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CRITIK

Alan Wake II

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Alan Wake II
Item: Alan Wake II
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Crime, Horror, Single Player

AvailableOct 27, 2023

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperRemedy Entertainment

Overview

Saga Anderson arrives to investigate ritualistic murders in a small town. Alan Wake pens a dark story to shape the reality around him. These two heroes are somehow connected. Can they become the heroes they need to be?

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Alan Wake II are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the narrative for its complexity, engaging mysteries, and unexpected twists and turns. Critics such as Noisy Pixel, Player 2, Press Start Australia, Game Informer, GameSkinny, GameSpew, GamesHub, and GamingBolt all highlighted the multi-layered and engrossing nature of the story. They commended the game for its ability to keep players engaged and invested in uncovering the mysteries presented. The narrative was also praised for its incorporation of elements of surrealism, psychological horror, and dark detective thrillers, creating a unique and gripping experience. Critics like GameSkinny, Guardian, and PlayStation Universe mentioned the strong characterizations and inventive imagery that added depth and allure to the story. The narrative was also lauded for its exploration of themes such as art, memory, reality, and the relationship between creation and creator. However, there were a few criticisms regarding the story of Alan Wake II. Game Rant mentioned that the narrative might be divisive, with some being frustrated by the use of deus ex machina and the lack of levity compared to the first game. Screen Rant also noted that there were moments of character-provided exposition that could have been delivered better. Despite these minor critiques, the overall consensus among the critics is that the story of Alan Wake II is very good. In conclusion, the Story of Alan Wake II received high praise from the majority of critics. The narrative was commended for its complexity, engaging mysteries, and unexpected twists and turns. Critics highlighted the multi-layered nature of the story, its incorporation of elements of surrealism and psychological horror, and its strong characterizations. While there were a few minor criticisms regarding the use of deus ex machina and exposition, the overall consensus is that the story of Alan Wake II is an impressive and gripping experience. Critics such as Noisy Pixel, Player 2, Press Start Australia, Game Informer, GameSkinny, and Guardian all contributed to the positive reception of the narrative.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics overwhelmingly praise the complex and engaging narrative of Alan Wake II, lauding its unexpected twists, surrealism, and psychological horror elements. While some critics had minor criticisms regarding deus ex machina and exposition, the consensus is that the story is impressive and gripping. Critics highlighted strong characterizations and inventive imagery, making Alan Wake II a must-play for fans of dark detective thrillers.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Alan Wake II are generally positive. Many critics, such as Noisy Pixel and Press Start Australia, praise the combat mechanics, describing them as refined and satisfying. The combat is said to have a weighty feel and is complemented by mechanics like manual aiming and headshots. The use of light as a gameplay and plot tool is also highlighted as a positive aspect by Carole Quintaine and We Got This Covered. Additionally, critics like Gamereactor UK and GamesHub appreciate the introduction of new gameplay hooks and mechanics, such as Saga's Mind Place and Alan's ability to manipulate reality with a lamp. These elements add depth and uniqueness to the gameplay experience. However, there are some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Alan Wake II. Some critics, like Game Rant and Guardian, express disappointment with the limited combat encounters and the lack of depth in the detective work. Game Rant specifically mentions that the detective work does not offer engaging challenges. VGC and GamingBolt also criticize the combat system, with VGC mentioning that shooting can be clumsy and GamingBolt deeming it too simplistic. The combat encounters are described as sparse and lacking variety by Guardian and Push Square, respectively. The inventory management system, although praised by Noisy Pixel, is criticized by COGconnected for being cumbersome and frustrating at times. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Alan Wake II is a mix of positive and negative aspects. The combat mechanics, exploration, and the use of light as a gameplay mechanic are generally praised. The introduction of new gameplay hooks and mechanics is also appreciated. However, there are criticisms regarding the limited combat encounters, the lack of depth in the detective work, and issues with the combat system and inventory management. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is that the gameplay of Alan Wake II is enjoyable and effective in delivering a survival horror experience, with tense moments, challenging enemies, and a satisfying balance between vulnerability and badassery.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Alan Wake II's combat mechanics and use of light as gameplay tools, citing them as refined and satisfying. New gameplay mechanics like Saga's Mind Place add depth, but some critics criticize limited combat encounters and lack of depth in detective work. Overall, the game offers a mix of positive and negative aspects, with enjoyable gameplay delivering a survival horror experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Alan Wake II are overwhelmingly positive. The majority of the critics praised the game's stunning graphics, with many describing them as visually astounding, breathtaking, and graphically impressive. The game was commended for its attention to detail, impeccable lighting, and balance between style and realism. Critics such as Game Rant, Player 2, Press Start Australia, and CGMagazine specifically highlighted the stunning detail in characters, lighting, and world-building. The environments in the game were also highly praised, with critics like Noisy Pixel, VG247, and TheSixthAxis mentioning the gorgeous and detailed environments that create a dread-filled atmosphere. The use of mixed-media, live-action footage, and overlapping images were also appreciated by critics like VGC, Gamepressure, and Gamereactor UK. The overall consensus among the critics is that the graphics and visual design of Alan Wake II are top-notch and deliver a visually stunning experience. While the majority of the critics had positive opinions about the Graphics and Visual Design of Alan Wake II, there were a few minor negatives mentioned. GameSpew and Twinfinite noted some technical issues encountered on PC, while Game Informer mentioned a desire for more interactivity during conversations and internal monologues. Twinfinite also pointed out that the lip sync in the live-action scenes was not always perfect. However, these negatives were outweighed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics. In conclusion, the Graphics and Visual Design of Alan Wake II received high praise from the critics. The stunning graphics, attention to detail, impeccable lighting, and balance between style and realism were consistently highlighted as major strengths of the game. The gorgeous and detailed environments, along with the effective use of mixed-media and live-action footage, added to the overall immersive experience. While there were some minor negatives mentioned, the overall consensus among the critics is that the graphics and visual design of Alan Wake II are visually astounding and contribute to making it one of the best horror games in recent years.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Alan Wake II's jaw-dropping graphics, stunning detail, impeccable lighting, and immersive environments, labeling it a visually astounding horror game. Despite minor flaws like technical issues and limited interactivity, the overwhelming consensus is that the game's visual design is top-notch and delivers a breathtaking experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of Alan Wake II are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the audio design for its immersive and impactful nature, with Game Rant and Noisy Pixel specifically highlighting its contribution to the overall experience of the game. PCGamesN commends the impressive sound design and the actors' delivery of the dialogue. The soundtrack and atmospheric sound design were also praised by CGMagazine and The Loadout, with the former describing it as "breathtaking" and the latter emphasizing the tactile feedback and immersive raindrop effects. The voice acting in Alan Wake II received unanimous praise, with COGconnected and PlayStation Universe highlighting the uniformly excellent performances and well-written characters. While the majority of critics had positive opinions, there were a few minor criticisms mentioned. The Sixth Axis notes that while the music and sound design are good, the music doesn't stand out as much as in the original game. This suggests that some critics may have expected a stronger musical presence in Alan Wake II. However, this critique is relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception of the sound design and music. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Alan Wake II are exceptional. The immersive and impactful nature of the audio design, the atmospheric soundscapes, and the well-timed soundtrack all contribute to the overall experience of the game. The positive feedback from critics such as VG247, CGMagazine, and Pure Xbox further supports the notion that the sound design and music greatly enhance the sense of dread, tension, and atmosphere in Alan Wake II. The unanimous praise for the voice acting and well-written characters also adds to the overall positive sentiment. With the majority of critics recognizing the excellence of the sound design and music, it can be concluded that these aspects of the game are a significant strength and contribute significantly to the overall quality of Alan Wake II.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Alan Wake II impresses critics with exceptional sound design and music, praised for its immersive and impactful nature. While some note minor criticisms, the unanimous acclaim for the voice acting and atmospheric soundscapes solidify its status as a standout feature. Overall, critics agree that the sound design and music greatly enhance the game's sense of dread and atmosphere, making it a must-play for fans of the series.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Alan Wake II has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. Many critics, including Game Rant, Noisy Pixel, and Press Start Australia, praised the performances of the cast, highlighting their brilliant and standout portrayals of the characters. Melanie Liburd's performance as Saga Anderson was particularly lauded for making the character feel believable despite the extraordinary circumstances. The direction of the live-action scenes, especially in the Dark Place, was described as enrapturing, tense, and brilliant, adding to the immersive storytelling experience. The actors, including Ilkka Villi, Matthew Porretta, James McCaffrey, and David Harewood, were commended for their emotional delivery and compelling performances, amplifying the unsettling nature of the game's circumstances. There were no significant negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Alan Wake II. Critics such as COGconnected and CGMagazine mentioned that there were no poorly delivered lines and that the characters were well-written and memorable. This suggests that the voice acting was consistently excellent throughout the game, leaving little room for criticism. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Alan Wake II is exceptional. The majority of the reviewers praised the performances of the cast, emphasizing the believability and immersion they brought to the story. The voice acting was described as stellar, wonderful, and uniformly excellent, with no poorly delivered lines. Matthew Porretta's moody transcript readings, Melanie Liburd's genuine performance as Saga Anderson, and David Harewood's portrayal of Mr. Door were specifically highlighted as standout moments. The positive reception from multiple critics solidifies the notion that the voice acting in Alan Wake II is a major strength of the game, contributing significantly to its overall quality and engagement.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously praise the exceptional voice acting in Alan Wake II, with standout performances from the cast, particularly Melanie Liburd as Saga Anderson. Live-action scenes were described as enrapturing and tense, adding to the immersive storytelling experience. No negative opinions were found, with reviewers commending the emotional delivery and compelling performances that amplified the game's unsettling nature. Overall, the voice acting was consistently excellent, with critics highlighting stellar performances and memorable character portrayals, solidifying it as a major strength of the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

26%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on PC, there is a mix of positive and negative opinions from the critics. Game Rant and PCGamesN both highlight frustrating technical problems, including glitches and demanding system requirements. However, Player 2 had a positive experience, praising the game for running smoothly without any hiccups or significant bugs. VG247 and VGC mention occasional bugs and technical issues, but the latter assures that they have been fixed for launch. These varying opinions suggest that the technical performance on PC for Alan Wake II may be inconsistent, with some players experiencing more issues than others. On the PS5, the overall sentiment regarding technical performance is generally positive. Critics like COGconnected and Push Square mention few technical issues or framerate drops, with the latter praising the non-existent loading times and instant switching of levels. PlayStation Universe and The Loadout also mention minor technical issues, such as frame rate drops and visual glitches, but they do not significantly impact the overall experience. However, Carole Quintaine and Game Informer encountered more significant bugs and technical performance issues, including object animations and frequent restarts. These mixed opinions suggest that while the majority of players on PS5 had a smooth technical experience, there were still some notable issues for a few individuals. On the Xbox Series X, Pure Xbox mentions that the game runs smoothly with no major bugs or issues. This suggests that the technical performance on Xbox Series X is generally positive, with no significant complaints from the critics. However, it is worth noting that there were some audio issues reported on both Xbox and PC, as mentioned by Pure Xbox. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the technical performance of Alan Wake II is somewhat mixed. While some players had a positive experience with minimal technical issues, others encountered frustrating glitches, demanding system requirements, and occasional bugs. It is important to consider these varying opinions when assessing the overall technical performance of the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Mixed opinions on technical performance for Alan Wake II across platforms: PC experiences glitches and demanding requirements, PS5 generally positive with minor issues, Xbox Series X runs smoothly. Some encountered bugs and performance issues, highlighting variability in player experiences.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Alan Wake II are generally positive. PCGamesN praises the game for its sprawling adventure and abundance of secrets and surprises, stating that exploring all the nooks and crannies can easily run a couple dozen hours. TheSixthAxis highlights the inclusion of New Game +, higher difficulty, alternate narrative, paid and free DLC, and more surprises, providing replay value for both newcomers and existing fans. VG247 mentions the ability to switch between the dual protagonists and experience their stories in different orders, as well as treats for fans of Remedy titles and references to David Lynch and Stephen King. COGconnected emphasizes the complex narrative and multiple paths, which offer replay value and reward fans of the first game while inviting new players for a mind-bending ride. God is a Geek praises the game for its optional content, including nursery rhyme puzzles and cult caches, as well as meaningful upgrades and exploration rewards that encourage replayability. PlayStation Universe mentions the new game+ mode with alternative narrative, new video content, tougher difficulty level, and more manuscript pages as reasons to replay the game after finishing the story. The Loadout highlights the option to switch between the perspectives of Saga and Wake, allowing for different playthroughs, and praises the level of detail in each campaign. While the overall sentiment towards the replay value of Alan Wake II is positive, there are a few critics who mention limitations or potential negatives. Gamepressure notes that there is limited player influence on the story, but the engaging narrative compensates for this. This suggests that while the game may not offer extensive branching paths or choices, the story itself is captivating enough to make up for it. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Alan Wake II offers strong replay value. The game's sprawling adventure, abundance of secrets and surprises, alternate narratives, and multiple paths provide ample reasons for players to revisit the game. The inclusion of new game+ modes, higher difficulty levels, paid and free DLC, and additional content further enhance the replayability. The complex narrative, engaging story, and references to renowned authors like David Lynch and Stephen King add depth and intrigue to the game. While there may be limited player influence on the story, the captivating narrative and optional content compensate for this. Overall, the critics agree that Alan Wake II is a game with significant replay value that will keep players engaged and coming back for more.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Alan Wake II for its strong replay value, citing sprawling adventure, abundance of secrets, alternate narratives, and multiple paths. The game offers new game+ modes, higher difficulty levels, paid and free DLC, and engaging optional content. While some note limited player influence on the story, the captivating narrative and references to renowned authors make up for it. Overall, Alan Wake II is seen as a game that will keep players coming back for more with its depth and intrigue.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

94%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple videogame reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Alan Wake II, it is evident that the majority of critics had a highly positive view of the game. Noisy Pixel describes the game as a cinematic spectacle that exceeds expectations and considers it their favorite game of the year. Player 2 praises the game as a mind-bending masterpiece with exceptional narrative, gameplay, and universe building. Press Start Australia commends the powerhouse narrative adventure with impressive gameplay ideas, presentation, and visuals. VG247 hails it as one of the best psychological horror games in generations, successfully merging influences from renowned creators while maintaining its own distinct style. These positive reviews highlight the game's strong storytelling, immersive gameplay, captivating visuals, and its ability to deliver a thrilling and terrifying experience. Moving on to the negatives, Game Informer mentions that the gameplay falls short and highlights the presence of bugs and unnecessary hurdles that detract from the overall experience. GamingBolt points out the presence of unnecessary jump scares and a simplistic combat system as drawbacks. The Guardian mentions that the combat lacks depth and the gameplay can feel like pressing forward while weird things happen around you. While these criticisms are noteworthy, they do not overshadow the overwhelmingly positive sentiment expressed by the majority of critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Alan Wake II is a highly impressive and successful sequel. Critics such as PCGamesN, TheSixthAxis, CGMagazine, Carole Quintaine, GameSpew, Gamepressure, GamesHub, God is a Geek, PlayStation Universe, Push Square, The Loadout, Twinfinite, We Got This Covered, and Pure Xbox all praise the game for its exceptional storytelling, immersive gameplay, stunning visuals, and atmospheric design. They consider it a must-play game, a masterpiece, and one of the best horror games in recent years. The positive sentiments expressed by these critics, along with the overall positive reception from the majority of reviewers, indicate that Alan Wake II is a highly recommended and successful release that has met or exceeded the expectations of both fans and critics alike.

TL;DR

Alan Wake II receives overwhelming praise from critics for its exceptional storytelling, immersive gameplay, stunning visuals, and atmospheric design. While some reviewers note drawbacks like gameplay issues and simplistic combat, the majority hail it as a must-play masterpiece and one of the best horror games in recent years. Overall, the consensus is that Alan Wake II is a highly recommended and successful sequel that exceeds expectations.

CRITIK

Reviews

148 reviews found

100

Player 2

Oct 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer considers Alan Wake 2 a mind-bending masterpiece and possibly a new entry in their personal top five games of all time. The game is highly praised for its narrative, gameplay, and universe building.

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100

Noisy Pixel

Oct 27, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Alan Wake 2 delivers on everything players have wanted and even exceeds expectations. It describes the game as a cinematic spectacle that will scare and blow players' minds. The reviewer considers it their favorite game of the year.

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100

Gamereactor UK

PlayStation 5

Oct 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer considers Alan Wake 2 a masterpiece and awards it a score of 10. They praise Remedy for their brave design choices that limit mass appeal but increase enjoyment for those who appreciate it.

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100

GamesHub

PlayStation 5

Oct 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as an incredible, shocking, narratively complex monster that will lodge itself inside your head. It is praised for its breathtaking story and clever, fascinating, and horrifying ways of playing out.

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100

TheGamer

PlayStation 5

Oct 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

One of the best survival horror games

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100

Push Square

PlayStation 5

Oct 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Alan Wake 2 is described as a delight and an all-timer in the horror genre. It is praised for its stunning visuals, pitch-perfect tone and atmosphere, brilliant pacing, and fascinating mystery.

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100

The Loadout

PlayStation 5

Oct 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Alan Wake 2 is considered one of the greatest horror games of the last decade and the best game Remedy has made so far. It is recommended for both newcomers and fans of the series.

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100

VGC

Oct 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Massively confident, often groundbreaking, and full of surprises. Excellent storytelling and visually spectacular, but shooting can be clumsy and occasional bugs.

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100

TheSixthAxis

Oct 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Alan Wake II is a visually stunning game with a compelling story and improved gameplay mechanics. Despite some technical issues and less pronounced music, it offers a satisfying experience with replay value.

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100

VG247

Oct 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Alan Wake 2 is praised as one of the best psychological horror games in generations, with a captivating story and immersive gameplay. It successfully merges influences from Silent Hill, David Lynch, and Stephen King while maintaining its own distinct style. Despite some technical issues, it is highly recommended for fans of Remedy and the genre.

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