The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: ‘Alan Wake’ Review

Games — May 15, 2010 at 11:00 — 1 comment

Clark Kent says: It feels good to be a writer these days. Websites like this and others are beginning to make themselves known amongst all the copy-cats. ‘Alan Wake’ looks to set itself apart from its video game literary counterparts — but does it? Find out after the jump.

GOOD: ‘Alan Wake’ takes the straightforward path in presenting an excellent game full of character building and plot twists that offers enough to keep you hooked. First announced back in 2005 — the game finds the player as writer Alan Wake who is searching for his wife in the befallen small town of Bright Falls. The visuals are the main course in this digital delight. Focusing on the powers of darkness, as well as the opposing power that is light, players control that force in the form of a simple flashlight. The story-telling fleshing out the supernatural events in some uniquely interesting ways. Written by Sam Lake the words compliment the satisfying combat mechanic that makes fighting an illuminating experience. Venturing off the beaten path is a plus for true adventurers as gamers are encouraged to risk life and limp to grab in-game collectibles. The game is endearingly self-aware of itself and Remedy has done an excellent job creating a rich experience for the gamer.

BAD: ‘Alan Wake’ has a few different takes on the core action — a few of them require precise button taps that can be mighty stressful when finding one’s self overwhelmed by axe-wielding ghosts. Other than that the game doesn’t offer too many genuinely surprising or completely Stephen King-esque events.

UGLY: Remedy has presented a swirling tale of fiction that entertains the gamer thoroughly. Exploration is encouraged over plowing through the game’s plot — making the experience rewarding as a result. Hidden gems such as radios and television sets are placed all over for your enjoyment. Gamers who take the time to listen and watch everything they can witness what a great job Petri Järvilehto, Sam Lake and the Remedy team do in building an authentic game. ‘Alan Wake’ is a little bit of Stephen King mixed with ‘Twin Peaks’ and pays homage to ‘Twilight Zone’ with the live-action ‘Night Springs’ television show. The game blurs fact and fiction while still retaining its bearings even as the plot spirals further into the voyage fantastic.

Clark Kent says: In other words… Buy It! I must admit a little biased since the main character is a writer and in a world becoming overly populated by bloggers — it’s good to see that Remedy show love to the creative culture. Got any thoughts? Share them in the comments section below and enjoy the ‘Alan Wake’ trailer, too!