The spooky season is here. Why not enjoy the month with a good ol’ horror game? If you’re feeling burned out by all the Resident Evils and Silent Hills, don’t forget that there’s one other horror franchise you’re sleeping on: Alan Wake.
And if you’re looking for a sign to play it, then this is it.
Alan Wake has been around for quite some time now, but it’s often considered a modern horror title thanks to its inventive metafiction narrative that doesn’t always explain everything. The first game came out in 2010, and it was Remedy Entertainment’s next big hit after the success of their acclaimed Max Payne series. Not many people were expecting to enjoy a game about a troubled writer battling shadow people using a flashlight, yet here we are.
It’s not exactly as gritty and dark as its peers, but Alan Wake’s specialty is how it seamlessly weaves cinematic action with supernatural elements. The first game wasn’t entirely horror, as combat often relied on Alan’s bullet-time movements and a hefty amount of handgun shots. Sure, there were jumpscares along the way, but it’s not as prevalent as other games like Resident Evil or The Evil Within.
But before I lose you with another history lesson for Alan Wake, let’s talk about why YOU should start playing this game.
Alan Wake 2 Is Free for PlayStation Plus Subscribers
If you’re a PlayStation Plus subscriber for the month of October, then you're already one step closer to unveiling what the hell Alan Wake is all about. I’m not going to tell you more about the game apart from it being the coolest horror game ever made.
Alan Wake 2 is free to claim now, meaning you could start downloading it and play it on your PlayStation 5. Unfortunately, those on PC and Xbox Series X/S might have to wait before it arrives on Xbox Game Pass. (The first game is also available on the Nintendo Switch, if that's your thing.)
Should You Play Alan Wake 1 Before 2?
Well… yeah. Playing Alan Wake 1 is recommended as the sequel directly picks up on the events of the first game. However, if you feel that the gameplay of the 2010 original feels janky, you could always go on YouTube Essays or walkthroughs and see what’s up. At least by the time you play Alan Wake 2, you’d get an idea on who’s who and why he is dancing with David Harewood.
Should you find an “Alan Wake: American Nightmare” somewhere in your search for Alan Wake, just ignore it. It’s canon, sure, but you could find videos about it or look it up on your favorite Wikia. It’s considered as the black sheep of the series, but it does offer some interesting tonal whiplash from the doom and gloom the series usually has.
The Series Occasionally Goes on Sale
The good news is that if you're on a budget, the Alan Wake series usually goes on sale. The Halloween Season is almost here, and if you’re looking for some sweet deals, you only need to wait a few more days before Alan Wake 2’s price tag gets significantly discounted in your favor. As for the first game, it goes on sale even when it’s not the holiday season, so you could simply pick it up at like 5 to 10 dollars if you’re lucky.
But What About the Expansions?
Oh yeah, Alan Wake and Alan Wake 2 have expansions. They are directly tied to the game’s plot so you NEED to buy them as well. Don’t worry, the DLC content usually comes in with the full game, especially for Alan Wake 1. You might need a little more convincing for Alan Wake 2’s two DLCs though, as these extra stories are made for the hardcore fans of the Remedyverse, which includes Control.
Alan Wake is a really good game, so if you think you’re still on the fence about picking up that 50% or 80% discount, make sure to pick it up. You won’t regret it and by the moment you’ve rolled through the credits of Alan Wake 2, you’d be singing the Champion of Light on repeat.
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