Alan Wake Video Game Review

With the rise of excellent graphics and the changing market of gamers, a new genre of gameplay has found its way into the maker: cinematic action thrillers. Alan Wake is the latest of these games, finally being released after 6 years of production. In this game, you battle mysterious creatures while trying to figure out what happened to your missing wife as you solve the mystery of the seemingly idyllic town that you are vacationing in. Inspired by the works of Stephen King, this game feels like it's as much of a novel as it is a game. If you're into suspenseful films then this will be right up your alley.

Story

The main character of Alan Wake is Alan himself, a famous novelist of horror fiction who is feeling a bit lost in his life. He can't seem to get his new book or relationship with his wife going well so the pair plan a trip to the remote Pacific Northwest for a peaceful vacation. But the ideal town of Bright Falls becomes less than ideal when Alan's wife disappears and he finds himself stuck within the suspense and mystery that normally fills his books. In fact, Alan soon realizes, he is literally stuck within the action of his latest thriller that he can't even remember writing. Alan must collect the pages of his manuscript as he solves the mystery of Bright Falls. By day, the light of the sun makes everything go back to normal, but as night falls the darkness causes strange creatures to posses the locals. Light is the old protection from these creatures, who are called The Taken. The story is broken up by long, cinematic cut scenes that feature great voice acting and engaging story full of great characters.

Gameplay

By day, the mystery hunting side of the story take precedence. With the light of our favorite star, the dark side of Bright Fall, Washington disappears and the only thing that is left is the mystery of where Alan's wife has disappeared to and what is really going on. As Alan explores large areas, the day progresses until it is twilight and finally night. The game graphics really push the envelope when it comes to the use of light and this is part of what makes the game so spectacular.

As the light fades, Alan pulls out his flashlight, which he uses to lower the defenses of The Taken before shooting them to death. Alan also takes advantage of any light sources nearby, but the trek between safe zones is where the game shines in its suspenseful skills. Subtle sounds fill the gamers' ears as you are creeping through the dark: hooting owls, creaking wood, a distant wind chime. All of these are used skillfully to keep you on edge. Enemies appear out of nowhere and the fighting is very satisfying and realistic.

Where the game is disappointing is the movements of Alan. Sometimes they can be jerky and difficult to control, something that's very surprising for a game that has so long been in the works. This game seeks to engage gamers with a great storyline as well and it accomplishes this. Going along with the game at brightfalls.com are a series of live action episodes which act as a prologue to the game. Some critics have applauded the game for its impressive steps forward while others criticize it as just another copy of the same old thing. The game is not a particularly long one (only about 10 hours), but it doesn't feel rushed. It has been given from a 7 to a 10/10.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_wake