Alan Awake 2

Computer Game review

Release date	27th Oct 2023
Developer	Remedy Entertainment
Mode	Single Player
Platform	Playstation 5, Xbox X and S, Windows
Man5hit Rating

Alan Wake 2, a long-anticipated sequel, has finally graced the gaming world after a staggering 13-year wait. There’s been a lot of competition in the gaming industry this year, with some excellent releases in this genre and I was very interested to see how this game plays. Remedy’s first instalment was awesome, so we at Man5hit are excited for another survival/horror adventure.

I’d like to start by talking about the graphics and especially the emphasis on the cinematic quality. Playing at 3840×1600 ultra-wide which is a little easier to push compared to 4k and gamers can enjoy a great balance between decent frame-rates and high pixel count. These enhanced graphics really help bring the fear alive.

The game’s linear design, akin to a novel’s chapter-like format, focuses on story progression rather than open-world exploration. This deliberate choice provides a curated and immersive narrative experience, reminiscent of the original Alan Wake’s narrative-driven approach. The single player approach to the game makes a good storyline essential and Remedy havnt disappointed. With a rich story, layered with sub plots and complexity, feels like your’e playing a game within a movie.

Alan Wake 2 has faced criticism, particularly in the realms of dialogue quality and character depth. Some players and reviewers have noted that the dialogue falls short, lacking the tone and depth that could enhance the storytelling experience. On the technical side, there have been reports of bug issues affecting the loading process, potentially impacting the overall gameplay experience, but it has been documented that Remedy are working on rectifying this.

If we look beyond the criticisms and technical challenges, for me Alan Wake 2 stands out as a narrative masterpiece and a strong contender for Game of the Year (behind Dead space imo). Its storytelling prowess, blending well with its cinematic elements, rivals old classics like Silent Hill. The game’s immersive qualities, coupled with stunning graphics, surpass expectations, making it a standout experience.

Despite the disappointing initial sales figures and some technical hiccups, it’s crucial to acknowledge the game’s strengths;

• The lighting concept
• Graphics quality
• Meticulous level design
• Enhanced gameplay
• Storyline

Prior to the release, I played Alan Wake Remastered to “whet the appetite.” While I wasn’t overwhelmed by the remastered version, I definitely felt like I was reliving a classic game. In my opinion, Alan Wake 2 takes all that is good in the first release and adds better graphics and improved gameplay, while maintaining a strong story too. Man5hit recommends this game.