Alan Wake 2 Review: A Great (If Flawed) Sequel
1,095Like the first game before it, Alan Wake 2 is its sum being greater than its parts.
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Alan Wake 2 is a game with more style than substance, as is par for Remedy titles. Alan Wake 2 feels like the accumulation of what Remedy has been working towards all these years. A long-awaited sequel for a title that didn't have a huge audience, but a passionate one.
The end result is a polarizing title, like the original. It does check off all the boxes of what journalists like in games. The high review scores are a testament.
On the other side, I've seen heavy criticism of Alan Wake 2. It's a walking simulator, or it has the same issues that plagued the original. Another case of style over substance.
While I lean more into it being an excellent experience, there are several shortcomings that drag the game down. Some flaws carry over from the original. Others arise in what feels like Alan Wake 2 overcorrecting flaws from the original. But the story and atmosphere are on point.
There's a lot of heart and character put into Alan Wake 2, rough edges and all. Its narrative goes in some directions that you don't often see at a large budget level. It's not going to be for everyone, but if it's something on your wavelength, there's a lot of great experiences within, rough edges and all.
Disclosure: Thanks to Remedy for providing me with a review key.
Timestamps:
• 00:00 - Prelude
• 02:18 - Alan Wake 2 Intro
• 08:37 - The Mind Place and Plot Board Mechanic
• 13:24 - Exploration in Alan Wake 2
• 20:59 - Combat in Alan Wake 2
• 26:14 - Highlights and Plot of Alan Wake 2 (Spoilers)
• 56:35 - In Conclusion
Additional Footage:
• Alan Wake
• Deadly Premonition
• L.A. Noire - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BhMsIljS6s
• Max Payne
• Resident Evil 3 Remake
• Sherlock
• True Detective
• Twin Peaks
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