Alan Wake Impressions and Intro Gameplay Video

JudoChinX

May 21, 2010

Here's a taste of the action from Alan Wake.

Watch more Alan Wake videos and trailers.

Alan Wake has been one of my most anticipated titles for quite some time now. I adore survival horror games, and though Alan Wake may not fall into what is traditionally considered survival horror, it's a heart-pounding experience that few will turn down. Here I've only discussed the first 20 minutes of the game. There are no spoilers.

The game starts out with a bang as you're taken through Alan's nightmare, which introduces the gameplay mechanics. Enemies are local townsfolk possessed by darkness. In order to make them vulnerable, you must first take down their shield of darkness by using light. That's something that can be done by using a flashlight, spotlights and flares. Once their darkness shield is down, you're then free to finish them off using a gun. In addition to weapons, light is also used as a safe haven. If you find yourself low on health, or being pursued by too many enemies, find a lighted area, and you'll be healed while your pursuers are destroyed. Light is introduced as a character of its own. I'm interested in seeing where that idea is taken as the game progresses.

Once the nightmare is over you find yourself in the town of Bright Falls where you have a chance to get to know some of the locals. Alan is a famous writer afflicted with writers' block, trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city to clear his mind. Unfortunately for him, a couple of Bright Falls' residents recognize him, and are big fans. The first person you meet is a radio show host who wants Wake to join him for an interview. Alan politely and somewhat awkwardly declines and the story moves forward. Alan then enters a diner where a waitress who is his "biggest fan" gushes over Alan. The characters feel real and the voice acting is good.

As the story moves along, Alan narrates the events as though he's telling a story in one of his novels. It's done in a way where little things that you might otherwise overlook are pointed out and mentioned. It does a lot to make the story feel more alive and personal than many games achieve. If there's one bad thing I can say about the story elements at this point, it's that the lip syncing is done quite poorly. At times, I felt like I was watching a foreign film that happened to have an English voice track dubbed over it.

Visually, the game is lovely. Something about survival horror games brings out the best in lighting. I remember the first time I played Silent Hill 2 how blown away I was by how great the lighting effects were. Alan Wake too kicks the lighting up a notch and incorporates it into the gameplay.

So what makes this unlike most survival horror games? First of all, the controls are hands down the best and most responsive controls in this genre that I've seen in some time, if not ever. Second, there doesn't seem to be any shortage of ammo. Instead of making you feel helpless and ill equipped, you feel overwhelmed. Instead of item management, being quick and responsive to the events around you is how you survive. Beyond combat, you'll also find a lack of obtuse and obscure puzzles. You won't be combining random items like hairdryers and medallions. It's refreshing. You also won't be searching buildings in search for an unlocked door. You always know where to go.

Alan Wake is turning out to be everything I'd hoped it would be and more. Look for a full review soon.

Discuss in the forums. Is this a game you're going to buy, trade or stay away from?