesting is that you get to play both as Saga and Alan while experiencing both their unique journeys in the different worlds. But they are not isolated from each other as they interact and are connected in ways that unravel as you progress through the game. Everything happening in their stories is intertwined.

One interesting gameplay element for Saga is the Mind Place, which you can access through the pause menu.

I won’t spoil more because experiencing it without too much prior knowledge is the way to go. Alan Wake 2 brilliantly connects its story, keeping you eagerly anticipating what is coming next.

Gameplay mechanics

Now, let us delve into the gameplay of Alan Wake 2. It is not what you would call simple, but the first few chapters keep things straightforward. At the start of the game, you step into the shoes of Saga, the FBI agent. As mentioned earlier, Saga is on a quest to crack the murder mystery. The beginning is a bit like a detective game, where you need to investigate every nook and cranny and gather as many clues as possible.

It is a survival horror game, so yes, there is combat in Alan Wake 2, but it is more on the reserved side.

One interesting gameplay element for Saga is the Mind Place, which you can access through the pause menu. It is like a mental space where she manages a pinboard to connect clues. This is a clever way to track the progress of the story and figure out your next steps. But placing the clues on the board can be a tad puzzling as they need to go in specific sections of the investigation. You will need to work out where certain clues fit.

When you are playing as Alan Wake, he can enter the Writers Room to rewrite his reality. You can also do other things like upgrading Alans’ abilities and weapons. The concept is the same, but the game keeps things fresh with unique twists for both characters.

Alan Wake 2: Combat and strategy

It is a survival horror game, so yes, there is combat in Alan Wake 2, but it is more on the reserved side. For a large part of the game, you will have a torch that you can shine on enemies to make them vanish. You will also get a gun, but you won’t use it all that much.

However, you will spend most of your time exploring the two different worlds, uncovering clues, and solving puzzles to move forward. The game offers three difficulty levels: Story, Normal, and Hard. Even in the Story mode, Alan Wake 2 is no cakewalk, and it still manages to provide an engaging experience.

Graphics, visuals, and sound

Now, let us talk about how Alan Wake 2 looks and sounds. If you haven’t already seen the trailers or pictures, I need to tell you that this game is a visual stunner. When you are playing as Saga, the small town feels like it is straight out of a high-budget horror movie. As for the world Alan Wake is stuck in, we get an environment filled with tight tunnels, subways, and buildings. This world might not be awe-inspiring in the same way, but the game remains beautiful and stunning overall.

The expressions and mouth movements of the characters are impressively realistic and pleasant to watch. Although, it is a bit odd when these characters swiftly return to a poker face after speaking. However, it is not a major issue that would significantly impact your experience. Overall, the attention to detail on the characters and minor elements in the game is meticulous.

What is even more unique is that Alan Wake 2 uses a good amount of live-action footage. This art choice works remarkably well in making you feel like the characters are real people and that you are controlling something that exists.

The music of Alan Wake 2 is fantastic, and it sets the tone perfectly for the game. It is filled with spooky and eerie tunes like whispers as you explore the levels. While the game also comes with some groovy tracks, the overall soundtrack is designed to give you the creeps.

Alan Wake 2 can be scary

Alan Wake 2 can be genuinely spine-tingling. Now, I don’t usually get spooked by horror, but man, I’ll admit it, this game got under my skin. Minor things add to this scariness, like the game not pausing when you are in the Mind Place. You could be checking the map, and suddenly, a wolf from the woods attacks you. This abruptness is enough to make you jump out of your seat.

Those ghostly entities have a knack for appearing at the worst possible moments, yelling something eerie as the music gets tenser and amps up your anxiety. And after each chapter concludes, Alan Wake 2 treats you to the perfect song that captures the “What the heck just happened” feeling.

Is Alan Wake 2 worth your money in India?

Alan Wake 2 is absolutely worth your money. It is worth the investment for a multitude of reasons. Even if you are not a die-hard horror fan, or you haven’t played the first game, this one is still worth a look.

Speaking of the price, the Alan Wake 2 Standard Edition costs INR (₹) 2,748 on PC through the Epic Games Store, and ₹3,246 for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. This is a fair price for the game, and it won’t leave your wallet feeling excessively lighter as most other AAA games do for gamers in India.

Remedy Entertainment opted not to release a physical copy of the game to keep the cost down, which might not sit well with some. However, for people who play games digitally, the current pricing is a solid deal overall.

If you are aiming for the Deluxe Edition, it will set you back ₹3,847 on PC and ₹4,396 on consoles. In this edition, you get the expansion pass, which covers the Night Springs Expansion and Lake House Expansion. Plus, there are some nifty extras like a Parliament shotgun skin and a celebrity suit for Alan. Saga also gets in on the action with a Nordic shotgun skin, Crimson windbreaker, and a lantern charm. It is a good deal if you are looking to enhance your Alan Wake 2 experience through these additional items.