Home Video Games Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition review on PS5

Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition review on PS5

October 23, 2024

138

Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition builds upon the eerie foundation that Remedy Entertainment laid over ten years ago, drawing you deeper into its unique blend of psychological horror and compelling storytelling. Developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by Epic Games, Alan Wake 2 brings back the famous writer, Alan Wake, while introducing new playable characters, including FBI agent Saga Anderson.

The Alan Wake series first appeared in 2010, establishing itself as a cult favourite amongst gamers for its atmospheric setting, unpredictable plot twists, and innovative use of light as a gameplay mechanic. Alan Wake 2 takes this legacy and runs with it, blending horror and mystery with updated visuals, a dual-narrative system, and the dreamlike settings that fans have come to expect. With the Deluxe Edition, you get the physical game, the Night Springs and Lake House expansions, exclusive cosmetics and items and a digital edition of Alan Wake Remastered.

Alan Wake 2 (Deluxe Edition) details

Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC
Developer(s): Remedy Entertainment
Publisher(s): Epic Games
Genre: Survival horror
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)

Between two realities: The search for truth

You begin by stepping into the shoes of FBI agent Saga Anderson, called to investigate a series of murders in Bright Falls. The quiet town has had its better days, but what’s hiding beneath the surface is far from calm. As you uncover pieces of the case, the link to Alan Wake himself becomes impossible to ignore. He’s been missing for over a decade, and it’s clear that his disappearance is tied to the horrors that haunt the town.

The dual narrative structure is one of the strongest points of Alan Wake 2. You switch between playing as Saga and Alan, each dealing with their own disturbing realities. While Saga is investigating on the ground, trying to solve murders and understand the growing terror in Bright Falls, Alan is trapped in his own world. Alan’s story offers a more surreal experience, where the line between fiction and reality is constantly blurred.

The game does an excellent job of immersing you in its environment. Bright Falls is a mix of foggy forests, creepy abandoned buildings, and dimly lit streets. Every step feels heavy, as if something or someone is always watching. I remember when I entered a cabin for the first time. My heart was racing, I had a flashlight in hand, half-expecting something to jump out. The lighting effects alone made the place feel like it was alive.

The fight for survival

Light continues to play a crucial role in surviving Alan Wake 2’s supernatural threats. You have to weaken enemies with light before you can attack them. Whether it’s the flashlight in your hand or a flare you toss to the ground, using your limited resources is a key part of Alan Wake 2’s gameplay. This mechanic adds another layer to each encounter, making you pay just as much attention to your batteries as you do to your bullets.

I clearly remember a time when I was playing as Alan and had run out of flares. All I had left was my flashlight and a few bullets. I could see something in the distance heading my way. My hands were sweating as I desperately tried to make it to a streetlight. It’s these kinds of moments that make the combat feel unique, even though the controls can sometimes feel a little clunky, especially in tighter spaces.

The manuscript pages return in Alan Wake 2, adding another element of mystery. These pages offer predictions of future events, adding tension as you try to figure out how and when they’ll come true. A number of times, I found myself second-guessing every decision after reading a page. It’s a smart storytelling device, but at times, Alan Wake 2’s layered realities can feel overwhelming. Keeping track of all the plot twists and different realities is tough, and I occasionally felt lost amidst it all.

Blending reality and horror

Visually, Alan Wake 2 is a huge leap from its predecessor. The game takes a unique approach by using a combination of live-action footage and real-time graphics, creating an atmosphere that feels grounded in reality but haunted by something unnatural. The lighting design plays a big role in shaping the mood—dark shadows, dim streetlights, and the fog build the tension with every step.

Additionally, Alan Wake 2’s sound design fits the game’s eerie mood perfectly. Every creak of a floorboard, whisper in the wind, and distant howl made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. Voice acting is excellent, with Saga and Alan feeling like fully realized characters. It’s easy to get wrapped up in their struggles and fears, especially as you uncover more about their lives.

One particular moment that stuck with me was when I was walking down an alleyway, only to hear a faint, ghostly voice calling my name. I froze, unsure whether it was just the game’s sound design or something more sinister coming my way. Moments like that remind you why Remedy excels at creating unsettling environments.

dark shadows, dim streetlights in Aln Wake 2

Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition combines strong storytelling, immersive visuals, engaging gameplay and plenty of extra content to keep you busy

Alan Wake 2 is a sequel that delivers on its promise of dark, psychological horror. It blends strong storytelling with intense moments of fear and uncertainty. While the combat can feel rough at times, and the plot occasionally becomes a little difficult to keep track of, these issues are small compared to what the game does well. The atmosphere, the dual stories, and the creative use of light as both a tool and a weapon set Alan Wake 2 apart in the horror genre.

If you have never played Alan Wake 2, the Deluxe Edition of the game is the way to go. It’s a great value where you get the physical game, both DLC expansions, exclusive cosmetics and items and a digital edition of Alan Wake Remastered. If you love a good mystery, wrapped in supernatural dread, Alan Wake 2 is a must-play. Just be prepared to lose yourself in its maze of reality and fiction.

Pros	Cons
The Deluxe Edition offers great value with additional content, including expansions, exclusive items and a digital copy of Alan Wake Remastered.	Combat controls can feel clunky, especially in tight spaces.
The dual narrative structure draws you into the distinct experiences of both Saga and Alan.	The dual narrative plot can become overwhelming, making it hard to keep track of events.
Beautiful visuals that blend live-action footage with real-time graphics.
The sound design enhances the eerie atmosphere, making every moment feel tense.