Alan Wake II Deluxe Edition (PS5) - Review

Write, Shoot, Survive

Alan Wake 2 is a survival horror game that blurs the line between reality and fiction. Developed by Remedy Entertainment, it shifts away from the more action-heavy gameplay of the original and leans into a more atmospheric, psychological experience. With stunning visuals, a gripping story, and a haunting atmosphere, Alan Wake 2 stands out—though it’s not without its flaws.

The sequel picks up 13 years after the events of the first game, with Alan still trapped in the supernatural Dark Place, a distorted realm resembling a gritty, nightmarish version of New York City. Meanwhile, FBI agent Saga Anderson arrives in Bright Falls to investigate a series of ritualistic murders linked to a mysterious cult—murders that also connect back to Alan’s disappearance. The narrative switches between Saga’s grounded, detective-driven perspective and Alan’s surreal, metafictional struggle to rewrite reality.

The gameplay leans heavily into survival horror, much like Resident Evil, emphasizing resource management, tense exploration, and careful combat. Your flashlight is still your best weapon against shadowy enemies, weakening them so you can finish them off with pistols, shotguns, or crossbows. Combat happens less often than in the original game, which makes the game feel less tight overall, but I appreciated that there were more puzzles this time around—they added a welcome layer of brainwork between the tension.

Some new mechanics, like Saga’s “Mind Place,” feel fresh at first, offering a space to piece together clues and connect evidence. Although it helps to keep up with the complex storyline, it feels a bit too guided and becomes more of a chore than a rewarding tool. On the other hand, Alan’s reality-altering puzzles are incredibly creative, but they can also get frustrating due to repetitive exploration and not always being clear about what you’re supposed to do next.

Personally, I had the most fun playing as Saga—especially when the game let me freely explore the eerie forests and unsettling areas around Bright Falls. That part of the game really nailed the horror-adventure vibe.

Atmosphere, music, and the mind-bending narrative are where Alan Wake 2 truly shines. Remedy’s signature weirdness is here in full force, with plenty of Finnish cultural references sprinkled throughout for longtime fans. While I would’ve liked a slightly shorter, tighter story and a bit more combat variety, I still found Alan Wake 2 to be a very unique and rewarding experience. If you’re familiar with Remedy’s work, especially Control or the original Alan Wake, there’s a lot to appreciate here.

The Final Verdict

Alan Wake 2 is a bold and ambitious sequel that embraces the weird and leans fully into survival horror. While it stumbles occasionally—with some pacing issues, clunky mechanics, and unclear objectives—it’s still a unique, atmospheric, and unforgettable experience. If you’re a fan of Remedy’s universe, this is a must-play. Just don’t expect easy answers—or a light at the end of the tunnel.

Rating: 9/10

Pros

• Gripping dual narrative

• Stunning visuals and sound design

• Deep atmosphere and world-building

• More puzzles and exploration

• Signature Remedy weirdness

Cons

• Some repetitive or unclear objectives

• Mind Place becomes too guided

• Story could be shorter and tighter