Alan Wake II

Alan Wake 2 is more than just the best Remedy Entertainment game; it is the most important game in the studio's history. One of the most significant horror fiction pieces ever created and a transmedia sensation.

In a sea of exemplar video games released in 2023, Alan Wake 2 is the work most interested in pushing the boundaries of its franchise, its genre and even its medium.

If you’ve not had the chance to check it out yet, then Alan Wake II comes highly recommended. In a stellar year of top-tier releases, sequels, and new IPs, I didn’t expect Alan Wake II to rank as highly on my personal top game list as it does now, and while we’ve still got a couple months to go, I’m fairly confident that Alan Wake II is going to be my personal game of the year.

By all accounts, Alan Wake 2 is simply a masterpiece. This is far and away the best game that Remedy has made so far and only continues to assert that the studio is one of the top AAA developers in the world. On all fronts, Alan Wake 2 is rife with inventiveness and wit that was only matched by its ability to scare me and make me laugh in the same short span of time. Not only does this serve as a new benchmark for what Remedy is capable of in the future, but it should be a shining example to other studios around the world of what story-driven third-person games can achieve. Whether you're new to the series or have been waiting 13 years like I have, Alan Wake 2 should absolutely not be missed.

Alan Wake 2 is a masterpiece that emerges once every generation and offers an atmospheric action experience that can only be matched by a handful of other games, if any.

Alan Wake 2 isn’t just the best horror game we’ve seen in years – it’s one of the best games, period. Though its emphasis on exploration may progress a little too slowly for some, its unsettling presentation and jaw-dropping graphics make it one of the most ambitious titles we’ve seen to date. Don’t miss it.

Like a mystery once thought solved, Alan Wake 2 reopens the case for what’s possible in its genre. It’s a delight to relive classic horror titles through modern remakes, but what Remedy has cooked up here is something special — a gust of fresh air aiming to revitalise video game horror. There’s expansive lore and a twisting story that might not be for everyone, but the developer packs so many exciting and unique ideas into this ambitious sequel that you can’t help but play along with a nervous smile on your face. With stunning visuals, pitch-perfect tone and atmosphere, brilliant pacing, and a fascinating mystery to sink your teeth into, there are no twists or turns about it: Alan Wake 2 is an all-timer.

Alan Wake 2 packages captivating investigations and spine-tingling horrors into Remedy Entertainment’s most ambitious game so far. It’s visually astounding, thematically potent, and an absolute must for newcomers and fans alike.

Remedy has always been seen to push boundaries, or experiment with different ideas using its own kooky melting pot of creative innovation, but never has it felt as accomplished as it is with Alan Wake 2. This feels like the game this developer has wanted to make for years, unrestrained in the best possible way as it goes hard on layered storytelling, flawed yet fascinating heroes and a series which for over a decade now has been harbouring untold potential. To see that ambition finally realised is a delight, and the end result is one of the best survival horror games I’ve ever played. It’s Remedy let loose, debuting a shared universe that is bound to continue changing the game for years to come.

Circling back to everything that made the original shine while adding not only new gameplay innovations, but captivating new characters marks a bold step forward for the series, for Remedy, and the industry at large. Alan Wake 2 is a towering accomplishment that will keep you hooked from start to finish and leave you with a little darkness you'll be thinking about for years to come.

Remedy deserves all the praise I can muster for being brave enough to make some exciting design choices that limit Alan Wake 2's mass appeal, but increase the enjoyment for those of us who remain. They deserve for me to call this game what I think it is - a masterpiece.

Alan Wake 2 almost feels mad in its approach, with an overwhelming array of threads in the tale that threaten to collapse under pressure at any moment. Yet with clear and incisive logic, matched with a devotion to delightful absurdity, the team at Remedy has managed to craft a breathtaking story – one that plays out in clever, fascinating, and horrifying ways.

Alan Wake 2 is a mind-bending, epic thriller that takes the best of Remedy’s catalogue & combines it all into nothing short of a masterpiece.

Alan Wake II is the big surprise of the year, a title that is fully in the running for GOTY 2023 and that elevates the Survival-Horror genre to another level. A level never seen before in which I can only heap praise. If you're afraid, this game is not for you, but if you're not, I recommend you sit back and enjoy it. Thank you, Remedy.

Alan Wake 2 is a thrilling follow-up to its original, with a rich, intertwining narrative and genuinely terrifying moments. Aside from some combat pitfalls, it’s a nearly flawless sequel.

Alan Wake 2 is both a survival horror and psychological horror masterpiece. It represents the best of the genre with extraordinary atmosphere, characters you root for, and a high stakes narrative with horrifying and emotional weight. Exploration is rewarding, its presentation is pioneering, and it continually makes you question just how much you think you know about what’s going on. Remedy has delivered a special game that will be adored forever.

Alan Wake 2 is devilishly compelling from its weird opening all the way through to its astonishing conclusion. A completely bonkers horror tale with intertwining narratives, a masterful mix of multimedia and some entirely unique storytelling moments combine here to make for a thrilling escape into a dark, twisted world that I feared being in and at the same time never wanted to leave. Remedy has creatively let loose and created a true benchmark of quality in the horror genre. We can only hope that our next frightening visit to The Dark Place comes along much sooner.

Alan Wake 2 is a complex, exciting and thrilling journey through the world of horror. The narrative is extremely well constructed and plays with metalanguage in an impressive way. The gameplay enjoys a solid and consolidated base within the survival horror genre that is expanded thanks to the characters' mental locations. Full of horrifying, shocking moments and hair-raising twists, the game presents one of the best plots ever created in games. Unfortunately, bugs overshadow the maximum potential of the title, but Remedy Entertainment's work is a true masterpiece of gaming and is enough to fight for the GOTY (Game of the Year award) of 2023. It took 22 years for a game to finally threaten the position Silent Hill 2 (2001) as the best survival horror in history, and Remedy's game can look to Konami's timeless classic on an equal footing in this dispute.

Creating a sequel to a 13-year-old cult favourite that moves into a new genre, creates connections to a shared universe and introduces a new protagonist is a significant gamble. If Alan Wake II was released and managed to be ‘good,’ many would see that as a win for Remedy, but this game is so much more than that. Unashamedly strange and wonderfully unique, Alan Wake II is one of the finest survival horror games I’ve played, and it’s one of the best games I’ve played in recent memory. An insane narrative, told from the perspective of two equally intriguing characters that are brought to life with convincing performances, accompanied by tense, engaging gameplay that evolves over the course of the game. Without hesitation, I can say that the 13-year wait was worth it in every way.

Alan Wake 2 is a brilliant survival horror that combines the surrealism of Twin Peaks, the investigations of True Detective and the paranormal elements of the SCP Foundation, but it is also the new graphical ceiling of the generation. And above all, it's a Remedy game; and it is glorious.

Alan Wake 2 is a sensational sequel that was worth waiting over a decade for. The story of Saga and Alan takes some serious twists and turns on its journey through darkness, and features some of the greatest (and most unexpected) moments of this wonderful year of gaming. Remedy has truly made something special in Alan Wake 2, and I simply wasn't prepared to love it as much as I do.

13 years since its predecessor, Alan Wake 2 was absolutely worth the wait. Improving on the original in every way, with Remedy embracing their inspirations, and honing their craft, Alan Wake 2 is a surrealist horror masterpiece.

When it comes to Alan Wake 2, there's no need to hold back on the superlatives; every single one of them is well-deserved. But if I had to pinpoint one element that truly captures your attention, it's the extraordinary storyline.

Alan Wake II makes the 13-year wait worth it with a very ambitious sequel. Alan Wake II story is one of the most interesting and engaging in Remedy's story as a video game developer and gives equal weight to both protagonists. This game's decision to go for survival horror gives us one of the best experiences of the genre, with mechanics that take advantage of each of its characters. It's a game that feels like two in one, which everyone should try.

Alan Wake 2 is a fantastic survival/horror, with a particularly crazy narrative, mastered from start to finish. Its effective gameplay with the use of light and the manipulation of environments coupled with its very in-depth investigation dimension offer a racy experience. Alan Wake 2 stands out from the crowd with stunning visuals and a literally terrifying atmosphere: all these elements make it one of the best horror games of recent years without a doubt.

Alan Wake 2 is possibly one of the greatest pieces of storytelling crafted, and is a must play title.

Thirteen years after the release of the first chapter, Remedy tries to improve itself and answer the questions that fans have been holding in for so long. Alan Wake II is another excellent step toward the ultimate maturation of the Finnish dev team, capable like few others of telling fascinating and engaging stories, surrounded by solid gameplay and a first-class cast. A few minor technical flaws and some knots yet to be unraveled (perhaps in a DLC?) are the only, small moles in a production that maintains the excellent levels already achieved with Control.

While not suitable for those sensitive to flashing lights and jump scares, Alan Wake 2 is a unique must-play for fans of weird horror and creative flair. The additions and improvements to gameplay are a welcome change, with less focus on the action and more attention paid to narrative. That being said, Alan Wake 2 still excels in all departments, and the slightly frustrating sections can be forgiven when receiving the rewards of more story. I have avoided describing the convoluted story in too much detail - due to the high cinematic standard, Alan Wake 2 is best experienced first-hand.

For all the nonlinearity of its telling, the strangeness of its details, at its heart this is a relatively conventional save-the-world narrative. Which is no bad thing, necessarily, in a game that elsewhere tends towards obscurity and excess. But it's those latter qualities we're here for, ultimately - and Alan Wake 2 delivers over and over. [Issue#392, p.100]

Worth the wait. Capital ‘A’ ambitious and well realised, Remedy is letting its freak flag fly in full force. We love every twist of this spiral into survival horror. [Issue#34, p.62]

After spending a week with Alan Wake 2 and finally seeing the credits, I can say that it’s one of my favorite titles in an extremely competitive year. Not only has it redefined what I believe video game narratives are capable of, but it also left me invigorated to see how Remedy will innovate once again.

Alan Wake II is a masterfully made horror title filled with audacious storytelling and some of the best moments in any game released this year. The moment-to-moment gameplay may not be quite as satisfying as some of Remedy’s other titles, but its atmosphere is perhaps the company’s best. After thirteen years of waiting, fans finally get to see what comes next for Alan Wake. It was worth the wait.

Alan Wake 2 is the result of all the experience that Remedy has accumulated over the last ten years. Surreal, scary and simply excellent, it's an experience that will live in my head for years to come.

It's refreshing to play a sequel that takes such dramatic steps with both storytelling and level design. Remedy has chosen to kick open the doors and let in all sorts of strange ideas, and it generally works incredibly well.

Alan Wake 2 was able to avoid most of the problems that Remedy's previous games fell into, and provided a great psychological horror experience with excellent level design and high production value that is difficult for horror games to reach.

An expertly crafted narrative and two fascinating main characters make for a lovingly crafted sequel that is well and truly worth the 13-year wait.

Alan Wake 2 pushes the boundaries of the interactive medium, surpassing not only previous games from the Remedy, but any other production of this scale. It's a great piece of immersive storytelling but also something so much more. An artistic manifesto? A dialogue between the creator and his creation? Whatever it is, you won't find another game like it.

It plays well, it’s got a lot to say and it’s toying with its own narrative in unique, fascinating ways. We’ll be talking about Alan Wake 2 for years to come.

This is Remedy’s most ambitious and imaginative game yet, with some truly outstanding scenes that will stick with you for a long time to come. We’re overjoyed that Alan is back, and we couldn’t have ever anticipated where his story would go. One of the best games of the year, Alan Wake 2 is utterly mesmerising and truly unique. It’s a work of art that blends videogame and film like never before.

The 13 years the sequel took have resulted in a game that is fun to play and furthers not only the Alan Wake lore but also makes me incredibly excited for where this universe goes with Control 2. While my playthrough hit a snag that’s since been fixed, I can still honestly say the rest of the game was a delight to play. If you’ve done all you can in the Resident Evil 4 remake and are looking for the next great survival horror to dig your teeth into, Alan Wake 2 is it.

Thrilling, intoxicating, mysterious, and sure-footed. This is the perfect game to play in Spooktober.

Alan Wake II scores sublimely on almost all counts. The story is rock solid, the atmosphere is incredibly creepy, the level design is wonderfully strong and technically it is impressive. That some minor details and gameplay elements then stand out from the rest, however, is so minimalistic that the end result stands as strong as a house. Fan of the franchise, of horror games or up for a psychological thriller trip, Alan Wake II is the game to go for.

Alan Wake 2 proves to be worth the wait. This sequel is an upgrade in nearly every way, and while player influence on the story can feel limited at times, the engaging narrative more than compensates. From the challenging, tense combat to the excellent environmental storytelling, Alan Wake 2 will have no trouble hooking players from start to finish.

Alan Wake 2 is a fantastic horror game with some excellent atmosphere and an incredibly interesting story.

Alan Wake 2 is the perfect mix of Resident Evil and Silent Hill. One of the best survival horror of recent years and a narrative and audiovisual prodigy.

Distressing, frightening, sometimes disturbing, Alan Wake 2 makes a resounding return thirteen years after the first episode that we have not forgotten. Remedy is not content with making a simple and basic sequel, but is readjusting its game by renewing the gameplay. By introducing a second character, the developers introduce a successful "investigation" aspect which reinforces the narrative of these satanic murders. The fights have become fiercer and more intense too and the story even more captivating. Cherry on the cake : the game offers sumptuous graphics, with ultra-realistic facial expressions. One of the best games of 2023.

Alan Wake 2 stands out as a champion among modern survival horror games. Its beautifully woven story encompasses everything you could want from a blockbuster horror title. Expertly crafted cutscenes meld together reality and video games while thrilling combat and frightening chases keep things interesting as you dig into a gripping narrative.

Alan Wake 2 is the best Remedy Entertainment game, and is a strong contender for one of the best games of 2023.

Alan Wake 2 is smartly written, visually arresting and thematically complex. It can be obtuse and perplexing, but that's a feature, not a bug. It brings together not only the worlds of several Remedy games, but demonstrates all the narrative and gameplay lessons the studio has learned over the last thirteen years. Alan Wake 2 rewards fans of the first game for their patience, and invites new players along for a wild, sometimes terrifying and mind-bending ride.

I’m glad to say that Alan Wake II is not only one of the best games of 2023 but it also surpasses the 2010 original in almost every way. It does everything you’d want from a sequel. Alan Wake II looks better, it plays better, it sounds better and it brings scares in abundance.

There is nothing you’ll play this year like Alan Wake 2. The choice of two protagonists works wonderfully, with an interwoven plot that is Remedy at their best. I love the twists and turns it takes, with an incredible atmosphere set that boosts everything it touches, including the combat. Alan Wake 2 is breathtaking both visually and audibly, whether in Bright Falls or The Dark Place. Our departure thirteen years ago is long forgotten; Alan Wake's return is a triumph.

Alan Wake 2 is the most authorial, visceral, and ambitious game ever made by Remedy Entertainment, which will delight fans of the series with a new adventure with dark tones that improves on the first chapter in many ways. The transformation into a survival horror game has also revitalized the gameplay through a disturbing atmosphere, transposed in the best possible way thanks to a well-told story and charismatic characters. Despite a general variety that is not always up to par, Alan Wake 2 has rightfully entered the club of the most exciting games in 2023.

Remedy's trademark intricate narrative has evolved even further, combining with survival horror-style action to deliver a more immersive experience than ever before. In particular, the expanded lore developed over the past 13 years adds a unique appeal. However, issues with subtitles and bugs seem to be promptly addressed post-launch, and I have high hopes for improvements in this regard.

Experimental, surprising and original: Alan Wake 2 is not a standard survival horror or action game, but an interactive mindf.ck that houses more than a decade of ideas. It relies more on building up tension, story and mystery than the first part, less on action, does not always keep you interested and is sometimes a bit iffy on a technical level, but you will experience things here that you have never seen in games before. Bold and mega-meta!

Rather than offering more of the same with slight improvements, Alan Wake 2 is a thoroughly fresh sequel with a compelling story and chilling moments.

Much as the game's jump scares may make you scream, its self-referential flourishes are more likely to make you smile. While it lacks the gleaming polish of this year's Dead Space and Resident Evil 4 remakes, Alan Wake 2 is earnest and undeniably ambitious. I'm glad Remedy's still making odd FMV/action hybrids, and I hope they never stop.

Alan Wake 2 is a fun romp through dark dimensions, offering chances to change the world around you, all the while giving you plenty of jump scares. There are some texture bugs to work through, but overall, it is definitely a worthy sequel to the first game.

Alan Wake 2 is a creative, atmospheric story highlight, but from a technical point of view it gives you little nightmares on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

This is pure arthouse and postmodern - a title that proves that there is always room for something new in the gaming medium, even if it is based on well-known pop culture tropes.

Yes, Alan Wake 2 is very linear and we have actually seen more dynamic fights. But the two main characters are just as compelling as the profound story, which in its best moments reminds us of great role models like Stephen King or Twin Peaks. If you're more interested in interactive artful storytelling than breathless dye action, you're in the right place.

Alan Wake 2 is a compelling choice, primarily due to its captivating narrative that holds our attention throughout the gaming experience. What's more, it delivers a far more intense and terrifying experience compared to its predecessor. The only aspect that could be improved is its technical performance.

Alan Wake 2 looks like a true AAA game, but experiments with form and content like an ambitious indie title. Since it sounds like typical Remedy, are there no surprises? On the contrary! In my opinion, despite some annoying bugs and clunky combat, it's the best game the Finns have released since the first Max Payne.

Alan Wake 2 presents a thrilling narrative journey, experienced through two different characters' perspectives and with some wild moments to get through. It looks simply jaw-dropping, even if its combat isn't necessarily the best.

If we could ignore the bugs and glitches, there's one thing we can say for certain - Alan Wake II is Remedy at the height of its powers. On a personal level, Remedy's games have meant a great deal to me, leading me down the halls of the Federal Bureau of Control time and time again, and to see their work refuse to dwindle with time is truly a sight to behold.

Alan Wake 2 knows how to create an atmosphere.

If Alan Wake 2 matched its narrative charms with greater depth in play, you’d be looking at a very special game indeed. As it stands, it’s a thrillingly spooky ride that can, at times, feel too much like you’re just pressing forward while weird things happen around you. That said, I very much enjoyed those weird things, and while Alan Wake 2’s combat lacks the developer’s usual pizzaz, it is Remedy’s best narrative adventure yet.

I have been eagerly waiting for Alan’s return since the original game ended with a cliffhanger and 2012’s American Nightmare did little to move the story forward. I am narratively satisfied with the events of the game and enthusiastically welcome Saga into the world. But actually playing the game, navigating the world, and avoiding combat is where I stumbled. I was eager to see the next cutscene, but gameplay often fell short, and I fought more bugs than Taken enemies. For longtime Remedy fans and those who want to see what happens next for Alan Wake, the sequel is a success, but making it to the end includes unnecessary hurdles.

Those 13 years should have led to something better, and it’s surprising that they haven’t. Alan Wake’s gunplay has gone from dull to frustrating in the sequel, while its venture into true survival horror has been plagued by predictability and amateurish jump scares. Its narrative has a few memorable moments and is able to periodically use its outlandish antics to its advantage, yet it is still dragged down by its refusal to provide enough rewarding resolutions to its litany of riddles. Alan Wake 2 doesn’t improve on what made the original such a cult hit and is instead an uncharacteristically rough draft that needed more edits. It’s not a lake or an ocean. It’s a disappointment.

A peculiar sequel that at times seems to be purposefully undermining the best elements of the original, but it still gets just enough right to please both existing fans and potential newcomers.