User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1463 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Sep 6, 2020
    9
    Шедевр игровой индустрии, игра которая остается в памяти и ты помнишь те переживания, которые испытывал 8 лет назад проходя игру. Обязательна для прохождения отличный триллер! 9/10
  2. Nov 5, 2020
    9
    i played alan wake on xbox game pass ... i don't know how they didn't make another part or second part of this game .... that game is amazing especially the story ... the story is very deep and u have to concentrate a lot to understand it ... soundtrack is frightening ... gameplay is good ( let is say 9/10) ... there is sometimes repetitive missions but doesn't corrupt the game and make iti played alan wake on xbox game pass ... i don't know how they didn't make another part or second part of this game .... that game is amazing especially the story ... the story is very deep and u have to concentrate a lot to understand it ... soundtrack is frightening ... gameplay is good ( let is say 9/10) ... there is sometimes repetitive missions but doesn't corrupt the game and make it boring ... final verdict 9/10. Expand
  3. Jan 3, 2021
    9
    Amazing game. Remedy continues their Max-Payne like dark style of story-telling. Great atmosphere , very alive cutscenes , considering 2010 HW limitations. Music , presentation , eerie sounds, everything feels alive. There are some flaws in combat system , but i easily forgot them , being caught by plot and "something-extraordinary-should-happen-right-now" feeling.
  4. Feb 2, 2021
    9
    My only complaint with the game—and I mean my ONLY complaint with the game—is that it was a little too easy. There were too many times when I ended the level totally stocked up on supplies, sure that whatever came at me I’d be totally able to handle. It took away a bit from the suspense and fear of what might be around the corner—if the supplies had been more limited and the challenges aMy only complaint with the game—and I mean my ONLY complaint with the game—is that it was a little too easy. There were too many times when I ended the level totally stocked up on supplies, sure that whatever came at me I’d be totally able to handle. It took away a bit from the suspense and fear of what might be around the corner—if the supplies had been more limited and the challenges a little more difficult, this would have been a real nail-biter. I played on Normal difficulty.

    With that being said, I loved the story (it was like playing a good Stephen King novel), the graphics were fabulous especially for 2010, the music was creepy and nailed the right tone, and the gameplay was based on good ideas and executed well (with the aforementioned caveat).

    A hearty recommendation from me. This was a really, really good time.
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  5. Jun 7, 2020
    9
    One of the best stories ever made in the game industry. Movie like scenario, quite perfect. But in downside it is sometimes making you feel stucked in the same thing over and over again.
  6. Oct 13, 2021
    9
    This game has an amazing story and characters I love this game as a kid and can't wait to play the remaster for this game.
  7. Apr 5, 2021
    9
    Un juego con historia excelente, de lo mejor y muy entretenida y pensada, te deja sin palabras la forma narrativa de Departure y como se relaciona con el juego. El apartado musical genial. Gráficamente es bueno pero no excelente y en la jugabilidad a veces se hace un poco repetitivo enfrentar a los enemigos.
  8. Aug 9, 2023
    9
    Second play through in 2023 on XSX in back compatibility. Still great fun for over 10 hours in 60 FPS and 540p :)
  9. Mar 13, 2022
    9
    This game is one of my favorite Xbox 360 games for a reason. The gameplay is well thought out, the graphics are still good and the episode structured story is masterful. There are only few game studios that can craft interesting and thought-provoking games with the same quality as Remedy. Alan Wake is an underrated piece of art and a must-have for everyone.
  10. Nov 26, 2022
    9
    A awesome game I like it many times I had seen this in the digital store and never really gave heed until one day I did and when I did I fell for the hysteria and wake of the game then I found out this story was 14yrs in the making and is connected to other franchises awesome game remedy are masters of there art
  11. Sep 9, 2023
    9
    Increíble y absorbente, la forma en como te cuenta su historia el juego es muy buena y los personajes tienen sus personalidades muy bien definidas
  12. Aug 11, 2010
    8
    Although Alan Wake has an incredible amount of room for improvement, it's a deep game, and it's honestly terrifying in it's own way. The use of the flashlight in the game as your ultimate weapon is very unique, this game wanted it's own feel and got it, they have started there own unique gameplay that they simply just have to build on like every other game that had ideas to make somethingAlthough Alan Wake has an incredible amount of room for improvement, it's a deep game, and it's honestly terrifying in it's own way. The use of the flashlight in the game as your ultimate weapon is very unique, this game wanted it's own feel and got it, they have started there own unique gameplay that they simply just have to build on like every other game that had ideas to make something different, in almost all ways Alan Wake succeeded and it met my expectations which were fairly high for a series starter like Alan Wake. I loved the game and can't wait to see what they do in the future with this title. Expand
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. Oct 19, 2010
    8
    I really enjoyed playing this game it has a fine storyline and great controls.The graphics are very atmospheric and the lighting effects are a joy to behold.All in all I'd recommend this game to anybody that's a fan of the genre
  16. Feb 17, 2011
    8
    For the amount of hype that this game has received, I must admit that I'm somewhat disappointed. When this game first came out, all I ever saw on anything that has to do with video games is "ALAN WAKE" plastered everywhere. I forced myself to not purchase this game at full price, waiting till it dropped into the bargan bin for a mere $20 before i made my purchase. In the end, I'm glad thatFor the amount of hype that this game has received, I must admit that I'm somewhat disappointed. When this game first came out, all I ever saw on anything that has to do with video games is "ALAN WAKE" plastered everywhere. I forced myself to not purchase this game at full price, waiting till it dropped into the bargan bin for a mere $20 before i made my purchase. In the end, I'm glad that I did, seeing as how this game has very little replay value and can be completed in a mere 8-10 hours. I read that it's supposed to be a psychological thriller, shooter, action, and horror game. While it definitely is all of these, it really doesn't do any of them well except psychological thriller. The game isn't scary in the slightest, mainly because the enemies are all exceptionally annoying. Or, it could be that the main character is constantly talking, giving you the sense that you're not fully enveloped in the world. Either way, the game never gave me chills, nor did it ever make me jump, even a little. I was expecting some insane mind-twisting story that would leave my mouth agape, but it was actually quite predictable and uninspired. You'll catch yourself in the game thinking, "OK, there's no way that's going to happen next, it's waaaayyy too obvious." And then, to your dismay, it does happen. Exactly as you imagined that it would. I can't say that the entire story is like this, but the majority of it definitely is. The collectible thermos' are boring to collect, but the manuscript pages are somewhat interesting. The voice acting is decent, but nothing spectacular, and lip-synching is hilariously bad. The actual game's graphics are excellent, and the environment was tremendously well-done. Lighting in the game is remarkable, and the shadowing is near flawless. The gunplay and core mechanics in the game all work extremely well and definitely gives you more of a movie-esque vibe with all of the slow-motion cinematics during combat. The general idea of light vs. dark is prevalent in this one, and seems a little cliche. The ending was OK, but wasn't pieced together too well, as I felt that some things weren't explained as properly as they should have been. One thing that ground out my nerves was when you were swarmed by enemies that swing their weapons over and over. A dodge is great once or twice, but then you run into the third guy who is swinging as well. The general gameplay tends to get a little repetitive at times, consisting of you running through the woods shooting at seemingly endless amounts of enemies that aren't even scary to fight. Overall, I enjoyed the story to a degree and it was worth paying $20 for. The gameplay is good and the graphics are great. If you're looking for another horror game to satisfy your need to leap out of your chair, this is not recommended at all. I feel this game is targetted more towards adults who enjoy a decent psychological thriller with some shooting sprinkled in, and so that is the only audience I can recommend this game to. In the end, a disappointment to myself, but still a solid game. Expand
  17. Sep 19, 2010
    8
    Alan Wake. Alan Wake,
    About 5 years in the making, Alan Wake has finally reached our store shelves. Created by famed developer Remedy, responsible for gems such as Max Payne, Alan Wake is a psychological thriller about a writer called Alan Wake who takes a much needed holiday with his wife to Bright Falls. As soon as they arrive, nothing goes to plan, his wife is kidnapped by a mysterious
    Alan Wake. Alan Wake,
    About 5 years in the making, Alan Wake has finally reached our store shelves. Created by famed developer Remedy, responsible for gems such as Max Payne, Alan Wake is a psychological thriller about a writer called Alan Wake who takes a much needed holiday with his wife to Bright Falls. As soon as they arrive, nothing goes to plan, his wife is kidnapped by a mysterious force known as the Darkness and Alan brings it upon himself to discover her whereabouts.
    The game was originally conceived as an open world, sandbox title and I was a little disappointed upon release when it was revealed that this had been taken out. The game takes place as episodes like a tv series with daytime being your story progression and night-time being the action orientated fight against the Taken, the name given to the people who have been overcome by the Darkness. This, ruined one of the strongest appeals for me. I had envisaged taken my car out for a drive to suddenly being overcome by the Darkness, with light the only source of comfort.
    But Alan Wake is good, but not great. The daytime sequences only exist to expand the narrative and provide a sense of a believeable open world which in fact is quite linear. The night is the main bulk of the game and is where Alan Wake's story lies. Armed with only a torch and a few weapons, Alan must traverse a variety of woodland environments to meet his objectives to try to find his wife, Alice. The environments are incredibly spooky and the game is very atmospheric but unfortunately it is just not scary. I played the game on the 'Normal' setting and this is what most people will play and the game constantly tells you when the Taken are going to ambush you, defeating the element of suprise. I don't know if this can be turned off.
    Despite this, the game is still an enjoyable experience. I think, had the game not spent so much time in development, then it would be getting 9's across the board.
    The only other negative is the story. The story is good but incredibly confusing if you don't analyse everything. About half way through I didn't really have a clue what was going on!
    However, in an industry saturated with 'space marine shooters', Alan Wake is a refreshing change. It's not a masterpiece but it is a brilliant experience not to be missed.
    FeelinLuckyPUNK
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  18. Nov 24, 2010
    8
    Alan Wake was almost more of a cinematic experience than anything else. The game play itself wasn't all that difficult, and the linear path of the story left me feeling that I had little control over the outcome. I still enjoyed it and can appreciate the artistic value of this game.
  19. Nov 26, 2010
    8
    I highly recommend this game! This game has a great story with plenty of question that keeps you thinking, the gameplay is ok in a fact you destroy people with a flashlight. The flaws with this game is the repetztive walk in the woods with enemies from every direction, this is almost what you are doing 80% off the time. This game overall did not truly live up to its height as i thoughtI highly recommend this game! This game has a great story with plenty of question that keeps you thinking, the gameplay is ok in a fact you destroy people with a flashlight. The flaws with this game is the repetztive walk in the woods with enemies from every direction, this is almost what you are doing 80% off the time. This game overall did not truly live up to its height as i thought it would be one of the greatest games i've ever played especialy through all the delays it went through. Expand
  20. Oct 19, 2011
    8
    Alan wake is a very enjoyable game, I hadn't played it but saw that it had good reviews so recently got it on XBL, the game was not that long but it kept my interest, the plot and take on the storyline is a very interesting mixture. One of my favourite parts of the game is once you finish a chapter yoàu get an alan wake logo on screen and a song plays from start to finish itAlan wake is a very enjoyable game, I hadn't played it but saw that it had good reviews so recently got it on XBL, the game was not that long but it kept my interest, the plot and take on the storyline is a very interesting mixture. One of my favourite parts of the game is once you finish a chapter yoàu get an alan wake logo on screen and a song plays from start to finish it just adds an extra relief and a little while to relax before starting up again. Found the game to be like a mini tv series of which you are the main character, no doubt the intention of the producers and the gameplay, the story and gameplay mesh well together with the creative directing. There are a few niggles, the gameplay does begin to get repetitive by the end and I couldn't bring myself to replay the game, once through was enough. So.... Not perfect but an enjoyable gaming adventure, if you find it on the cheap it's worth picking it up. Expand
  21. HLR
    Aug 1, 2011
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Alan Wake is a fun game to play.Definitely one of the best exclusives for the 360 in 2010.Although it might get kinda repeating sometimes,it has amazing environmental graphics and a wonderful horror storyline. Expand
  22. Oct 12, 2011
    8
    For those of you who haven't played this game, go out and play it right away. This may not have the greatest game-play but the story and pacing is top notch. A top complaint is the repetitive game-play, but it is really easy to look past it if you just focus on what's going on around the protagonist. The environment is great and the eerie tone is not scary, but it has some near-scaryFor those of you who haven't played this game, go out and play it right away. This may not have the greatest game-play but the story and pacing is top notch. A top complaint is the repetitive game-play, but it is really easy to look past it if you just focus on what's going on around the protagonist. The environment is great and the eerie tone is not scary, but it has some near-scary moments. Character models, other than Alan, seem a bit dated but it still looks better than a lot of games that have come out in the past. Buy or rent it, you probably won't regret it. Expand
  23. Dec 15, 2011
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Alan Wake does a lot of things right and a lot of things wrong. It gets so caught up in this supposedly epic storyline it ends up giving an ending that just confuses more than resolves. Questions are left unanswered, and overall it feels as though you just wasted spending 15 hours becoming connected to Alan, only to have an abrupt and unlikeable ending forced upon you. Not to mention the meh graphics due to a long development period.
    But it is still a solid thriller, with some actual thrills and scares. They don't come often, and they're not scream inducing, but Alan Wake does something many games nowadays don't, and that is to try and revive the dead horror franchise of gaming, since such classics as the original Resident Evils and Silent Hill.
    It's a good combination of horror and action, and it manages to pull of this mix well.
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  24. 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
  25. Nov 15, 2015
    8
    Personally really loved every moment of this game. Loved the atmoshere and the story telling ellements and the fact that its basically like an episode of the Twilight zone with a bit of Twin Pecks in their. Nothing is quite like this game which is why it truly is an amazing jem.
  26. 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
  27. Aug 6, 2014
    8
    I really enjoyed this game. It wasn't all that scary and the story wasn't the most coherent, but it's one of those games where everything seems to mesh really well together. It's got a nice creepy Twin Peaks kind of vibe, fun combat, and a bunch of thermoses (thermi?) to collect. Certainly doesn't reinvent any wheels, but the wheels on this game roll just fine.
  28. 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
  29. Nov 27, 2013
    8
    Simply one of my favorite games of all time. Beautiful to look at, wonderful soundtrack, likable characters, fast paced (though sometimes repetitive) gameplay, gripping atmosphere and an overall good story make this game one hell of a trip. I didn't follow the hype, I just enjoyed the game for what it was. And that's one of the most memorable games I have ever played, the replayability isSimply one of my favorite games of all time. Beautiful to look at, wonderful soundtrack, likable characters, fast paced (though sometimes repetitive) gameplay, gripping atmosphere and an overall good story make this game one hell of a trip. I didn't follow the hype, I just enjoyed the game for what it was. And that's one of the most memorable games I have ever played, the replayability is very high.
    However, there is some nitpicking to do, like the sometimes repetitive gameplay (especially noticeable during long gameplay sessions) and that you're mostly outnumbered by the enemies (but that makes the thrill). Otherwise I can't really think of many negative points for Alan Wake. I replayed it surely 6 times, have over hundreds of hours of gameplay spent on it, have it completed to 100% even with the DLC and it's just fun to pick it up again after a long time and enjoy it all over again. A really special game. Great work, Remedy. I will remember you for this.
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  30. 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.
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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 100 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 100
  2. Negative: 0 out of 100
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.