Extended Look at Alan Wake 2 Gameplay and Director’s Notes

Alan Wake 2, the long-awaited sequel to the cult classic psychological thriller from Remedy Entertainment, is coming this October with a new twist: survival horror. The game was first announced at the Game Awards in 2021, and since then, fans have been eagerly waiting for more details and footage. Fortunately, the Summer Game Fest 2023 delivered both, with an extended gameplay trailer and a director’s commentary from creative director Sam Lake.

The Gameplay

The gameplay trailer, which you can watch below, shows one of the two playable characters in Alan Wake 2: Saga Anderson, a journalist who is investigating a series of murders in the Pacific Northwest. As she arrives at a crime scene, she finds herself attacked by a monstrous creature that has taken over the body of the victim. She has to use her flashlight and gun to fend off the creature, while also avoiding the darkness that surrounds her.

The trailer showcases some of the new features and mechanics that Alan Wake 2 will introduce, such as:

A dynamic weather system that affects the gameplay and the mood of the scenes.
A branching narrative that lets players choose their path and actions, with consequences for both characters and the story.
A survival horror approach that emphasizes resource management, stealth, and exploration, as well as combat.
A revamped combat system that allows players to use different weapons and tactics against different types of enemies.
A deeper lore and mystery that connects Alan Wake 2 to the previous game and other Remedy titles, such as Control.

The Director’s Notes

Along with the gameplay trailer, Sam Lake also shared some insights and details about the development and vision of Alan Wake 2. He explained that the game is split between the two protagonists “50-50” and that “there are no right ways” to go about swapping between them. He also said that the game will have multiple endings depending on the players’ choices and actions.

Lake also revealed that Alan Wake 2 is set in a “Remedy Connected Universe”, which means that it shares the same world and elements with other Remedy games, such as Control and Quantum Break. He said that fans can expect to see some familiar faces and references in Alan Wake 2, as well as some surprises.

Lake also talked about the inspiration and challenges of making Alan Wake 2 a survival horror game, which is a new genre for Remedy. He said that he wanted to create a game that would scare him personally, and that he drew inspiration from classic horror movies and games, such as The Shining, Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and The Evil Within. He also said that he wanted to make a game that would challenge the players’ expectations and assumptions, and that he worked closely with his team to craft a compelling story and atmosphere.

The Release Date

Alan Wake 2 is currently slated to launch on October 17th, 2023, where it will be available across Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5. The game will be published by Epic Games Publishing, which means that it will be exclusive to the Epic Games Store on PC. The game will also not have a physical release, so players will have to download it digitally.

Alan Wake 2 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of 2023, especially for fans of Remedy’s unique style of storytelling and gameplay. With its blend of psychological horror, action-adventure, and mystery, Alan Wake 2 promises to deliver a thrilling and immersive experience that will keep players on the edge of their seats.

Is Alan Wake 2 a direct sequel to the first game?

Yes, Alan Wake 2 continues the story of the writer who is trapped in a nightmare world of his own creation. However, the game also introduces a new playable character, Saga Anderson, who has her own story and perspective.