Alan Wake adds more emphasis on the story as well as the game itself which more mature gamers will be very appreciative. I mean seriously, how many times do we have to save the world by being the last super solider who knows how to wield every and any known weapon in the universe. So hearing Alan Wake's coming was very welcome. Bear in mind this review is trying to keep as many spoilers out being this game has a good story.
All together Alan Wake is a solid game with minor flaws that can be forgiven. Alan Wake has an excellent combat system that no other game has used which helps in making the game unique. There is not that many weapon variety but this helps in creating the mood of the game. Not every average Joe can wield a M16 so using the basic weapons at Wake's disposal helps to add to the game.
Another aspect worth mentioning would be the sound of the game. I can say that I regret not having an advanced sound system because hearing what was coming out of my TV made me wonder how much more immersed into the game I would have been if I had one.
Now, Alan Wake has an emphasis on story...however at times some gamers may need to have the salt shaker near by as things can make you question certain actions that characters take. I found myself twice asking, why would someone do that, but this is in no way a deal breaker.
Another down side would be the controls. The controls at times will make Alan go in obscure ways, and a few times I did get glitched into an area I wasn't supposed to forcing me to restart, and I fell through holes that were about a foot wide, which apparently you have to "jump" over but the player may only realize this after the first death.
Those minor problems shouldn't turn anyone away from this great game, that hopefully along with Heavy Rain's introduction will lead games to a more story based genre.
VGChartz's Mark Nielsen: "All in all, it’s not hard to see why Alan Wake has received a bit of a cult following (there’s that famous foreshadowing again). It’s a title that blends themes and gameplay, while pushing the limits of storytelling by putting stories within stories and letting you read those stories before you get to that part in… the story. It has flaws, to be sure - the gameplay side can’t quite keep up with the rest of its ambitions - but overall it’s a great game that stands out among its peers and is undeniably… one for the books."
Alan Wake 2 continues the writer's story, 13 years later.
Remedy has Alan Wake merch on sale, including a pretty blue thermos. Unfortunately, things haven’t gone according to plan, and many players who want a thermos find themselves without one, though it does appear that Remedy is attempting to fix things. Nevertheless, it has resulted in a lot of upset, illustrating just how much the thermos means to Alan Wake fans.
Good Review, however, I wouldnt mark the graphics down more than a few 0.?'s for Lip Synching.
worth thw wait for me...just completed it