A decade is a long time in the video game industry. When you consider the rapid technological advancements and fans’ evolving expectations, this time span can feel like a lifetime. Still, Remedy Entertainment chose to bide its time, waiting and perfecting its craft until it was ready to reveal the sequel to their 2010 gem.
With the incoming release of Alan Wake 2 on October 27, the waiting game has officially paid off, as the follow-up finds itself as a late entry into the Game of the Year conversation amidst a sea of highly rated titles.
A nostalgic wave had built up around the possibility of a sequel for Alan Wake. The original game, released in 2010, held a special place in the hearts of many gamers. Over the years, Remedy hinted at its existence, but many had lost hope as they thought it was merely a fantasy. Enter Epic Games. Capitalizing on the monumental success of Fortnite, Epic Games stepped in to fund the development of the Remedy Connected Universe, including Alan Wake II, subsequently making the game an exclusive to the Epic Games Store on PC. In a strategic move, Alan Wake II was made digital-only for both PC and console platforms. This decision, according to Remedy, was instrumental in maintaining an attractive price point of $50 for PC and $60 for consoles.
October has always been a fertile ground for video game releases, and this year has been no exception. This month has witnessed launches of titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Lords of the Fallen, and, more importantly, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Amidst this fierce competition, Alan Wake 2 has managed to carve out a space for itself.
With Remedy Entertainment highlighting it as its most crucial project, it’s safe to say that the studio has found itself a winner, landing scores of 89/100 on PlayStation 5 and 92/100 on PC on Metacritic.
A game’s success isn’t merely about numbers, though. Critics and gamers alike have been effusive in their praise for the game’s narrative depth. Alan Wake 2 offers a rich 20-hour story that masterfully blends elements of psychological and survival horror. It’s a tale that keeps players riveted, guiding them through unexpected twists and terrifying sequences. Beyond its engrossing story, the game dazzles with stunning visuals. While its heavy PC requirements raised eyebrows initially, early benchmarks have shown that the game’s performance, especially when combined with upscaling techniques, exceeds expectations.
For all its brilliance, Alan Wake 2 isn’t without its blemishes. Many report technical glitches that mar the presentation. It has moments that might not resonate with everyone, and certain narrative arcs might leave players yearning for more clarity. But such issues haven’t deterred fans, both old and new, from diving deep into this thrilling experience. Despite its imperfections, Alan Wake 2’s raw, visceral appeal has endeared it to many, making it a standout in Remedy Entertainment’s illustrious portfolio.
Here’s a round-up of the notable reviews of Alan Wake 2:
- GameSpot – 10/10
- VGC – 5/5
- GamesRadar – 5/5
- Dexerto – 5/5
- IGN – 9/10
- The Guardian – 4/5
- Game Informer – 7.75
Given the outpouring of positive reviews, Alan Wake 2 has earned a spot in the 2023 GOTY debate. The current year has been nothing short of spectacular. Aforementioned titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is making the race interesting, with Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom leading the way. But, outside of these five, judges will have their work cut out for them, with releases like Diablo 4, Resident Evil 4, and Final Fantasy 16 joining the conversation.
Will Alan Wake 2 earn a nomination or two if not an award come December? Only time will tell. But, for now, for those who have patiently waited for 13 years to revisit the enigmatic world of best-selling thriller novelist Alan Wake, the sequel promises an exhilarating ride.
Ultimately, whatever the outcome, Alan Wake 2 has already solidified its legacy as one of the most memorable releases in a year full of them.
