Alan Wake II

If Stephen King and David Lynch had a baby this would be it - It's creepy & completely bonkers.

I've not felt uneasy playing a game since P. T & the first few hours of Outlast, and this excels in that department, the use of sound, music and lighting to elicit fear is exceptional. & the occasional cheap jump scare I loved.

Writing, voice work, and combat is a massive step up from the first game.

A special shout-out to the episode "We sing" - absolute brilliant insanity and the use of lighting in this level *chefs kiss*.

It has a few minor technical issues as of writing this, with some scenes where lip syncing is out & a few bugs & no physical copy coming was disappointing.

I didn't think anything would get close to BG3 for my GOTY but this is running it close.

Theres a lot to say about this game, the biggest thing for me is how amazing the narrative plays into the actual gameplay. With Sagas section of the game it feels more like a normal horror/crime/action game with some of the best scenery and incredible rich atmosphere where you are in investigation of a town as an FBI Agent. I don't get into spoilers. But Alan's side of the game is what really stood out to me. It truly makes you feel like you're in a twisted storybook or feverish nightmare. The story takes you into the Dark Place, where Alan Wake was taken back in 2010. From the second you wake up in the Late Night studio you learn quickly how mind boggling this game gets. Absolutely loved it the whole game is genius.

Remedy have long been a favourite studio of mine, always pushing the boat out in terms of creativity, story telling, and gameplay. Here, they shine with their best work yet, building on the universe they began to build with their last game, Control, delivering a story I couldn't stop thinking about and a world I couldn't stop exploring. The original Alan Wake was a game I would always defend, not limited by its sometimes repetitive gameplay and flaws, as it was unlike anything I had ever played before. With Alan Wake 2, Remedy delivers masterful survival horror, balanced with a gripping psychological thriller and truly groundbreaking storytelling. If that isn't enough, the gameplay and graphics are pushing the bounds of anything we have seen before on current gen. A must play.

As an avid fan of the original Alan Wake, which still holds a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorite games. The first game had been a masterpiece in its own right, a unique blend of psychological thriller, intense combat, and an engrossing narrative. I wasn't quite sure if the sequel could surpass the magic of the original. However, after completing Alan Wake 2, I can confidently say that my expectations were not only met but exceeded in ways I couldn't have imagined. Remedy Entertainment has clearly poured an incredible amount of effort into this game, and it's evident from the very beginning.

While the first game heavily focused on combat against the menacing Taken, the sequel takes a different approach. This time, there's much less emphasis on action and more on the narrative, resulting in a game that feels like a gripping, psychological thriller novel brought to life. While it's great that they made it very narratively structured, some may find it overly so. Personally, I find it enjoyable.

The narrative in Alan Wake 2 is a true standout. The story is intricately woven, filled with mysterious twists, and leaves you constantly on the edge of your seat. The way it delves into the psyche of the titular character and explores the blurred lines between reality and his own mind is a masterstroke of storytelling. It's a narrative-driven experience that immerses you in the complex, enigmatic world of Alan Wake like never before.

From the moment I fired up the game, I was immediately drawn into its dark, mysterious world. The atmosphere is absolutely captivating, and it's clear that Remedy have gone to great lengths to create an immersive and intriguing setting. The visuals are stunning, and the attention to detail in the game's environment is commendable.

The gameplay mechanics grab your attention with their captivating and outstanding qualities, showcasing a perfect balance of creativity and expertise that ensures an immensely enjoyable gaming experience. Furthermore, the controls are exceptionally smooth and responsive, ensuring effortless navigation and object interaction within the game world. The introduction of fresh gameplay elements and mechanics enhances the overall experience, making it more dynamic and immersive when compared to the original title.

My experience with Alan Wake 2 has truly captivated me. The game's world, narrative, and the meticulous work that Remedy poured into it are abundantly clear. If you loved the first Alan Wake or enjoy immersive, narrative-driven games, Alan Wake 2 is a must-play. To ensure you get the most out of the game, I recommend starting with Alan Wake I or, alternatively, watching a comprehensive recap of its story before diving into this sequel. While Alan Wake 2 might pose a bit of a challenge for beginners, I still highly suggest trying the game out, as it has its magic moments that are truly worth experiencing firsthand.

In summation, whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, Alan Wake 2 promises an engaging and satisfying experience that transcends its predecessor.

This is just pure excellence! All of the fans who waited for more than 10 years will have a great time playing this game. Alan Wake 2 submerges you into a world of mystery, thrilling adventure and psychological horror. Every bit of the game unfolds in a brilliant pattern that just doesn't get boring. The graphics feel almost as if you are playing a movie. The gameplay might be challenging at times, but the story makes up for it big time. Don't listen to the people who give it bad reviews, do yourselves a favor and just dive right in. I rarely buy games just for the story, and since I bought this, I can happily assure you that the money was well spent!

All in all, the second installment beats the first one hands down. I loved Alan Wake 1, but Alan Wake 2 just edges the first one, thus takes the crown from its predecessor. This game has a huge potential to win GOTY as it's just a terrific game!