Initial release date: June 8, 2024
Genres: Adventure game, Shooter game
Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S
Publisher: Epic Games
I thought Alan Wake 2 was the best game of 2023; I really enjoyed it. During a prolific year for AAA games, I had the good fortune to play both this and Baldur’s Gate 3, but the story of the tortured writer captivated me in a manner that no other game had in a very long time.
Up until this year’s Summer Game Fest, when the alluring Sam Lake showed up to salvage an otherwise underwhelming performance, there has been no news about follow-up DLC.
It was almost a shadow drop when the Deluxe Edition, which came in two halves, was shown. I have been watching the Night Springs “What If” episodes in preparation for this review. “Lake House,” a second story extension, is anticipated later this year.
Returning to Alan Wake 2 alongside Night Springs?
For those who don’t know, “Night Springs” is a television series set in the Alan Wake universe that features bizarre stories told in a manner reminiscent of “The Twilight Zone.” The series was relatively lacking in the sequel, while having a significant presence in the first game, so I’m happy to see it make a complete comeback. This time, instead of just observing, you take on the roles of three distinct game characters and follow them as though their destiny had been different from what we currently know.
The first story, “Number One Fan,” centers on Rose Marigold, an Oh Deer Diner server who is an avid fan of Alan Wake. She embarks on a quest to silence his detractors and save the great writer from his evil double, the “Bad Boy.”
The first of the three short story collections is a jovial and very ridiculous beginning, but it’s a whole lot of fun. There are no shadows or torches in this scene, and it is immediately apparent what kind of ride you are in for as Rose accesses her hidden arsenal of weaponry. Nothing wraths a superfan more than disdain.
Another clue to this is that Rose’s shotgun has a rapid firing option that activates when you depress the RT button. Rose’s firepower makes the adversaries feel much less frightening, even though they can still take a few shots. It reminds me of beginning a playthrough with “New Game Plus”; there’s no real pressure, simply enjoyment of the journey.
Naturally, that is, until you begin North Star, the upcoming installment. Rose’s carefree escapades seem like a faraway past as you assume control of a new, well-known character—this time from one of Remedy’s most cherished IPs.
fresh narratives
Your voyage transports you back to Coffee World, the main game’s theme park centered around beverages. But your quest to find your lost brother brings you face-to-face with a fairly horrific and unsettling cult. That sounds more like it now.
The Taken, who follow you everywhere, are back, along with the traditional pistol and flashlight combination. Reimagining old settings may be quite fulfilling, even though they have a completely different vibe the second time around. For fans of Alan Wake, North Star is a terrifying, far more somber story that veers into known territory.
The final episode of the three, Time Breaker, is finally here. This bizarre story attempts to blur the boundaries between fact and fiction in certain ways, and it features a cameo appearance that really drives this point home.
In what appears to be nothing more than a lucrative acting role at first, you have to locate the “Master of Many Worlds.” This is where Remedy truly shows off their creative abilities. It’s an exhilarating journey that crosses several gaming genres and leaves you wondering if you’re still playing the original “What If” DLC. It captures everything I adore about Alan Wake’s universe and gets me thrilled about what lies ahead once more.
A flash of inspiration
All things considered, Alan Wake 2 Night Springs delivers even more incredible gameplay, but throws a curveball for those who were concerned that it was becoming a little too formulaic towards the end. Playing as a fan favorite and delving further into the base game’s subtext is delightful.
The fact that there is only two or three hours of playing time and I was left wanting more is the only serious critique I can make of this. Night Springs is a more experimental and condensed version of the main game that does away with the rules. What is its primary goal? to allow players explore what might have been their own fantasy story arcs, challenging their preconceptions in the process. It’s a format that has a lot of potential, and I already have ideas for future developments.
Review Overview
Gameplay – 82%
Story – 88%
Aesthetics – 85%
Content – 80%
Accessibility – 78%
Value – 84%
Overall Rating – 83%
Very Good
Summary: Although Alan Wake 2 Night Springs only exists to deftly pique our curiosity, it’s a fantastic trip while it’s here. It’s a brief, snappy burst of genius.