Alan Wake's American Nightmare

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 192 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 124 out of 192
  2. Mixed: 45 out of 192
  3. Negative: 23 out of 192

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  1. Burzyk
    Aug 10, 2023
    6
    Just finished it in 2023 on XSX and I gotta say thst the base game was better IMO. Expansion is locked at 30 fps which makes gameplay less fun. You'd do better if you play it on PC or Steam Deck where its clearly 60 fps.
  2. eva3si0n
    May 9, 2023
    8
    Alan Wake's American Nightmare is a great DLC. A short DLC for 3-5 hours of passage, almost nothing to do with the original game. Alan Wake's American Nightmare is inherently a rogue-like version of Alan Wake, which tries to be a bit like an open-world game. And I'm thrilled that Remedy broke away in the original Alan Wake from the idea. Alan Wake's American Nightmare is a great excuse toAlan Wake's American Nightmare is a great DLC. A short DLC for 3-5 hours of passage, almost nothing to do with the original game. Alan Wake's American Nightmare is inherently a rogue-like version of Alan Wake, which tries to be a bit like an open-world game. And I'm thrilled that Remedy broke away in the original Alan Wake from the idea. Alan Wake's American Nightmare is a great excuse to once again bring writer Alan Wake back to the world and his struggle with his demons.… Expand
  3. kevinbiohazard
    Aug 14, 2022
    7
    Story: 8/10
    Gameplay: 7/10
    Graphics:7/10
    Music: 6/10
    Replaying Advice: Medium
    Buying Advice: Medium
  4. arash7201
    Dec 1, 2021
    5
    More action than the previous version and a mediocre game.
    It is worth playing once.
  5. ewenr
    Jun 30, 2020
    3
    What a disappointment. I really liked Alan Wake and was excited to play the sequel game but this was just a very low effort from them. The story was passable, only because of the main character having a back-story to play with. The game play was simplistic and the missions recycled themselves over and over with very little variation.
    Overall a passable game for the low price but NOTHING    What a disappointment. I really liked Alan Wake and was excited to play the sequel game but this was just a very low effort from them. The story was passable, only because of the main character having a back-story to play with. The game play was simplistic and the missions recycled themselves over and over with very little variation.
    Overall a passable game for the low price but NOTHING comparable to the original Alan Wake and I feel glad that i played the original game first because the sequel would likely have made me not bother.    … Expand
  6. Broyax
    Jan 29, 2020
    1
    Mouais bah... je me rappelle plus trop de ce Sieur Wake (je suis pas bien réveillé sans doute) mais il ne m'avait pas semblé aussi chiant que ce "cauchemar" amerloque ici présent plus ou moins ambulant et déambulatoire. A moins cela dit que les souvenirs n'enjolivent forcément un peu (beaucoup) ce qui n'était pas si réussi à l'époque, jadis. Mais tout de même.

    En tout cas, je me suis    Mouais bah... je me rappelle plus trop de ce Sieur Wake (je suis pas bien réveillé sans doute) mais il ne m'avait pas semblé aussi chiant que ce "cauchemar" amerloque ici présent plus ou moins ambulant et déambulatoire. A moins cela dit que les souvenirs n'enjolivent forcément un peu (beaucoup) ce qui n'était pas si réussi à l'époque, jadis. Mais tout de même.

    En tout cas, je me suis bien fait chier dans cet "AW AN" et s'il reprend pourtant il me semble les mêmes mécaniques, ça ne fonctionne plus ou alors c'est tombé en panne... La répétition s'installe en effet trop rapidement tandis que la pseudo-histoire est... inexistante. Lampe-torche, tire, esquive, lampe-torche, tire, recharge le flingue, recharge la putain de lampe, esquive ou... du moins, essaye parce qu'avec cette caméra dans les endroits un peu confinés, bonjour les dégâts...!

    Du coup, depuis ce "jeu" et celui d'avant et même "ceux" d'avant et vu ce qu'ils ont fait après et bien après, y compris cette grosse merde de "Control", je me rends compte (quand même) qu'il faut bien se rendre à l'évidence : Remedy fait un peu trop souvent de la merde !    … Expand
  7. waveathon
    Jun 14, 2018
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The repetition is real on this one. But it's still a great game. I like how Alan tells the gamer on what the people are experiencing. My favorite was the girl in the dark and belt. If you know what I mean… Expand
  8. Phil133
    Jul 2, 2017
    8
    I was pleasently surpirsed by this game, while it understandably can't compare to the original Alan Wake it still takes a lot of what makes the game great and puts a spin on it. Give the game a chance, (without giving spoilers) make sure you stick with it a few times around.
  9. XxJoseManuelxX
    Aug 25, 2016
    5
    Alan Wake's American Nightmare is a action-adventure psychological horror third-person shooter video game developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by Microsoft.

    - Bland Story
    - Timed Objectives
  10. josesueiro
    Apr 14, 2016
    3
    Alan Wake's American Nightmare is a action-adventure psychological horror third-person shooter video game developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by Microsoft
  11. rodericrinehart
    Jun 15, 2015
    4
    This is an example of someone who has a decent story idea and then implements it so poorly with game design.

    Horrible camera, very annoying combat, graphics don't utilize any modern graphics enhancements (kind of caps out at mediocre 1080p-ish), and poor character control too. The atmosphere is good and the story is decent, but it definitely isn't worth the supreme annoyances from so    This is an example of someone who has a decent story idea and then implements it so poorly with game design.

    Horrible camera, very annoying combat, graphics don't utilize any modern graphics enhancements (kind of caps out at mediocre 1080p-ish), and poor character control too.

    The atmosphere is good and the story is decent, but it definitely isn't worth the supreme annoyances from so many of the other parts of the game.    … Expand
  12. Rahsmoove
    Dec 15, 2014
    9
    This game's where this man named Alan Wake, other wise known as "the Champion of light" where he's in a movie and has to face his doppelganger from taking over his life and all. The games great, and graphics were amazing too, and the combat consist of a flash light mainly the monsters don't like the light, and shooting helps too. But there are reasons I didn't give a 10 and it's mainlyThis game's where this man named Alan Wake, other wise known as "the Champion of light" where he's in a movie and has to face his doppelganger from taking over his life and all. The games great, and graphics were amazing too, and the combat consist of a flash light mainly the monsters don't like the light, and shooting helps too. But there are reasons I didn't give a 10 and it's mainly because of it's repetitive missions, and same areas.… Expand
  13. Enforcer122
    Jun 1, 2013
    8
    A top notch game. Although I would of loved a REAL sequel, this is still a worthy of your money and time. The story is more of the same, a nice side story which expands on what you originally learn in the original game. Combat in this is absolutely fantastic. I've always loved the original feel of the combat, and it's still there in this game. Using the light to your advantage, lots ofA top notch game. Although I would of loved a REAL sequel, this is still a worthy of your money and time. The story is more of the same, a nice side story which expands on what you originally learn in the original game. Combat in this is absolutely fantastic. I've always loved the original feel of the combat, and it's still there in this game. Using the light to your advantage, lots of tension and action fueled combat is always entertaining and moreish. It's satisfying using a vast array of guns and equipment like flares to your advantage. Collectables aren't varied, but there's a lot of them and they're scattered to force you to explore the game, which is only a good thing. Atmosphere in this game is brilliant, sucking you in to a dark and slightly eery place. Voicing acting is slightly disappointing. Although the main character was well acted, the rest feel rushed and poorly executed. All together, a worthy experience for most gamers.… Expand
  14. DarkKnightG4
    Oct 30, 2012
    7
    A serviceable, but somewhat disappointing, journey into the world of Alan Wake. American Nightmare is more of a fan service than a step forward in the tale of writer Alan Wake. If you haven't played the first game, the story will be somewhat incoherent in this. If you are playing this for simply a game-play standpoint, then you are much better off playing another 3rd person shooter.A serviceable, but somewhat disappointing, journey into the world of Alan Wake. American Nightmare is more of a fan service than a step forward in the tale of writer Alan Wake. If you haven't played the first game, the story will be somewhat incoherent in this. If you are playing this for simply a game-play standpoint, then you are much better off playing another 3rd person shooter. That's not to say that the game-play is bad in this game, it is actually much improved and more fluid over the original Alan Wake, however it is neither the strong suit nor main attraction of Alan Wake. Story, the main pull of the original game, is not quite up to par in this iteration. It is more of a cannon story versus a sequel. While it is nice to see into the character of Mr. Scratch (the main antagonist), the remaining characters are pretty lackluster and bland compared to the original A. Wake. The other big disappointment with this game is the re-use of levels. There are only 3 levels in this game and you retread them 3 times. All of these levels take place in the desert climate of Arizona, so there's not much diversity in the scenery. I didn't find the atmosphere to be anywhere near as creepy as the original game either. Despite these complaints, it is still more Alan Wake and players of the original will appreciate the details that are squeezed out of the story and provide some extra insight. At 1200 MS points, this game is a so-so buy, but if you can pick it up at a discounted price (its been on sale numerous occasions) then it will be a great value. Outside of the single player campaign is a horde mode, however I found this to only hold my attention for 1 or 2 nights. So, overall, if treated more as a dlc versus a full blown game, American Nightmare holds its weight and is a worthy experience. If you haven't played the original, I wouldn't invest in American Nightmare. 6/10… Expand
  15. Larux18
    Jun 19, 2012
    8
    This has been a completely different experience than the original Alan Wake, the first game was just epic in my opinion and i see this one as a great sequel though it could be better. The story is something that needs to be talked about, this game apparently takes place in an episode of Night Springs two years after the first game and resumes Alan's battle with Mr. Scratch. I expected theThis has been a completely different experience than the original Alan Wake, the first game was just epic in my opinion and i see this one as a great sequel though it could be better. The story is something that needs to be talked about, this game apparently takes place in an episode of Night Springs two years after the first game and resumes Alan's battle with Mr. Scratch. I expected the story to be less developed since the main focus is clearly action but it seems to have succeeded even though it could have explained more. The setting changed a lot, it is apparently a desert in Arizona which changes a lot from the forest in the first game. I didn't find myself to be as immersed as I was in the first game but it still does a good job. The story mode is about 4-5 hours and you play in three main areas, however, those three areas are revisited three times which is repetitive and can get annoying. A whole lot of weapons have been added giving more firepower and better alternatives of defeating enemies. The enemies themselves vary a lot more than in the first game and are quite tougher this time making the need of better weapons critical. An arcade "survival" mode has been added which consists of fighting hordes of enemies for ten minutes and then you unlock another map, there are ten maps total and there is a high replay value. Overall this is a great game that, despite some story flaws, manages to stand as a proper sequel to the original, Remedy has done well and I would love to see what they have for us in the future.… Expand
  16. Evis03
    May 24, 2012
    2
    Nothing of value was experienced, the first game was cheapened, and generally this was one of the most tasteless and vapid games I have ever played. It was like eating a bread sandwich. The gameplay mechanics offer no challenge, the story goes nowhere, there are no characters to speak of, the delivery is nonsense and it feels nothing like the original. The main villain is like JasonNothing of value was experienced, the first game was cheapened, and generally this was one of the most tasteless and vapid games I have ever played. It was like eating a bread sandwich. The gameplay mechanics offer no challenge, the story goes nowhere, there are no characters to speak of, the delivery is nonsense and it feels nothing like the original. The main villain is like Jason Vaughees if he was played by Eddie Murphy.


    If you enjoyed the original, avoid this game. It is a complete betrayal and even taken on its own principles the story is terribly executed, the design is lazy and the combat is somehow even more boring the original. At least there you felt threatened. It also makes you play through the same three levels three times before you can finish the game. You thought Bioware took the piss recycling the same map over and over again? Try recycling your entire GAME. I award you a great, big, round fail, and may the deity of your choice offer pity, for I have none. Remedy, you have been moved off my 'must buy' list, and into the 'avoid unless world sequels with delight at passing' list. I made it just for you.    … Expand
  17. SJ555
    May 22, 2012
    8
    I liked the actions and gameplay elements .. i don't liked the plot of it .. but its nice to play ... It doesn't have to do anything with Alan wake .... its just like an add-on .. but gameplay is yet entertaining .. 8/10 from my side
  18. JwGaming
    Apr 22, 2012
    8
    American Nightmare is not a full sequel, but its OK because for an Arcade title its really big, beautiful and worth your money, Remedy made a great job the game looks as good as the first game there are more weapons this time and free roaming takes bigger part i absolutely enjoyed it for an arcade title and i recommend it to all of the fans plus there is a survival mode that works well :P
  19. Acekidder
    Apr 14, 2012
    9
    Excellent addition to the Alan Wake universe and a nice self contained game and story the new weapons and taken enemy types really help to make the action fresh and the fight till dawn mode is loads of fun. Download it now i hope it gets expanded too giving more reason to fight with light until the full Alan Wake 2 arrives great work Remedy.
  20. MegWhiteley
    Apr 11, 2012
    10
    Two years later of the apparition of Alan Wake on Xbox 360 appear this "spin-off", and is amazing, Alan is most "wild", the story is epic, and obviusly because Alan Wake is a fantastic game. This is a great game.
  21. conditionals
    Mar 5, 2012
    9
    Left unsatisfied by the answers provided in the earlier Alan Wake games? Well, here are your answers. This is a TRUE Alan Wake sequel. Reading the reviews, I thought this would be an empty arcade style game that emphasised action of the rich and twisted world of Alan Wake. I got this impression for about 20 minutes of play... but as you get deeper into the game, the ties to the previousLeft unsatisfied by the answers provided in the earlier Alan Wake games? Well, here are your answers. This is a TRUE Alan Wake sequel. Reading the reviews, I thought this would be an empty arcade style game that emphasised action of the rich and twisted world of Alan Wake. I got this impression for about 20 minutes of play... but as you get deeper into the game, the ties to the previous entries (Wake + 2 DLC episodes) are revealed. A lot is answered. The game's fiction (so to speak) is built on. All the characters are there, in some form. The gameplay is very similar to the previous Wake games, and, honestly, I thought the time loop mechanic worked amazingly. The game goes out of its way to make sure it's not simply a fetch quest - sure, you revisit environments and must collect items, but each trip sends you to a new/changed area with fresh challenges. Further, the Mr. Scratch videos and overall production was amazing, better than in the original games actually. I can't recommend this to Alan Wake fans enough. You can't get the whole picture without it.… Expand
  22. Macccy
    Mar 3, 2012
    8
    This Arcade spinoff DOES what it was subject to ... Gives both Alan Wake fans and title-newbie shooter fans the ride for an estimated 5 hours and delivers the old school sci-fi mystery series episodes atmosphere (e.g Outer Limits) for both the thrill and the action! In my opinion Remedy studio managed to bring us a perfect 'DLC' episode for the price (1200 MS points). Shooting through theThis Arcade spinoff DOES what it was subject to ... Gives both Alan Wake fans and title-newbie shooter fans the ride for an estimated 5 hours and delivers the old school sci-fi mystery series episodes atmosphere (e.g Outer Limits) for both the thrill and the action! In my opinion Remedy studio managed to bring us a perfect 'DLC' episode for the price (1200 MS points). Shooting through the Story gives avid Alan Wake 'readers' the feeling and the experience they were looking forward since the last DLC ended ... and on the other hand the Horde-like challenge mode is also a great fun to make through, you only have to live long enough to see the sunrise! I personally hope though that this one episode is only a bridge to genuine Alan Wake 2 ... Keep up the good work Remedy! Thanks… Expand
  23. L1LN1PP3R
    Mar 1, 2012
    8
    Alan wakes nightmare is a very good game the torch you get isn't that good but its ok the wepons are cool u get the usual guns like smg assault rifle but u also get nail guns and things like that wich are very effective and work well against the demonic forces of the dark that you have to face. All in all a good game and fun arcade mode is multiplayer and very cool u get a few differentAlan wakes nightmare is a very good game the torch you get isn't that good but its ok the wepons are cool u get the usual guns like smg assault rifle but u also get nail guns and things like that wich are very effective and work well against the demonic forces of the dark that you have to face. All in all a good game and fun arcade mode is multiplayer and very cool u get a few different maps and are able to go on a killing spree with your matyes very fun.… Expand
  24. jriley0035
    Feb 29, 2012
    10
    A great direction for the franchise, although I do I hope that we get to see Bright Falls again! The story was amazing and I was very satisfied with the ending.
  25. jentrena
    Feb 29, 2012
    9
    Defectos o faltas tiene como todos los productos, el modo Arcade además de los rankings online no hubiera estado nada mal incluir un multijugador Alan y Barry contra el mundo tenebroso, y la falta del doblaje, una lastima. Con todo esto y con sus grandes virtudes: gráficos, argumento, jugabilidad y el rejugable modo Arcade hacen de este Alan Wake´sDefectos o faltas tiene como todos los productos, el modo Arcade además de los rankings online no hubiera estado nada mal incluir un multijugador Alan y Barry contra el mundo tenebroso, y la falta del doblaje, una lastima. Con todo esto y con sus grandes virtudes: gráficos, argumento, jugabilidad y el rejugable modo Arcade hacen de este Alan Wake´s American Nightmare uno de los grandes de Xbox Live Arcade apto para los fans del original como para los que busquen un juego de acción.… Expand
  26. canca
    Feb 27, 2012
    10
    The Remedy is right to say that Alan Wake's American Nightmare is not the sequel to the first game of the franchise. After all, much more than a new scenario, the game offers a style of play fairly different from the original experience. Fans should not be afraid of changes, because American Nightmare offers a plot of quality in the midst of action sequences and an exquisite ambiance.The Remedy is right to say that Alan Wake's American Nightmare is not the sequel to the first game of the franchise. After all, much more than a new scenario, the game offers a style of play fairly different from the original experience. Fans should not be afraid of changes, because American Nightmare offers a plot of quality in the midst of action sequences and an exquisite ambiance. Something that not all titles for download are able to offer. All this, along with loyalist graphics and Arcade mode experience, makes American Nightmare one of the main titles of LIVE Arcade.… Expand
  27. HaVoK308
    Feb 26, 2012
    10
    It's more Alan Wake! Definitely $15 well spent in my opinion. I am enjoying every second of the game. And there is indeed quite a bit of story in there for those willing to seek it out. You have that option. I spent an hour or more exploring before hitting the first check point.

    This is a very good sign that we will indeed see Alan Wake 2. That is what every Alan Wake fan wants. And with    It's more Alan Wake! Definitely $15 well spent in my opinion. I am enjoying every second of the game. And there is indeed quite a bit of story in there for those willing to seek it out. You have that option. I spent an hour or more exploring before hitting the first check point.

    This is a very good sign that we will indeed see Alan Wake 2. That is what every Alan Wake fan wants. And with the tremendous success the PC release had during its first week on Steam it is a sure bet.    … Expand
  28. valber
    Feb 26, 2012
    9
    The Remedy is right to say that Alan Wake's American Nightmare is not the sequel to the first game of the franchise. After all, much more than a new scenario, the game offers a style of play fairly different from the original experience. Fans should not be afraid of changes, because American Nightmare offers a plot of quality in the midst of action sequences and an exquisite ambiance.The Remedy is right to say that Alan Wake's American Nightmare is not the sequel to the first game of the franchise. After all, much more than a new scenario, the game offers a style of play fairly different from the original experience. Fans should not be afraid of changes, because American Nightmare offers a plot of quality in the midst of action sequences and an exquisite ambiance. Something that not all titles for download are able to offer. All this, along with loyalist graphics and Arcade mode experience, makes American Nightmare one of the main titles of LIVE Arcade.… Expand
  29. cman12314
    Feb 26, 2012
    7
    This is not a sequel to Alan Wake, nor is it a prequel, or really even a spinoff, for that matter. No, American Nightmare is more of an Alan Wake 1.5, a halfway point between 1 and 2. Because of this, the story, disappointingly, doesn't really deliver. While Alan hunting his evil double Mr. Scratch is an interesting idea, Mr. Scratch himself isn't really all that menacing. Also, to makeThis is not a sequel to Alan Wake, nor is it a prequel, or really even a spinoff, for that matter. No, American Nightmare is more of an Alan Wake 1.5, a halfway point between 1 and 2. Because of this, the story, disappointingly, doesn't really deliver. While Alan hunting his evil double Mr. Scratch is an interesting idea, Mr. Scratch himself isn't really all that menacing. Also, to make up for the limited amount of areas they can put into an arcade game, the developers recycled the same three areas in a story about a time loop that really doesn't make much sense. So the story is a little lackluster, but not all is bad. The combat has really been revamped, with more weapons and more varied enemies. This keeps your encounters with the darkness from getting stale like they did in the first game. On a side note, the new, open setting of Arizona isn't quite as interesting as the creepy woods of Washington. Something completely new in this game is the Fight Till Dawn mode, in which you are put into an arena and tasked with surviving against ten minutes of nearly non-stop taken. This mode mode is actually way creepier than the campaign, and the fast arcade action is a nice change of pace. This is by no means a bad game, despite my complains, and is arguably the most impressive game on the arcade yet in terms of presentation. For $15, Alan Wake's American is definitely worth the buy, especially for Wake fans, just don't expect something quite as special as the first game. 7/10… Expand
  30. pittu
    Feb 24, 2012
    10
    As a follow-up, Alan Wakes´s American Nightmare surprises with a new, fresh feeling of horror in unfamiliar surroundings and with an idea for its storytelling that in the end barely graces the main tale, but still takes a lot of cues from it and even manages to give something back. So if you want to know what the hell is going on in Alan Wake, this is a new and veryAs a follow-up, Alan Wakes´s American Nightmare surprises with a new, fresh feeling of horror in unfamiliar surroundings and with an idea for its storytelling that in the end barely graces the main tale, but still takes a lot of cues from it and even manages to give something back. So if you want to know what the hell is going on in Alan Wake, this is a new and very entertaining puzzle piece to a much larger and still quite hazy picture… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2012
58
#58 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2012
76
#76 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 72 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 72
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 72
  3. Negative: 0 out of 72
  1. Worth Playing
    May 30, 2012
    85
    While not a true sequel, Alan Wake's American Nightmare does a fine job of expanding on the franchise's universe. It may not have the depth of exposition of the original game, but for 1,200 Microsoft points ($15), there's enough here to please fans and newcomers alike.
    Read full review
  2. Hyper Magazine
    Apr 12, 2012
    70
    The combination of light-hearted side-story and new ideas results in a title that is fun to play, even with the repetition of stages. [May 2012, p.64]
  3. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Apr 2, 2012
    60
    It's sadly spoilt by a lack of content and too much repetition. [Issue#83, p.98]
See all critic reviews »