Alan Wake 2 Review: A Great (If Flawed) Sequel

Like the first game before it, Alan Wake 2 is its sum being greater than its parts.

Alan Wake 2 is a game with more style than substance, as is par for Remedy titles. Alan Wake 2 feels like the accumulation of what Remedy has been working towards all these years. Alan Wake 2 is a long-awaited sequel for a title that didn't have a huge audience, but a passionate one.

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The end result of Alan Wake 2 is a polarizing title, like the original. Alan Wake 2 does check off all the boxes of what journalists like in games. The high review scores are a testament.

On the other side, I've seen heavy criticism of Alan Wake 2. It's a walking simulator, or Alan Wake 2 has the same issues that plagued the original. Another case of style over substance.

While I lean more into it being an excellent experience, several shortcomings drag Alan Wake 2 down. Some flaws carry over from the original. Others arise in what feels like Alan Wake 2 overcorrecting flaws from the original. But the story and atmosphere are on point.

There's a lot of heart and character put into Alan Wake 2, rough edges and all. The narrative of Alan Wake 2 goes in some directions that you don't often see at a large budget level. It's not going to be for everyone, but if it's something on your wavelength, there are a lot of great experiences within Alan Wake 2, rough edges and all.

Disclosure: Thanks to Remedy for providing me with a review key.

Timestamps:
• 00:00 - Prelude
• 02:18 - Alan Wake 2 Intro
• 08:37 - The Mind Place and Plot Board Mechanic
• 13:24 - Exploration in Alan Wake 2
• 20:59 - Combat in Alan Wake 2
• 26:14 - Highlights and Plot of Alan Wake 2 (Spoilers)
• 56:35 - In Conclusion

Additional Footage:
• Alan Wake
• Deadly Premonition
• L.A. Noire -    • The Best "Accuse" In LA Noire  
• Max Payne
• Resident Evil 3 Remake
• Sherlock
• True Detective
• Twin Peaks

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