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An experienced fox doesn't lose its cunning; instead, it sharpens its skills to near perfection. Remedy Entertainment delivers a compelling experience with Alan Wake II, featuring a captivating storyline that'll leave both fans of the original and newcomers pleasantly bewildered. Furthermore, if you found joy in Control a few years back, you'll be delighted to spot Remedy's subtle nods to it throughout. From a technical standpoint, a few minor flaws are overshadowed by the overwhelming love poured into the game. Alan Wake II offers a visual masterpiece, with environments that are as hauntingly beautiful as they are chilling, making it a must-visit destination for any horror aficionado.
German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel once defined "reality" as "the immediate unity (synthesis) between essence and existence, between the internal and the external." In many ways, Alan Wake 2 rides the waves of this philosophical concept, raising questions about what is real, how our inner selves influence the external world, and vice versa.
The sequel to the 2010 classic brings with it clear differences from its predecessor while retaining several similarities. It's still a tale filled with unexpected plot twists, an eternal struggle between light and dark, and tantalizing connections with Control, another gem from Remedy. But it also introduces compelling new elements, such as a shift from the action genre to survival horror and the inclusion of a second protagonist.
Two Tales, One Dark Universe
Alan Wake 2 narrates two interconnected stories running in parallel. Saga Anderson, an FBI agent, finds herself in the tranquil town of Bright Falls, investigating a crime and an emerging evil sect. Meanwhile, the original hero, Alan, is trapped in the enigmatic "Dark Place," a realm reminiscent of the "upside-down" world from the series Stranger Things. In this bizarre world, Alan must rewrite stories to manipulate reality and ultimately escape.
Saga is portrayed as a mentally resilient character, with the extraordinary ability to seek answers within her own mind, which plays a pivotal role throughout the game. Her calm demeanor remains a guiding light in the midst of a maze of questions, including mysteries like "who is the perpetrator of the crime?" and "is so-and-so part of the sect?" Her character provides a unique perspective, navigating the insanity surrounding her with relative ease.
Alan, on the other hand, appears as a shattered man, continuing from the hints of mental fragility witnessed in the first game. Now, in the sequel, he teeters on the brink of madness, spending 13 years trapped in an "inverted" New York, where his deepest fears and nightmares materialize.
The fates of Saga and Alan intertwine due to Saga's investigation in Bright Falls, where Alan was reported missing in 2010. As she delves into the "Tree Sect," Saga stumbles upon the writer's manuscripts that inexplicably traverse realities, describing future events. These manuscripts become valuable tools in her quest to unravel Alan's disappearance.
Masterful Storytelling and Character Dynamics
Once again, Remedy excels in constructing a gripping narrative with no plot holes. Although it may prove perplexing at times, it keeps players eager for more, creating an addictive experience.
The game also sees the return of certain characters who didn't shine brightly in the original Alan Wake but now play significant roles, enriching the storyline. Newcomers Alex Casey and Kiran Estevez, from the secret agency FBC featured in Control, make notable appearances.
Gameplay Rooted in Reality
Gameplay is another strong suit of Alan Wake 2, offering a variety of positive aspects. The game presents the unique characteristics of Saga and Alan, enhancing the gameplay experience.
Saga, a federal agent, has her "Mental Place," an inner mental sanctuary, where she pieces together clues, profiles characters, and reaches conclusions that advance the campaign.
Alan, meanwhile, has a virtual room within his mind, allowing him to craft stories that reshape the surrounding reality. This element plays a vital role in progressing through the game.
The maps are intuitive and easy to comprehend, a stark contrast to the issues some players encountered in Control. It's also worth noting that the game seems to draw inspiration from Resident Evil for its level designs, a well-chosen source of inspiration.
Alan Wake 2 adopts a more significant emphasis on survival horror over the action-horror of its predecessor. Combat is straightforward, as both Saga and Alan employ a flashlight to defend against spirits and the Possessed. The mechanic of illuminating the enemy to weaken them and then finishing them off adds a thrilling dimension to the game.
But there's a caveat in the gameplay - players might occasionally find themselves bewildered about what to do. Solving puzzles often requires meticulous attention to minute details, which can lead to extended periods of searching for solutions.
Embracing the Fear
Unlike its predecessor, Alan Wake 2 effectively raises the fear factor. Darkness conceals various threats, including shadows, Possessed, wolves, and more. The atmospheric dread builds tension as players progress through the game, while jump scares caught on live-action scenes add to the intensity.
Optimization Challenges
Unfortunately, Alan Wake 2 faces optimization challenges, which is surprising for a game exclusively designed for new-generation consoles and PC. Despite two graphics modes, Quality (4K/30 FPS) and Performance (1080p/60 FPS), the game encounters FPS drops, especially in rain-soaked or brightly lit environments. Visual bugs occasionally plague the interface, lighting, and command prompts, leading to moments where weapon sights disappear, rendering players defenseless. At times, action prompts may fail to appear, necessitating a game reload. Subtitle localization in PT-BR also poses issues, with oversized paragraphs and text placement problems hampering narrative comprehension for non-English speakers.
Hauntingly Beautiful
On the positive side, Alan Wake 2 boasts meticulously designed environments, particularly the "inverted" New York featured in previews provided by Remedy. The game's soundtrack stands out, with the return of the fictional band Old Gods of Asgard, sure to delight metal enthusiasts.
The Verdict
In a year that celebrated the resurgence of the survival horror genre, Alan Wake 2 could have stood alongside the remakes of Resident Evil 4 and Dead Space. However, a persistent presence of bugs suggests that a delay may have been a wiser choice for Remedy. The game's engaging story, compelling characters, and strong gameplay make it a worthwhile purchase, especially for fans who have eagerly anticipated the sequel since 2010. Alan Wake 2 offers around 20 hours of gameplay, a New Game+ option, and the promise of post-launch DLCs. However, the persistent bugs may make it prudent to await updates before diving into the experience. Alan Wake 2 is a genuinely excellent game in need of optimization tweaks and a little more love.
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