Alan Wake 2

After completing the previous titles included in the "Remedyverse" (Max Payne 1 and 2, Alan Wake, Alan Wake's American Nightmare, Quantum Break, and finally, Control.), it was finally to play perhaps one of the best games I have ever been given the opportunity to play. I am now a Sam Lake stan, mostly thanks to this game.

First, to point out the obvious: that musical section with Alan Wake?!?! Best experience of my life honestly! I mean the whole game manages to balance to absurdity and the seriousness of Alan wake—and the Remedyverse at large—so perfectly. A tight act that is executed expertly in Alan Wake 2, but the brief respite that the musical provides is so so welcomed, and reminds me of why I love these games...

They're so weird, and so self aware! They're so fun to play through.

The absurdism is very much at the forefront of Alan Wake 2, as has been seen through every previous title too. But it feels so much more planned and thought out in Alan Wake 2, some loose ends are tied which is satisfying in itself, and more threads are opened. Alluding to a third entry in the series!

And God, the art direction of this game? Absolute CINEMA if you ask me. Stunning visuals, gorgeous views. Walking around the game areas was such a treat itself, and I thoroughly enjoyed all of the small details and call backs to previous games seen throughout the scenery!

The music too, of course, is sublime. Such a fitting OST— I still find myself coming back and listening to Yoton Yo especially! Ahti is by far my most favourite character in the series, I must admit...

Overall, the game feels like a love letter. To the series itself, to the fans, to those who have worked on the Remedyverse. It feels like an open ended question and an answer all at once. It was one of the most intruiguing, funny, upsetting, scary, absurd, and loving experiences of my gaming life. I cannot recommend it enough— Just be sure to play the previous entries in the Remedyverse otherwise it wont make much sense!