Alan Wake

Alan Wake for PC and X360 is another creation of the people behind the popular Max Payne series. The game was developed as a psychological action thriller and the developers clearly drew inspiration from the cult TV series by David Lynch and Mark Frost entitled Twin Peaks. Contrary to the Xbox 360 version, the PC and X360 edition comes with The Signal and The Writer expansions.

Plot

The eponymous protagonist is a recognized writer. However, he’s been unable to write a new one for two year. His wife, Alice, decided to take on vacation to a picturesque town of Bright Falls so he can overcome his block. After the initial idyll, the protagonist’s fiancée disappears in mysterious circumstances so Wake sets out to find her. It turns out that Bright Falls is not such idyllic, but rather dark and full of evil forces, just like the one in the latest work of Alan — a thriller he cannot remember he wrote.

Mechanics

In the game, we traverse the town and its surroundings, interact with citizens, find fragment of the written novel, and either fight or escape enemies. During our journey, we visit a lighthouse by a lake and wade through a dense forest in the mountains, among other places. We move both on foot or by driving one of several vehicles, such as a worn kombi car. We can also observe incredibly realistic weather effect and a day-night cycle.

Night requires us to be especially vigilant since all kinds of ghastly and grim events, such as possessions of citizens by the Dark, happen. A light source (e.g. a torch, flare, reflector, etc.) comes in handy since it weakens our enemies and allows us to use firearms effectively.

Technical aspects

The unique character of the game is emphasized by detailed graphics. The three-dimensional world presents very suggestively and the play of lights, atmospheric sound effects and music are additional advantages of Alan Wake for PC and X360.

Last updated on 19 May 2016