October is usually a spooky month in gaming, but this year is particularly special because there are several massive games hitting stores. You should be on the lookout for Alan Wake 2, which is set to launch on October 27.
As you wait for Remedy’s sequel, you may be interested in the first game, Alan Wake. You don’t have to play it, as the studio describes the upcoming game as a standalone title, but it’ll help a lot when it comes to understanding some of the more complicated aspects of the plot.
You may also be wondering whether Alan Wake is a scary game. Although the game certainly has scary elements, it is not a horror game. Instead, it’s a mystery thriller with action-adventure elements and a heavy focus on narrative.
What genre is Alan Wake?
Alan Wake follows the titular writer as he travels to the sleepy town of Bright Falls and discovers that strange forces have overtaken the locals. Much of the game takes place in darkness, requiring Wake to rely on a flashlight to find his way and weaken the enemies he encounters.
The gameplay features some mild exploration as well as third-person over-the-shoulder shooting. Your foes can be frightening at times, and there are a couple of jump scares, but it’s nothing that’s going to make you scream.
To understand the game’s genre and general atmosphere, it’s worthwhile to have a look at some of its influences. Developers drew heavily from Stephen King novels as well as teen mystery thrillers such as The Twilight Zone as well as the works of David Lynch, including Twin Peaks.
Consequently, the game’s certainly very creepy, with plenty of mystery and spooky moments in part thanks to the foggy setting, but it’s not quite a horror game. There are also supernatural elements and some tense scenes.
Is Alan Wake 2 scary?
Don’t let Alan Wake lure you into a false sense of safety. Alan Wake 2 cranks up the horror significantly. It is a survival horror game, and it borrows elements from the Resident Evil franchise.
Alan’s sections are the scariest ones. They are filled with darkness, jump scares, and some gory imagery to keep you feeling disturbed. Saga’s sections are also scary, and you’ll find yourself juggling resource management with defending yourself against enemies that often strike in claustrophobic areas. However, you’re not in the Dark Place, so you get to enjoy some sunshine which can feel like a relief after the horrors of Alan’s story.
Both games are perfect for the spooky season, and you won’t go wrong with either one. Despite attempting to scare you or creep you out, the games also have some funny moments to help ease the tension when it gets too high.
