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Alan Wake II |OT| I'm blinded by the lights.........
- Thread starter cormack12
- Start date
Markio128
Gold Member
I’m around 4-5 hours into AW2 now, and whilst I have a lot of admiration for the general atmosphere, I have to say that most of my time has been spent walking around and pinning photo’s onto a wall. Only 1 section playing as Saga has provided any action so far.
Obviously, the action will no doubt ramp up, but the idea of replaying this game is not a great one currently.
I think slow burn is an understatement.
Obviously, the action will no doubt ramp up, but the idea of replaying this game is not a great one currently.
I think slow burn is an understatement.
sertopico
Member
It's not gonna get better. I am almost done with Saga's segments altogether and the part I hated the most was running around collecting lucky charms and opening stashes in uninteresting locations (beautiful to look at though, mostly), with some occasional enemy spawns. On this regard the game might be called a spooky hiking simulator. Control had better side activities imo.
And those texts in the lunch boxes... Jeez!
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Markio128
Gold Member
I’m finding a lot of the dialogue and scenes a bit cheesy as well if I’m being honest. There’s one seen with Saga and Casey staring into the camera whilst drinking a coffee in unison, which I’m certain is a scene in Twin Peaks. It’s like they have tried really hard to match that same kooky atmosphere.
Hugare
Member
On the other hand, I havent seen/experienced a game with so many bugs that prevented story progression since ... ever.
I saw many, many people complaining about it on Reddit and I've also experienced it myself. Had to wait days to continue playing.
At least they are updating it fast, good for them
sertopico
Member
Being sometimes cheesy is a Remedy thing, which of course refers to other series like Twin Peaks and Fargo. What I didn't like is all the in your face woke part, which instead might be a trademark of the SJW/SBW (Sweet Baby Warriors). Sometimes I've seen the same shit that ruined the The Witcher series on Netflix, specially the last season, the worst of all. There is a big discrepancy in the narrative content, and this also has repercussions on the side activities which were to me just a drag. You need resources and power ups for your guns, but the way you get them is really mediocre and doesn't add anything meaningful to the overall gameplay.
balls of snow
Member
Game is goated. The only thing on my mind while playing: These devs are Konfident in what they want to achieve with the game. Less combat encounters not caving into the AAA expactations. Blending fmv to game sequences. Just a mood and atmosphere. Dare I say they surpassed most sony fp as well in terms of story driven linear games.
Markio128
Gold Member
Well, in my playtime, I’ve collected 3 gun wotsits. Looking at the upgrade options, I need at least 12 For an upgrade? That’s just for the pistol. Saying that, I’ve only used a gun a couple of times, in the woods mainly.
sertopico
Member
For each gun there are three updates which require 12, 15 or 18 points. In total there are five weapons if I'm not mistaken, so you need to get those points! Don't invest too much on the pistol, it's the worst of them all, since enemies are bullet sponges you're gonna run out of ammos in no time. Better focusing on the double barrel shotgun, at least during the first hours you are playing.
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Danjin44
The nicest person on this forum
I recommend to upgrade Crossbow, it crazy OP, even on hard it can one shot enemies with headshot.
adamsapple
Or is it just one of Phil's balls in my throat?
Glad they're fixing the prominent issues people are encountering, but it would have been just as fine if they delayed the game a month.
It really didn't need to release a few days after Spider Man 2.
It really didn't need to release a few days after Spider Man 2.
Markio128
Gold Member
Cheers I’ll bear that in mind. I currently only have a pistol and rifle.
xrnzaaas
Member
Without any major spoilers - Saga's board has been a poorly implemented feature throughout most of the game and especially during the first investigation. You're spending too much time there and the game sometimes won't allow you to progress until you've linked all the clues. It feels more like playing a Sherlock or CSI game tbh and the later explanation for her mind place isn't enough to justify this mechanic. At least with Alan you go to the board only when you actually need to do something important and it makes sense.
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Markio128
Gold Member
It was a bit confusing at first because there were times when I couldn’t progress until I’d added more evidence to the wall, or read a manuscript, or looked at the other bits on the table. I don’t mind stuff like this in games, but the wall especially is cumbersome to use since you need to zoom in and out all the time, and figure out which area a new photo belongs to. And some of the photos are sitting in a case folder.
Also, the few times that I’ve had to engage in combat have fallen a bit flat - I don’t know, but the shooting feels a bit shit and unsatisfying. I’m sure the first game was better in this respect, unless the rose-tinted spectacles have kicked in?
hollams
Gold Member
Hit a major bug that put a stop to Saga's story at the moment so I'll wait for a patch.
At the amusement park where you have to stop the spinning ride at the right moment. One of the rides just stays in it's position and doesn't move so you can't get around it and get to the part you need.
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Grildon Tundy
Member
I DISAGREEEEEEE, respectfully.
I thought it was a poignant metaphor/analogy/whatever of battling the voice in your head that wants you to fail. I don't have a point of reference for the wild shit and vague descriptions of "The Dark Place" throughout most of the game, and so I found it hard to relate to or care about why being stuck there would be so awful.
But I do know what it's like to have that voice in your head, so that part made it relatable and pulled me in and made me root for Saga.
Totally get why some people would bounce off it.
Grildon Tundy
Member
Did you miss the part where the woke part is
said by an alternative version of Saga that's filled with insecurity, fear, and doubt?
I don't think the character who said said woke thing is meant to be aspirational.
semiconscious
Member
LastBattle
Member
I hit the same bug. Ended up quitting out of the game and reloading from the same save and the carriages operated as expected.
Salmon Snake
Member
I'm really not a big fan of the crossbow. The upgrade for holding down the trigger to release a more powerful bow is useless. Can't hit jack shit with it.
Danjin44
The nicest person on this forum
I only do charge shots against bosses, it did wonders against Mulligan and Thornton boss but with most regular enemies one headshot is enough to kill them.
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semiconscious
Member
seriously. he left out the part where
he got the wheelbarrow up there to begin with
TerribleAtThisGame
Member
Because if they didn't package it in this format, it'd be laughed out of the room as silly Lynch/King worship. And that's fine as window dressing in a cool game. But when they disappear up their own asses and forget that "their stories" are just a Pinterest board and pretend it's some unique piece of literary work that must be told with no gameplay meat to back it up...phew. What are they smoking?
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sertopico
Member
Alternative? It's basically her the whole game, if it wasn't for her gift she would be also selling tickets at coffee world living a mediocre life. That's what bothers me, she didn't get to where she is, she's just like that and we have to accept it. It's not like you got to work hard to achieve something, just be yourself and good things will come! Thankfully there are those empowering lunch boxes telling me I am strong, I am the HERO! I could relate to a well written character, but Saga looks to me like they tried really hard to tick all those boxes on the checklist. That's why I see such a discrepancy in the narration and contents sometimes, it's like playing two different games.
Anyways, I don't want to bring up this topic again. What I wanted to say is that it really hurts an otherwise good Remedy game. These newer generations must learn how to write.
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Alan Wake
Member
Tried to start over at an earlier save? I had issues with passing through because of it which was very frustrating, but I started over and then the problem was solved.
Johnny Concrete
Member
rofif
Can’t Git Gud
Yep. You spend 30 minutes listening to Queen magically solving her problem. You don’t do anything.
Will you spend whole game not doing much. Her magic does everything
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Salmon Snake
Member
Those fast enemies are quite annoying to deal with the crossbow.
Danjin44
The nicest person on this forum
yeah they can be annoying at times, even after breaking their dark shield you can use the light to stun them for short while and gives you little more time to shoot them.
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Luipadre
Gold Member
I really hope they plan to fix the performance on PS5. Quality mode drops too much especially in combat, makes the combat feels so slugish and stuttery and the performance mode isnt good either. If they wont fix the performance i might double dip on xbox because its a lot better there in both modes. Only the audio is bugged since release lol
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Chuck Berry
Gold Member
Trigger Warning: I despise the fucker, but I actually agree with him on pretty much everything in the review
Ulysses 31
Member
What about the Worth-a-buy one? That one also gave it a 4/10.Trigger Warning: I despise the fucker, but I actually agree with him on pretty much everything in the review
Zathalus
Member
What about the Worth-a-buy one? That one also gave it a 4/10.
One of the most insufferable reviewers I have seen. Along with Angry Joe. Just no.
rofif
Can’t Git Gud
Yeah. Ps5 quality mode drops all the time
To 27-28 in saga forest levels. It feels bad to play.
But even given that, the controls feel bad. The camera acceleration and squareness is bad. They have no idea how to make good controller right stick viewing
Sleepwalker
Member
Im struggling to get back into this after the crashfest last time, I hate to say it but I might put it in the freezer for a while.
A spot on review.
I wish every release was reviewed honestly like that, at least we wouldn't have so many fake 10/10 omg masterpiece!! fluff pieces. Reviews shouldn't be a part of the marketing machine as the vast majority of them are right now
rofif
Can’t Git Gud
I know I will get ridiculed because people are overtaken by the game spectacle (which is indeed good) but man... I am so disappointed week after finishing the game.
It left me with a mid feeling and after thinking about it, I just don't think it was really good.
I've finished first AW good 5 times or more. I am a fan. So I am not looking for flaws or trying to hate on the game.
And I am not the one to exclusively hate on all woke stuff. I liked Forspoken ffs. A all women game with all strong women. it was amazing
Abby is one of my fav characters god damnit and I don't think that game is woke one bit. Not this type.
I was initially excited for AW2 and I kinda loved it at first but by the end I realized it's kinda... trash:
-Woke woke woke. Saga is poorly written character (and no, I dont care about skin color). She is given everything on a plate, doesn't react to anything...
-More woke with toy puzzles and lunch boxes. Not only these are bad puzzles but writing around these is terrible.
-Gameplay sucks ass. You walk, pretend to solve case files by just wasting time, Listen to more dialogue which is often just internal talking head... and shoot 3 dudes.
-Ending sucks ass
-Alan is still good. I liked his sections well enough but his gameplay is also nothing special.
-yeah graphics are good. But just good. At least on consoles, there are way better looking games with better fps and image quality.
In fact, I agree with this psycho.... he is kinda completely right and spot on.
And the only real reviewer who says it as it is, is this guy. I only agree with him after I finished the game.
Man.... this woke and baby inc ruin gaming... But all that things aside, the gameplay was not just very good.
All other woke overtalked games like Spider Man, Ratchet Rift apart and ragnarok, at least have good gameplay... and perform better with better image quality.
It left me with a mid feeling and after thinking about it, I just don't think it was really good.
I've finished first AW good 5 times or more. I am a fan. So I am not looking for flaws or trying to hate on the game.
And I am not the one to exclusively hate on all woke stuff. I liked Forspoken ffs. A all women game with all strong women. it was amazing
Abby is one of my fav characters god damnit and I don't think that game is woke one bit. Not this type.
I was initially excited for AW2 and I kinda loved it at first but by the end I realized it's kinda... trash:
-Woke woke woke. Saga is poorly written character (and no, I dont care about skin color). She is given everything on a plate, doesn't react to anything...
-More woke with toy puzzles and lunch boxes. Not only these are bad puzzles but writing around these is terrible.
-Gameplay sucks ass. You walk, pretend to solve case files by just wasting time, Listen to more dialogue which is often just internal talking head... and shoot 3 dudes.
-Ending sucks ass
-Alan is still good. I liked his sections well enough but his gameplay is also nothing special.
-yeah graphics are good. But just good. At least on consoles, there are way better looking games with better fps and image quality.
In fact, I agree with this psycho.... he is kinda completely right and spot on.
And the only real reviewer who says it as it is, is this guy. I only agree with him after I finished the game.
Man.... this woke and baby inc ruin gaming... But all that things aside, the gameplay was not just very good.
All other woke overtalked games like Spider Man, Ratchet Rift apart and ragnarok, at least have good gameplay... and perform better with better image quality.
ozz ex machina
Member
I just completed Alan Wake 2. I have to say that is the most fun I've had in a single player game in a very long time. I've always loved remedy since max paye, but if I'm being honest I've never loved anything they have done since then. I've appreciated their creativeness but nothing ever clicked.
But I have to say Alan Wake 2 is their masterpiece. The atmosphere, story telling, creativity. The actual gameplay is meh. But everything else is truly truly top notch. Sony should take notes because this is how to make a fun and engaging narrative driven game. It certainly helps it's the best looking game I've ever seen.
I cannot describe how hyped I am now for their Max Payne 1 & 2 remake. Sam Lake is a goat in this industry now.
But I have to say Alan Wake 2 is their masterpiece. The atmosphere, story telling, creativity. The actual gameplay is meh. But everything else is truly truly top notch. Sony should take notes because this is how to make a fun and engaging narrative driven game. It certainly helps it's the best looking game I've ever seen.
I cannot describe how hyped I am now for their Max Payne 1 & 2 remake. Sam Lake is a goat in this industry now.
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semiconscious
Member
you're right, it wasn't. &, adding insult to injury, the game's digital only, meaning dumb 'what could go wrong?' remedy fans like myself are stuck owning a bad game that they can't trade in...
Insane Metal
Member
I know I will get ridiculed because people are overtaken by the game spectacle (which is indeed good) but man... I am so disappointed week after finishing the game.
It left me with a mid feeling and after thinking about it, I just don't think it was really good.
I've finished first AW good 5 times or more. I am a fan. So I am not looking for flaws or trying to hate on the game.
And I am not the one to exclusively hate on all woke stuff. I liked Forspoken ffs. A all women game with all strong women. it was amazing
Abby is one of my fav characters god damnit and I don't think that game is woke one bit. Not this type.
I was initially excited for AW2 and I kinda loved it at first but by the end I realized it's kinda... trash:
-Woke woke woke. Saga is poorly written character (and no, I dont care about skin color). She is given everything on a plate, doesn't react to anything...
-More woke with toy puzzles and lunch boxes. Not only these are bad puzzles but writing around these is terrible.
-Gameplay sucks ass. You walk, pretend to solve case files by just wasting time, Listen to more dialogue which is often just internal talking head... and shoot 3 dudes.
-Ending sucks ass
-Alan is still good. I liked his sections well enough but his gameplay is also nothing special.
-yeah graphics are good. But just good. At least on consoles, there are way better looking games with better fps and image quality.
In fact, I agree with this psycho.... he is kinda completely right and spot on.
And the only real reviewer who says it as it is, is this guy. I only agree with him after I finished the game.
Man.... this woke and baby inc ruin gaming... But all that things aside, the gameplay was not just very good.
All other woke overtalked games like Spider Man, Ratchet Rift apart and ragnarok, at least have good gameplay... and perform better with better image quality.
I think it's a good game but that's it. I love the aesthetics and the overall feel of the environments but the image quality really sucks ass. Reminds me of CP2077 at launch tbh.
Saga really sucks ass. Not only is the writing for the character soulless and bland, but her face ingame IS soulless and bland. Her face has no expression. Her eyes look dead. I don't understand how they could make someone like Ahti look so real ingame, even when he's just walking around and sweeping the floor, but make one of the main characters look so bad.
Grildon Tundy
Member
I was talking specifically about the "asshole" line, which is said by an "evil" version of Saga. If you're not a fan of her having crime-solving powers, for what it's worth, I justify it in the story by thinking:
Saga is Warlin Door's daughter, the Doors have those powers, and they'll reveal this in DLC later.
And how is her fighting her way out of the Mind Place when trapped there not working hard to achieve something? Even with her powers, that took gumption. That was my personal favorite Saga section.
And how is her fighting her way out of the Mind Place when trapped there not working hard to achieve something? Even with her powers, that took gumption. That was my personal favorite Saga section.
Sleepwalker
Member
Im back playing and I still can't get over how mediocre the combat is, I'm well over 60fps but it is still clunky and doesn't really feel that good. Item management is also a disaster and the dodge is not great.
Can't believe these are the same people that made Control.
Can't believe these are the same people that made Control.