BETS AND DREAMS - Alan Wake 2 is our most anticipated for the year, and we believe in Remedy
Manuscript of destiny.
By Jonathan Garrett
31/07/23
After some pre-production false starts, where American Nightmare released to a somewhat muted reception and Microsoft supposedly passed on a console exclusive follow up, I never thought we’d see this series again. But here we are, revelling in the maniacal plans for a Remedy Connected Universe across multiple titles, and a full fat, Epic published Alan Wake 2 set to drop this October. Pending a last minute delay for polish, this has skyrocketed to the top of our most anticipated 2023 list. The Dark Place is awaited.
BETS
LEFT FIELD - There’s nothing quite like a Remedy orchestrated narrative rug pull. The original Alan Wake’s TV show format made excellent use of the cliffhanger approach, which kept you coming back for each new episode (complete with a “previously on” segment). I’d be willing to bet that Alan Wake 2 will continue to indulge this almost meta approach to storytelling, with more in universe tie ins and episodic DLC.
CROSSOVER CITY - Jesse Faden is in this game. You heard it here “first”. Control was a mega hit, and her character has already dipped a toe into Alan’s wackiness. I reckon she joins new dual protagonist Saga Anderson on the hunt for Mr. Wake. She’ll factor in to the investigation, and there’s going to be some kind of riff on Marvel style post credits scenes with her popping back up at the end as well.
SET PIECES - One of the most surprising aspects of the original game were the in mission set piece moments that were consistently impactful. Falling train cars, a trippy carousel, that incredible fight on stage at the concert; Remedy have no problem throwing cinematic moments into the mix. I think we’ll see a lot of that sort of thing, especially given the tighter camera perspective.
DREAMS
POST LAUNCH JOLLINESS - More episodic style DLC. Maybe even a dedicated co-op mode?! The possibilities are rampant here, and if Alan Wake 2 lands on solid ground, there’s no reason to think that Remedy won’t want to keep the conversation going with robust post launch support. I’d absolutely love to see their take on wave based survival, particularly in that world.
MESS WITH YOUR MATTER - Perhaps some kind of Metal Gear Solid / Eternal Darkness shenanigans where certain mechanics have real life implications? Linking to a dedicated mobile app for character messaging, fake error codes, or maybe even some kind of elaborate tie in with other third party titles that somehow creates a two way effect across games? I mean, this is the dreams section. Anything is possible.
CUSTOMISABLE MIND PLACE - Saga Anderson’s mind place, which lets her review evidence and study collected manuscripts, should be fully customisable a la Animal Crossing. Imagine a trippy customisable “at home” experience which is equal parts wholesome and surreal, where you can redefine the aesthetic of her subconscious!
It’s not a lake. IT’S AN OCEAN.