Alan Wake Review (ProCrastiNate)
Alan Wake is a very dark and atmospheric game that makes you genuinely relieved to find a well lit area. Exploring the quiet town of Bright Falls to solve the mystery of "what the actual duck is going on" will drag you through a desolate town who's inhabitants have been taken by darkness and now covered by a murderous shroud of evil. The combat requires decent accuracy and timing but is fluid and rewarding. You fight enemies (The Taken) by directing a light source at them to weaken their dark shroud before shooting them with a decent range of weapons, all the while dodging incoming attacks. The story unfolds via a decent narrative and collectables, which enriches the characters and the town itself. As you progress through the game the puzzle begins to unfold as they get closer to finding out what had happened to Alice (Mrs Wake) and the towns people of Bright Falls.
Great game throughout. 8-12 hours playthrough.
Achievements - tricky to get 100%
Graphics are good for the time, ok for 2023. Easy to run though.
Music and audio is very immersive.
Characters are interesting.
Set in the same world as Control which is also a great game (arguably better).
Highly recommended.