Alan Wake

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1463 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,165 out of 1463
  2. Mixed: 170 out of 1463
  3. Negative: 128 out of 1463
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  1. happyslug
    Jul 16, 2013
    7
    Alan Wake is a flawed but still enjoyable game.

    The production values are up there with the best the story is good but the mechanics do let it down a bit having to shine a torch at the undead to make them shootable whilst running out of batteries with the undead coming at you from all angles is quite frustrating It did keep me playing to the end but the experience wasn't as    Alan Wake is a flawed but still enjoyable game.

    The production values are up there with the best the story is good but the mechanics do let it down a bit having to shine a torch at the undead to make them shootable whilst running out of batteries with the undead coming at you from all angles is quite frustrating

    It did keep me playing to the end but the experience wasn't as enjoyable as it could have been,    … Expand
  2. shprea
    Jun 28, 2013
    8
    If you're looking for a unique game on the 360, this is definitely one to pick up. The narrative is engrossing (except for the ending), the graphics are dark yet vibrant when light comes out, and the sound direction is among the best I've ever heard. While the atmosphere is unsettling, it's never really scary. I wish this game had adopted elements of a survival horror game. It's more of aIf you're looking for a unique game on the 360, this is definitely one to pick up. The narrative is engrossing (except for the ending), the graphics are dark yet vibrant when light comes out, and the sound direction is among the best I've ever heard. While the atmosphere is unsettling, it's never really scary. I wish this game had adopted elements of a survival horror game. It's more of a light thriller than a horror game.
    Give this game a shot. It's really pretty cool.    … Expand
  3. Shortstack_519
    Jun 19, 2013
    7
    It was fun, it just got a bit old to me. The story was interesting, but the whole time I did not know where it was trying to go with it. To honest none of the characters were really memorable. It was fun but I would have to say there are many other games that Xbox has to offer that are way better.
  4. xshadowscreamx
    Jun 1, 2013
    8
    nailed the atmosphere of a decent horror novel and if your a Stephen king fan or a twin peaks fan. this is for you. also any fan of horror and story telling. there is not much verity in enemy's but the game does not outstay its welcome.
  5. WyattTheAwesome
    May 29, 2013
    9
    Alan Wake was a one of a kind experience and I enjoyed it immensely. The story, characters and the plot were more than enough to make the game very enjoyable and despite not being the scariest game that's ever existed, it sets an atmosphere that just doesn't quite go away. However, the only downside to this game is its lack of replay value. Once you beat the game, all you have left to doAlan Wake was a one of a kind experience and I enjoyed it immensely. The story, characters and the plot were more than enough to make the game very enjoyable and despite not being the scariest game that's ever existed, it sets an atmosphere that just doesn't quite go away. However, the only downside to this game is its lack of replay value. Once you beat the game, all you have left to do is go on a scavenger hunt for items and what not. Overall this is a must play game and is highly recommended.… Expand
  6. F3NRISBR0THER
    May 6, 2013
    10
    Loved the game shame about people who score it 0 and score bad games 10
    I've voted 10/10 just to help recover the scoring and help generate normality here.
  7. Polish_Infidel
    Apr 7, 2013
    7
    Interesting entry into the survival horror video game world. The story is interesting enough considering how absurd it is, even for a video game. The gameplay gets very repetitive near the end and by the time I was playing the DLC, I just felt like I was grinding through it to see the end. Not worth the original retail price, but definitely worth the $20 it costs now. Pretty easy gameInteresting entry into the survival horror video game world. The story is interesting enough considering how absurd it is, even for a video game. The gameplay gets very repetitive near the end and by the time I was playing the DLC, I just felt like I was grinding through it to see the end. Not worth the original retail price, but definitely worth the $20 it costs now. Pretty easy game to get achievements on if that is your thing.… Expand
  8. WelshNathan
    Apr 5, 2013
    10
    When people talk about 360 exclusives they usually dismiss this game but they really shouldn't as this is truly one of the best Xbox 360 exclusive out...the story alone holds the weight if this game with the story making you carry on playing, desperate to know what's gonna happen next...the combat is pretty fun and I also like the tv show styling of the game...any one with a 360 should getWhen people talk about 360 exclusives they usually dismiss this game but they really shouldn't as this is truly one of the best Xbox 360 exclusive out...the story alone holds the weight if this game with the story making you carry on playing, desperate to know what's gonna happen next...the combat is pretty fun and I also like the tv show styling of the game...any one with a 360 should get this game… Expand
  9. MDG397
    Apr 4, 2013
    8
    Alan Wake is a very unique game, but also a repetitive one. It has one of the best stories I've heard in a while, and it's told in a unique way similar to television. Instead of doing something like missions or going from point A to point B, the game's played in episodes. There are six episodes and each episode is about two to three hours long. When you start each episode, there's a shortAlan Wake is a very unique game, but also a repetitive one. It has one of the best stories I've heard in a while, and it's told in a unique way similar to television. Instead of doing something like missions or going from point A to point B, the game's played in episodes. There are six episodes and each episode is about two to three hours long. When you start each episode, there's a short cutscene that goes "previously on Alan Wake" just like you see on TV that recaps important plot points from the previous episode. The gameplay is good except for the fact that it can get pretty repetitive after a while, I thought that it was fun at the beginning but I got a little bored towards the end of the game. The combat was a bit too easy and ammo and other supplies were too common. I still found the combat to be satisfying when you killed all enemies and the game's brightness lit up and it went into slow motion for a short time and you could just watch the last enemy disappear. The story is what kept me engaged to finish the game. It would be easy to recommend Alan Wake to someone who likes a game with a great story, but not to someone who likes action. Either way, I really enjoyed it and I loved the story.… Expand
  10. zkurk
    Apr 3, 2013
    1
    This game misses the mark completely. I mean really, if they were going for some sort of survival horror game they failed miserably in every regard. Health regenerates and you are always supplied with enough ammo to deal with every situation and even if you manage to die somehow you are just set back a couple of seconds since there seems to be a checkpoint every step you take. The aim isThis game misses the mark completely. I mean really, if they were going for some sort of survival horror game they failed miserably in every regard. Health regenerates and you are always supplied with enough ammo to deal with every situation and even if you manage to die somehow you are just set back a couple of seconds since there seems to be a checkpoint every step you take. The aim is completely automatic making sure you don't miss and everytime an enemy comes near you the game pauses to make sure your monkey brain has time to dodge. This means you never really fear for the protagonist instead you just get annoyed when you die since it prolongs the monotonous tps gameplay even further. So you just jog along a linear path through forests and villages shooting the predictable jumpscare people the game throws at you a million times, nothing cerebral ever happens and when I was halfway through the campaign I found myself wishing the game would just end.… Expand
  11. Afsan
    Mar 12, 2013
    9
    Alan wake does what other horror games in this generation can't. It keeps you on your toes throughout the 12-15 hour single player. It's so well paced and well thought out that it will always bring you back for more. With great horror segments and the occasional one liner which will make you chuckle, this game has blended all the great aspects together which make a good single playerAlan wake does what other horror games in this generation can't. It keeps you on your toes throughout the 12-15 hour single player. It's so well paced and well thought out that it will always bring you back for more. With great horror segments and the occasional one liner which will make you chuckle, this game has blended all the great aspects together which make a good single player memorable, one of the best psychological thrillers out there, if not the best horror game to be out to this year even now in 2013. All i can say is...when will we visit Bright falls again?… Expand
  12. Rox22
    Jan 30, 2013
    6
    Alan wake is perhaps one of the few true old school survival horrors on the XBox 360. Visually it looks good, story is well written and thought out. Voice acting is good. It does almost everything an adventure or survival horror should. So what's wrong with it. The game's pacing is just far too slow and tries to be too clever for its own good. For people new to the genre, or to this style,Alan wake is perhaps one of the few true old school survival horrors on the XBox 360. Visually it looks good, story is well written and thought out. Voice acting is good. It does almost everything an adventure or survival horror should. So what's wrong with it. The game's pacing is just far too slow and tries to be too clever for its own good. For people new to the genre, or to this style, I guess it would be something to marvel. But above all it really doesn't feel like a game, but more like an interactive movie. To be honest the plot here reminds me allot of the old John Candy movie Delirious, except set in a serious gloomy town. Above all, it isn't interesting. I kind of feel like I'm a part of a Stephen King novel, and like his books there is just far too much filler. Overall: It's a decent enough game that is likely to be more appealing to "fresher" audience. Considering how long it had been in development I had expected a bit more. It is highly likely I had just over-hyped the game for myself and was underwhelmed by the end result, but regardless, that is how I feel.… Expand
  13. Kryptonite42O
    Nov 8, 2012
    6
    Overall, the game was enjoyable on some level.. But Overall, I don't think it deserves the high rating that it has received. The story line was excellent. It was almost like an interactive movie. The graphics weren't bad, but nothing special. The driving mission was broken... it was honestly some of the worst driving in a game that I have ever played... some flash games on the internet hadOverall, the game was enjoyable on some level.. But Overall, I don't think it deserves the high rating that it has received. The story line was excellent. It was almost like an interactive movie. The graphics weren't bad, but nothing special. The driving mission was broken... it was honestly some of the worst driving in a game that I have ever played... some flash games on the internet had better physics.. but that was just a small problem, as there wasn't much driving anyway... my main complaint, is that the gameplay was very much the same for the entire game. It felt like a Demo that lasted for 6 hours.
    overall I was a bit disappointed with the purchase, however if you find it in a bargain bin at walmart, then go for it.    … Expand
  14. alex007
    Oct 30, 2012
    8
    "Alan Wake" is a psychological horror game from the makers of "Max Payne". Storywise, it is a blend of Stephen King novels and TV's "Twin Peaks". But the gameplay and overall look recalls the video game "Silent Hill". Made exclusively for the XBOX 360, it features a good twisty story that's presented much like a TV show. Before a new "episode" begins, there is a brief recap of previous"Alan Wake" is a psychological horror game from the makers of "Max Payne". Storywise, it is a blend of Stephen King novels and TV's "Twin Peaks". But the gameplay and overall look recalls the video game "Silent Hill". Made exclusively for the XBOX 360, it features a good twisty story that's presented much like a TV show. Before a new "episode" begins, there is a brief recap of previous story events. The presentation is a gimmick but it's done well enough. The developers at Remedy Entertainment have produced an extremely polished game with "Alan Wake", but it's too bad that it never reaches its true potential. Unfortunately, repetitive tasks robs the game of much needed tension. Its spooky to be sure, but once Alan has turned on a light source for the umpteenth time, it becomes obvious the makers focused more on the story than gameplay. In that regard, the company's "Max Payne" and its first sequel are more satisfying experiences. But despite its shortcomings, "Alan Wake" is still a trip worth taking. It may not be a great XBOX exclusive, but it's good enough to play through at least once. 8.5 out of 10.… Expand
  15. ArkonBlade
    Oct 13, 2012
    8
    Alan wake is a pretty good new IP and i like the idea behind it. You go to a cabin in the woods with your wife to work on a book and your wife vanishes and all hell breaks loose. The game has a nice creepy atmosphere being in the woods at night . The combat mechanics are fairly good . i like the idea of having to use your flashlight to weeken the enimys down before you can shoot them .Alan wake is a pretty good new IP and i like the idea behind it. You go to a cabin in the woods with your wife to work on a book and your wife vanishes and all hell breaks loose. The game has a nice creepy atmosphere being in the woods at night . The combat mechanics are fairly good . i like the idea of having to use your flashlight to weeken the enimys down before you can shoot them . The story telling is pretty solid . There is no real good enimy varity at all though and it would have been nice if they could have put some freakier creatuers in this game . over all though if you like survival horror type games like silent hill its worth your time.… Expand
  16. Karma_police
    Oct 13, 2012
    9
    Alan Wake is by far one of my favorite games of this generation, maybe it can get a little repetitive but the story is so compelling that you just can't move from the chair, the graphics are awesome and the game play works well.
  17. VoidWarrior
    Aug 24, 2012
    9
    Great survival horror game. Gets a bit repetitive at some times, but the story keeps the action going.Unfortunately the real story only concludes in the DLC, which is kind of an abuse, but it's a great game nonetheless.
  18. EnigmaReviews
    Aug 17, 2012
    9
    Finally the makers of Max Payne 1 and 2 have returned.Their latest game Alan Wake hasn't made as big an impact as Max Payne yet but the franchise has a lot of potential. Right off the bat you will notice Alan Wake's story is well written. I can't remember the last time a video game's story was told like Alan Wake. The atmosphere and graphics of the game just add to the experience. I can'tFinally the makers of Max Payne 1 and 2 have returned.Their latest game Alan Wake hasn't made as big an impact as Max Payne yet but the franchise has a lot of potential. Right off the bat you will notice Alan Wake's story is well written. I can't remember the last time a video game's story was told like Alan Wake. The atmosphere and graphics of the game just add to the experience. I can't go any further without mentioning the lighting system. It's one of the best lighting systems I have seen in a video game. Not to mention the combat system is based on the use of light. Although the story of the game is told well there is something that takes away from the cutscenes/storytelling. That is lip syncing. A lot of games don't have good lip syncing but in Alan Wake in just has an odd look to it. Some gameplay mechanics aren't very good as well. Such as jumping. It's good for clearing gaps but when it comes to jumping over something it is a little annoying and the animation doesn't look right even though the animations in every other aspect of the game is done very well. What more can you ask for from a game? There is a well written story plus good gameplay (with a little errors) and amazing looking graphics. This could possibly lead to one of the best franchises ever and I have high hopes that Remedy can strike gold with it if they put in the effort. I wouldn't say it is a must own but it is a should own game if you like great stories. 9/10… Expand
  19. Harumpel
    Aug 9, 2012
    7
    The gameplay is pretty shallow, but I liked story and graphics. I've quit that jump'n'run orgy after 2-3 hours. I would recommend it to fans of the genre.
  20. Gamepunk
    Aug 2, 2012
    10
    When I finally Picked this game up and played it I wasn't sure what to expect. I read the reviews mostly saying it was great, so I went in with high hopes and expectations. All of those expectations were reached. The story is told as a T.V. show narrated by Alan Wake. It's very well written as if Alan Wake, the famous author wrote it. If you've done your homework on the game then you knowWhen I finally Picked this game up and played it I wasn't sure what to expect. I read the reviews mostly saying it was great, so I went in with high hopes and expectations. All of those expectations were reached. The story is told as a T.V. show narrated by Alan Wake. It's very well written as if Alan Wake, the famous author wrote it. If you've done your homework on the game then you know that the enemies have a dark shield on them, only penitratable with light. This never gets old. Fights make you feel like you are being hunted, adding to your fear. A clever thing about this game is the way it scares you. It isn't in your face scary like is popular with a lot of movies today, it's mood scary, which creates fear the way classic authors like Poe and Lovecraft did. Further, nothing in the game works bad, and the game itself is great in both sound and appearance.… Expand
  21. FuntimeBen
    Jul 25, 2012
    9
    After almost a year, I still think about the visuals and story of this game. It was a complete surprise and one I will definitely return to in the future. The DLC was interesting but lacked the feeling of the main story.
  22. pnoozi
    Jul 18, 2012
    9
    I really liked this game. It keeps you in the dark, figuratively and literally. Not the scariest game I've played but it definitely has its moments. The gameplay is good, but be warned - it takes some getting used to. The flashlight combat is very unique, and satisfying once you get it down. The length is good, it's not a short game by any means. It mixes in the occasional open worldI really liked this game. It keeps you in the dark, figuratively and literally. Not the scariest game I've played but it definitely has its moments. The gameplay is good, but be warned - it takes some getting used to. The flashlight combat is very unique, and satisfying once you get it down. The length is good, it's not a short game by any means. It mixes in the occasional open world scene with a heavily linear story, which I also liked. The game pulls you in, lulls a bit for the first few chapters, but picks up and finishes strong. 9/10.… Expand
  23. zotune
    Jul 1, 2012
    8
    Alan Wake encapsulates imagination. And with such comes great originality. The story has a tendency to go a bit all over the place, though overall it comes across as something few developers dare to explore these days - a brand new vision. The characters have strong personalities, and the atmosphere draws you into the world with a presentation that holds up well even by today's standards.Alan Wake encapsulates imagination. And with such comes great originality. The story has a tendency to go a bit all over the place, though overall it comes across as something few developers dare to explore these days - a brand new vision. The characters have strong personalities, and the atmosphere draws you into the world with a presentation that holds up well even by today's standards. The gameplay succeeds in being quite different from the norm, and although it doesn't vary as much as I would have liked it to throughout the game, it manages to remain challenging and enjoyable. Personally I would have liked a Focus button that did not require me to hold it down for minutes on end, and a more alarming notification of enemies approaching from behind - though this is nitpicking really. I'm not yet certain where Remedy is going with the narrative, but consider me intrigued. All in all Alan Wake is a rarity, and its approach to episodic content reminiscent of television shows should be encouraged throughout the video gaming industry where fit. Much props to Remedy for taking their time to fulfill their vision, and perhaps it will help encourage the rest of the industry to take some notes on how originality is achieved - instead of having the only remaining ambition in this sequel-filled industry being the constantly reappearing selling point "bigger and better".… Expand
  24. captaincesar
    Jun 24, 2012
    10
    I love everything about this game! The story just keeps you wondering and asking questions as to why things are happening. Graphics and game play are great and nothing to complain about. Also has 2 DLC packs for it to make it more interesting. This game will make you think and even probably make you play multiple times to understand it a little better. This game isn't for those looking forI love everything about this game! The story just keeps you wondering and asking questions as to why things are happening. Graphics and game play are great and nothing to complain about. Also has 2 DLC packs for it to make it more interesting. This game will make you think and even probably make you play multiple times to understand it a little better. This game isn't for those looking for something to shoot it. This is for those who want a game that they can not only enjoy but have a good time thinking and figuring out stories. Its kinda like reading the book only your playing as you go along. Try the game out and then decide whether to add to your collection or not.… Expand
  25. wesker2012
    May 27, 2012
    9
    One of the best unique gaming experiences on the 360. This game was a great experience and one of my favorites this generation! I would have given the game a 10, but the ending was kinda abrupt. But definitely great psychological thriller! I loved the atmosphere and humor!
  26. tigger
    May 23, 2012
    10
    One of the best stories a videogame ever had plus simple but fun-packed gameplay presented with very good-looking graphics. The atmosphere and sound will surprise and thrill you too through this thrilling game. The way this game plays with light and shadow is just awesome and almost unique in the gaming-industry. The psycholgical touch is brilliantly presented too. If u love Max Payne youOne of the best stories a videogame ever had plus simple but fun-packed gameplay presented with very good-looking graphics. The atmosphere and sound will surprise and thrill you too through this thrilling game. The way this game plays with light and shadow is just awesome and almost unique in the gaming-industry. The psycholgical touch is brilliantly presented too. If u love Max Payne you will love Alan Wake. Thank you Remedy!… Expand
  27. Kietz91
    May 15, 2012
    8
    If I was allowed only one word to describe Alan Wake, "atmospheric" would always come to mind. If there is one thing that Alan Wake nails down perfectly, it is firmly placing the player within it's world, not letting go until the credits roll. With great use of fog, lighting, sound and art design, the game does an absolutely fantastic job realizing the world Remedy was trying to create,If I was allowed only one word to describe Alan Wake, "atmospheric" would always come to mind. If there is one thing that Alan Wake nails down perfectly, it is firmly placing the player within it's world, not letting go until the credits roll. With great use of fog, lighting, sound and art design, the game does an absolutely fantastic job realizing the world Remedy was trying to create, and it is a rather satisfying one at that. While the game more or less sells itself on story and atmosphere alone, the are some relatively minor gripes with design and gameplay that hold it back a bit. The game introduces an interesting light mechanic, requiring you to dispel, usually through means of a flashlight, the darkness that surrounds the bulk of enemies found in the game. It adds a little something to the game that changes the feel of combat when compared to your typical third-person shooter. There is also a nice dodge mechanic, giving you a chance to slip out of incoming attacks, considering you time things just right. Overall, the action and gunplay elements of the game work well, and while the game itself is pretty straight-forward, combat feels very satisfying. That said, while the gunplay was handled rather well, traversing the environment can sometimes feel a bit clunky. Things like jumping feels more than a little off. At it's worse, the small number of platforming sections in the game can be a bit of a headache. For the most part though, the time spent navigating Alan through the world with sometimes be greeted with some awkward looking jumping animations. Also, your spring can sometimes be halted when making contact with walls, which can add unnecessary tension to chase scenes. Overall, Alan Wake is a fantastic game. There are a few noticeable issues, but most are rather minor. If you are looking for an interesting story and great atmosphere, this game is for you. If you are looking for a good third-person shooter, and can deal with a few issues, this game is also for you. Being one of the more interesting titles I have played in a long while, I can easily recommend this to anyone interested.… Expand
  28. VermillionHaze
    May 14, 2012
    4
    After wandering around in the dark fighting the same exact lumberjacks with a flash light is your idea of a good time then Alan Wake is a masterpiece. Unfortunately for everyone else it's simply a "Twin Peaks" rip off with repetitive mind numbing gameplay, constant narration and a overall plot likened to one of M Night Shyamalan's failed screenplays. Go to point A, fight lumberjacks,After wandering around in the dark fighting the same exact lumberjacks with a flash light is your idea of a good time then Alan Wake is a masterpiece. Unfortunately for everyone else it's simply a "Twin Peaks" rip off with repetitive mind numbing gameplay, constant narration and a overall plot likened to one of M Night Shyamalan's failed screenplays. Go to point A, fight lumberjacks, ambush, collect thermos, go to point B, quick time event, cutscene, rince and repeat 10 times. Save your money and pick up a real survival horror game like Deadly Premonition or Resident Evil.… Expand
  29. TripleH
    May 6, 2012
    10
    Alan Wake izvrsna igra,nezaboravan doživljaj s kakvim se niste susreli unatrag nekoliko godina. Zato ga bez dvoumljenja nabavite i odigrajte ako ste u moguÄ
  30. Skalinos
    May 1, 2012
    10
    This game sucked me in for three days... and I don't regret even one second spend in this masterpiece. It was like reading one of early King's works. Unique story, combat mechanics are enjoyable to (till) the end. Overall - 10 out of 10. There were some flaws, but that wasn't enough to spoil the fun.
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Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2010
6
#6 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2010
4
#4 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 100 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 100
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 100
  3. Negative: 0 out of 100
  1. Meristation
    90
    Alan Wake is finally here, and it's as good as we expected. Rich environments, great story, superb gameplay, many areas to explore, interesting characters... A great game that is not the ambitious project Remedy wanted it to be, but it's glorious anyway.
    Read full review
  2. Eurogamer Spain
    80
    Alan Wake lacks that little spark of genious that distinguishes a good game from a masterpiece, an H.P. Lovecraft from your average Stephen King.
    Read full review
  3. Computer and Video Games
    90
    While its not the generation defining game the epic development schedule might've hyped, Alan Wake is still a fantastic, 10-hour-plus play-it-on-the-couch linear action game - with brains required or not depending on your preference.
    Read full review
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