Gaming Alan Wake 2

[The Firestarter]

Cant believe it doesn't have its own thread. I guess it's not everyone's cup of tea. To me, the universe of the first game, then Control, and now this is absolutely brilliant. For me, the story is always the most important and I understand that it's not the easiest to follow and requires additional work I.e getting various collectibles to piece it together but to me that's part of why its so good.

Additionally, the way it constantly keeps you guessing between two or three possible timelines is something that's rarely seen in any work of visual art.

Of course it might all end as Lost level mess. Or it might be like the last thing we saw from the OA

 

[Massive Spanner]

I loved Control so really want to play this but feel like I should replay the remaster of the first one first. I tried it though and even as a remaster it felt like an old game. Is it necessary?

 

[The Firestarter]

I loved Control so really want to play this but feel like I should replay the remaster of the first one first. I tried it though and even as a remaster it felt like an old game. Is it necessary?

Yeah it's oldish. If you played the AWE dlc of control and read the files I'd assume you know what happened in the original. Of course its lacking the protagonist perspective as its stated as an external observer report . If you can't get through it, play AW2 either way - it might be even more interesting since they made it that you start with a different character

 

[Redlambs]

I loved Control so really want to play this but feel like I should replay the remaster of the first one first. I tried it though and even as a remaster it felt like an old game. Is it necessary?

It's nothing like Control, just like the first game isn't. They are primarily story driven games that are supposed to be slow and about the atmosphere, whereas Control was intriguing but mostly a reasonable power shooter game. The universe as a whole is pretty cool though, although I'm not sure I like the whole AWE/OOP stuff Control introduced in the bigger picture, I do trust Sam Lake and the Remedy team with it all as they are very good at telling stories.

 

[The Firestarter]

It's nothing like Control, just like the first game isn't. They are primarily story driven games that are supposed to be slow and about the atmosphere, whereas Control was intriguing but mostly a reasonable power shooter game. The universe as a whole is pretty cool though, although I'm not sure I like the whole AWE/OOP stuff Control introduced in the bigger picture, I do trust Sam Lake and the Remedy team with it all as they are very good at telling stories.

For one I'd love if the action mechanic was closer to Control because that's one drawback of AW2, various glitches that could impact the overall experience. Could have done with some polishing but I guess they didn't want to delay it further.

 

[Solius]

I’ve heard good things. One to get cheap in a year or so for me I think.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

The CAF only likes RPGs it seems. AW2 is supposed to be an outstanding and a technical powerhouse to boot.

 

[Superunknown]

I made a start with the first game a few months ago. It's...ok. I've made it up to Chapter 3 but it hasn't really grabbed me so far. In fact, I wasn't that compelled to keep playing. I'll get back into it soon to finish it, but I was a little underwhelmed. The 'action/combat' sequences are a bit too long and bland, tbh.

 

[StamsShinyHead]

I made a start with the first game a few months ago. It's...ok. I've made it up to Chapter 3 but it hasn't really grabbed me so far. In fact, I wasn't that compelled to keep playing. I'll get back into it soon to finish it, but I was a little underwhelmed. The 'action/combat' sequences are a bit too long and bland, tbh.

Similar enough to me. After Control, I went out and got it but it felt too sluggish and repetitive with the combat to keep me interested. I'll wait for Control 2 rather than AW2.

 

[Redlambs]

I made a start with the first game a few months ago. It's...ok. I've made it up to Chapter 3 but it hasn't really grabbed me so far. In fact, I wasn't that compelled to keep playing. I'll get back into it soon to finish it, but I was a little underwhelmed. The 'action/combat' sequences are a bit too long and bland, tbh.

Similar enough to me. After Control, I went out and got it but it felt too sluggish and repetitive with the combat to keep me interested. I'll wait for Control 2 rather than AW2.

It's not everyone's cup of tea. They are more story driven games with functional combat, whereas Control is far more arcade (although with arguably functional combat, just faster paced and some pretty decent powers). Alan Wake 1 was more about the story and setting, if that doesn't grab you then it's not going to stick and whilst 2 is a much superior game in every way, it's still the same pace.

That's why it should be kept far away from Control and vice versa, I don't think they should have ever mixed those worlds (also to some degree Max Payne too), because the casual gamer would always be confused by the differences. AW is a completely different genre of game to Control and should stay that way. But they will surely be doing a new Control, and there's another game he is talking about doing which I assume will link in to the Oceanview Motel and Casino at some point.


If people haven't, they should look into the making of these games and specifically "Sam Lake" and his direction. It's interesting to see his thoughts on the games/stories and why they are so intriguing to people who like the surreal stuff.

 

[Superunknown]

It's not everyone's cup of tea. They are more story driven games with functional combat, whereas Control is far more arcade (although with arguably functional combat, just faster paced and some pretty decent powers). Alan Wake 1 was more about the story and setting, if that doesn't grab you then it's not going to stick and whilst 2 is a much superior game in every way, it's still the same pace.

That's why it should be kept far away from Control and vice versa, I don't think they should have ever mixed those worlds (also to some degree Max Payne too), because the casual gamer would always be confused by the differences. AW is a completely different genre of game to Control and should stay that way. But they will surely be doing a new Control, and there's another game he is talking about doing which I assume will link in to the Oceanview Motel and Casino at some point.


If people haven't, they should look into the making of these games and specifically "Sam Lake" and his direction. It's interesting to see his thoughts on the games/stories and why they are so intriguing to people who like the surreal stuff.

I quite liked the setting and the story itself seemed intriguing, particularly that opening chapter. However, I found the combat to be a bit cumbersome and tedious. Some of the sequences can be a little too long for what it is, whereas the more slower paced/storytelling pieces are the bits I actually want more of. The way you pick up bits of the manuscript and that gives you a hint of what comes next is clever, but the combat itself gets a bit grating when there are more than about 3 enemies to face.

I may just restart the game and make it my mission to complete it before I play anything else.

 

[Redlambs]

I quite liked the setting and the story itself seemed intriguing, particularly that opening chapter. However, I found the combat to be a bit cumbersome and tedious. Some of the sequences can be a little too long for what it is, whereas the more slower paced/storytelling pieces are the bits I actually want more of. The way you pick up bits of the manuscript and that gives you a hint of what comes next is clever, but the combat itself gets a bit grating when there are more than about 3 enemies to face.

I may just restart the game and make it my mission to complete it before I play anything else.

The bits that are the worst are the endless enemies...tedious stuff. My advice is to learn the dodging mechanic properly, it feels clunky but actually makes sense and you can dance around no problem if you try. If anything AW2 gets that part wrong.

The combat is a means to an end, but you can "git gud" and start to enjoy it. It's not as bad as people, and recent streamers on the hype, say as you can actually master it. The latest one is not much better IMO, in fact I really don't like the flashlight change I think that's a dumbed down backwards step. But again, you need to think of these games as like the best walking/story simulators just with marginally better gameplay. They are interactive stories more than anything else. Control is the exact opposite in terms of gameplay: a simple arcadey shooter but with some decently intriguing story. Both have their place, but for many they won't be interchangeable.

 

[evil_geko]

This was a masterpiece for me, just behind Baldur's Gate 3 for GOTY. Much more survival horror than first game which I approve.

 

[Shark]

Really enjoying it so far. It looks absolutely stunning on high/ultra settings on PC. One of those titles I'm taking my sweet time playing through because of the visual quality. First boss fight was bloody tough though, but the shotgun did the trick.

 

[Reditus]

it will be a fraction of the price for the xmas/New year sales so will pick it up then for sure. I did like part 1 and Control was quite good too, so pretty sure I will enjoy it

 

[The Firestarter]

This was a masterpiece for me, just behind Baldur's Gate 3 for GOTY. Much more survival horror than first game which I approve.

Do I need to play the previous ones , I have heard great reviews but not sure I want to invest time in the complete trilogy.

 

[The Firestarter]

Really enjoying it so far. It looks absolutely stunning on high/ultra settings on PC. One of those titles I'm taking my sweet time playing through because of the visual quality. First boss fight was bloody tough though, but the shotgun did the trick.

If you mean the sawnoff, one pro tip - get really close while pointing the flashlight, you can blast them in one shot. Hitting the source point also does massive damage.

 

[evil_geko]

Do I need to play the previous ones , I have heard great reviews but not sure I want to invest time in the complete trilogy.

You do not, all separate stories. You can enjoy BG3 straight away.

 

[Shark]

If you mean the sawnoff, one pro tip - get really close while pointing the flashlight, you can blast them in one shot. Hitting the source point also does massive damage.

Cheers, will try that! Yeah the one you get from the general store near the beginning.

 

[Woodzy]

How much better than the first game is it? I’ve tried playing that so many times but I despise the gameplay. Might just watch the cutscenes on YouTube.

 

[Bobski]

Control had fantastic aesthetics, character design, atmosphere, self referential humour, great voice acting. Really enjoyed the experience even though the core gameplay loop/combat was a bit spammy. First Alan Wake had much worse gameplay but all those other qualities as well.

 

[Gehrman]

You guys playing on performance mode or quality mode on the ps5?

 

[The Firestarter]

You guys playing on performance mode or quality mode on the ps5?

I had to switch to performance towards the end game. Bit leggy on ps5

 

[Gehrman]

I had to switch to performance towards the end game. Bit leggy on ps5

I keep switching back and forth and read the devs created the game with quality mode in mind, but i cant help but notice the lag on quality mode.

 

[The Firestarter]

I keep switching back and forth and read the devs created the game with quality mode in mind, but i cant help but notice the lag on quality mode.

Its also quite glitchy, I am feeling lucky I completed it without hitting any of the game breaking issues. Would've been very annoying. They needed several more months for polishing that's certain, especially the console ports. Still I think their gamble to release it now worked.

 

[Gehrman]

Its also quite glitchy, I am feeling lucky I completed it without hitting any of the game breaking issues. Would've been very annoying. They needed several more months for polishing that's certain, especially the console ports. Still I think their gamble to release it now worked.

I could have gotten it on pc but games like these just seem right for big screen and controller. I regret a bit though.

 

[The Firestarter]

I could have gotten it on pc but games like these just seem right for big screen and controller. I regret a bit though.

Well that's how I played control on pc, hdmi cable and xbox controller for pc. But it's a hassle with the stupid windows. Console is much more streamlined .

 

[TrustInJanuzaj]

Can’t believe anyone actually liked control. Thought it was awful. Watched Skillups review of this and it was pretty glowing. Didn’t look like a game for me though.

 

[Gehrman]

Well that's how I played control on pc, hdmi cable and xbox controller for pc. But it's a hassle with the stupid windows. Console is much more streamlined .

I did that with starfield but it felt a bit like hazzle everytime. And my ps5 controller vibration wasnt optimized for the game. Its why got re4 for on ps5. To get those vibrations when you walk and move and bot just when you are shooting.

 

[The Firestarter]

Can’t believe anyone actually liked control. Thought it was awful. Watched Skillups review of this and it was pretty glowing. Didn’t look like a game for me though.

People having different than yours taste for stuff ? Shocking.

 

[evil_geko]

Can’t believe anyone actually liked control. Thought it was awful. Watched Skillups review of this and it was pretty glowing. Didn’t look like a game for me though.

I tried playing Control three times, really wanted to like it, but just couldn't get into it. After AW2, I might try one more time, 4th time the charm?

 

[TrustInJanuzaj]

People having different than yours taste for stuff ? Shocking.

It just seemed like a really poor game. The combat was awful. I could see people liking the world and atmosphere though. Anyway I made it about 2 hours in and dropped it.

 

[TrustInJanuzaj]

I tried playing Control three times, really wanted to like it, but just couldn't get into it. After AW2, I might try one more time, 4th time the charm?

It certainly holds abit of a cult following so it must do something right. I think for me personally, with how action orientated it is, I needed better gameplay and it doesn’t really deliver that.

 

[Selbourne]

Loved the first game and I ended up platinuing this one. It's phenominal in atmoshphere and writing whilst retaining the spirit of the first game.

Spoiler: ending

Unfortunetely though i was underwhelmed by the ending and the last parts felt rushed to me

 

[Redlambs]

I tried playing Control three times, really wanted to like it, but just couldn't get into it. After AW2, I might try one more time, 4th time the charm?

It's a mixed bag. I like the story and how it plays out, but the combat itself is functional at best. The powers work well, but the shooting is dull and the weapon choice is poor.

It just seemed like a really poor game. The combat was awful. I could see people liking the world and atmosphere though. Anyway I made it about 2 hours in and dropped it.

It's in no shape or form a "really poor game". The combat picks up fairly drastically as it goes along, mostly down to the powers though. The shooting is meh at best because there's not really weapon choice.

But yeah it's a story/world thing. Like the Wake games, there is a particularly great sequence too. The AW DLC really takes liberties though and as said above, I still don't think they should have combined the worlds like that, it kind of belittles the mystery behind the Wake lore and that is the strongest point of the series.


Control is a very pretty game with full Raytracing though, one of the best examples using it. AW2 has overtaken Cyberpunk in the graphics stakes with it on too. And it's only going to get better as a tech.

 

[Bebe]

Do I need to play the previous ones , I have heard great reviews but not sure I want to invest time in the complete trilogy.

Never played BG1 or 2, and don't know a thing about them. I'm 70ish hours into BG3 and it's in contention for the best game I've ever played.

Returning to the thread topic, AW2 looks awesome and I'm happy to hear from Remedy fans that its a little less shooter-centric than Control. I enjoyed Control years after release on sale, but it's not really my kind of game and I mostly found the combat a chore (even though it's objectively cool, again just not my thing). I also got very bored of Control's colour scheme and overall look quickly.

Really liked AW back in the day and will likely buy this in the next few months. Hopefully I'll save a bit on sales but I'm not bothered if I don't, Remedy certainly seem like a studio worth supporting.

 

[Woodzy]

Made my way through the original Alan Wake in the end. Thankfully it was so short because that gameplay was horrid. Clunky, repetitive nonsense.

The good news is that the story was really, very excited to try the second one now.

 

[Redlambs]

Made my way through the original Alan Wake in the end. Thankfully it was so short because that gameplay was horrid. Clunky, repetitive nonsense.

The good news is that the story was really, very excited to try the second one now.

The strange thing, especially as it's me, is that I never despised the combat. I thought it was okay, but then I absolutely love Twin Peaks and surreal stuff so I think that must have clouded my judgement I remember the American Nightmare game being a bit better in that regards, but I can't say for sure why. FYI if you aren't going to play that one, then look at a recap at least as it is lore and ties into this game. It's very weird more is not made of that and they didn't HD update it with the original game.


As for 2, from what I've played so far it's obviously better in the sequel, but I'm not sold on the combat side yet. Especially the flashlight changes. But then I'm taking it super slow as I want this one to last so it might evolve, also they've made it clear these are story/horror surivival games first and aren't meant to be about the combat as much so that should help. You can actually avoid some of it in this one already, though I guess strictly speaking you could in the first too.

 

[Woodzy]

The strange thing, especially as it's me, is that I never despised the combat. I thought it was okay, but then I absolutely love Twin Peaks and surreal stuff so I think that must have clouded my judgement I remember the American Nightmare game being a bit better in that regards, but I can't say for sure why. FYI if you aren't going to play that one, then look at a recap at least as it is lore and ties into this game. It's very weird more is not made of that and they didn't HD update it with the original game.


As for 2, from what I've played so far it's obviously better in the sequel, but I'm not sold on the combat side yet. Especially the flashlight changes. But then I'm taking it super slow as I want this one to last so it might evolve, also they've made it clear these are story/horror surivival games first and aren't meant to be about the combat as much so that should help. You can actually avoid some of it in this one already, though I guess strictly speaking you could in the first too.

Did you play it on release though? I feel like at the time it wouldn’t have been so bad but in 2023 it was just a bit rough. Maybe the repetition wouldn’t have been as much of an issue either if I took my time a bit more.

I won’t play the DLC for the aforementioned lack of remaster, but I’m watching through Lore Dump covering it on YouTube which is a nice fun way to go through the story.

I’ve got AW2 waiting for me so very excited to play it. More survival horror works for me so that’s something to look foreword to.

 

[Bebe]

Did you play it on release though? I feel like at the time it wouldn’t have been so bad but in 2023 it was just a bit rough. Maybe the repetition wouldn’t have been as much of an issue either if I took my time a bit more.

I won’t play the DLC for the aforementioned lack of remaster, but I’m watching through Lore Dump covering it on YouTube which is a nice fun way to go through the story.

I’ve got AW2 waiting for me so very excited to play it. More survival horror works for me so that’s something to look foreword to.

On release it felt a bit clunky, but I never really took it as an action game going for slick combat. I think gaming audiences were more forgiving towards story focused games with, lets say "functional" combat. I was basically just playing through the game to experience the story.

Overall, I'd agree with you that it wasn't bad at the time. I have the remaster sitting in my library, I'll have to give that a go and see how it compares to my experience when the game released.