Summary
Alan Wake 2marked a change in direction for the series, most clearly with Remedy Entertainment’s decision to build the sequel from the ground up as a survival-horror experience. It was geared to be a slower and tenser title, focusing on better balancing the pacing of its combat and story.Alan Wake 2’s marketing focused heavily on this aspect, as it unapologetically took cues from highly regarded entries in the genre, specifically the modernResident Evilremakes.
Remedy’s instincts seem to have paid off, asAlan Wake 2has received heaps of praise from fans and critics alike since its release in October. And much of that centers on how well it has transitioned to survival-horror compared to the 2010 original’s action-adventure style.
Alan Wake 2is nominated for Game of The Year atThe Game Awards 2023.
Given the nature of its setup, however, Remedy is not necessarily bound to continue down this trajectory. In fact, it may be wise for the studio to pivot genres yet again to surprise fans and keep things fresh in the ostensible third entry.
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Alan Wake 3 Doesn’t Have to Be a Horror Title
Alan Wake’s Genre Conventions
In-universe, Alan is a bestselling author of crime thriller novels. When he attempts to write outside that, he finds himself manipulated by a supernatural entity, the Dark Presence. He realizes it is forcing him to produce a horror novel that, due to its otherworldly influence, starts to come true. Within the confines of the story’s structure, though, bothAlan and the Dark Presence are bound by certain rulesand must conform to conventions. The tale cannot be randomly changed but can be subtly altered with the right amount of finesse to achieve the desired outcome.
Alan is obligated to incorporate established horror tropes in his plan, all the while adjusting elements so that his version of the story where the Dark Presence is eventually defeated is the final one.Alan Wake 2leaves a lot of questions unanswered; chiefly among them is how Alan can proceed from the spiral he is currently trapped in. Though he and his allies have staved off the Presence for the time being, Alan is still caught in re-writing and editing the perfect manuscript that will finally break the cycle and end the nightmare.
How Remedy Can Shift Its Style Again In Alan Wake 3
Alan Wake 2proved Remedy could nail survival-horror. Because of the meta-nature of its plot, the series is uniquely positioned to alter its course without significantly disrupting its core foundations. Similar to the switch between the first two games, the next chapter ofAlan Wakewill almost certainly retain the same general overtones. But it also has a number of opportunities to branch out into a variety of other genres, especially in the area of game design. ForAlan Wake 3, Remedy could conceive the tale within a range of avenues, all while maintaining the essential aspects of its identity.
Alan Wake 2’s Mind Placemechanic holds at least one intriguing possibility for expanding into new territory. The third title could revolve around a detective-based framework, along the lines of Frogwares’Sherlock Holmesseries. A deeper investigative narrative experience into the mysteries of its world would allowAlan Waketo preserve its horror veneer, but approach it from a much different angle.
This would be in keeping with its overall atmosphere while providing a fresh perspective in terms of gameplay. Remedy has many options at its disposal for changing gears and mixing up the formula to deliver a satisfying followup, yet remaining within the scope ofAlan Wake’s roots and not breaking from its fundamental feel.
