Alan Wake Xbox 360
Remedy/Microsoft
May 10, 2010
Web Exclusive
Alan Wake finally arrives—five years after the game was announced at the 2005 E3. That’s a long time to wait for a title, but is it worth it, considering that gaming has changed so much in that time? The answer is yes. Alan Wake is about the titular author who gets caught up in a living nightmare that is possibly of his own making. The game owes a stylistic debt to several pop-culture icons: Stephen King is actually referenced several times in voiceover during the game and his supernatural spookiness is felt all over, Lost is represented with an alternate timeline narrative, and Twin Peaks’ influence is felt with the Pacific Northwest setting, local diner filled with oddballs, coffee obsession, and general overall weirdness.
The game is reminiscent of Silent Hill and Resident Evil, with your character exploring a haunted, foggy locale and combating evil with weapons (demons don’t like shotguns), except this time, there’s a gorgeous element of light from your flashlight and flares which repels demonic figures.
It should also be said that the game environments are among the best I’ve ever seen; when the fog rolls in, you’ll marvel at how cool it looks as you rapidly evade what lurks in the darkness. Unfortunately, the lip sync, some of the voice acting, and some character control issues aren’t up to same level. Making up for those shortcomings is a well-spun story comprised of six lengthy chapters that play out like the television episodes of an ongoing series. One of the most satisfying parts of the game is when you watch the “previously on Alan Wake” segment after starting a new episode. You’ll need to pay close attention, as there are many twists and turns to this layered game that you may miss because you’re busy evading truly scary adversaries. Along those lines, make sure to read loose pages of Alan Wake’s doomed book that you’ll find and watch every episode of The Twilight Zone-esque Night Falls that you encounter during your journey, as they’ll also provide helpful clues. (www.xbox.com/alanwake)
Author rating: 8/10
Average reader rating: 5/10
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Comments
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July 26th 2010
5:02am
I’m wondering if you actually see time progressing in Free skate or in Career mode on Skate 2 or if it’s just an eternal daytime environment like in the first game.
April 5th 2011
8:47pm
This is a quite cool game, but I never got beyong the 3rd level. Somebody has experience how to pass it? In fact, doesn’t matter as much, as the atmosphere is quite a dream. thanks a lot for sharing this! Love your blog.
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1:35pm
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