Are you afraid of the dark?

Ben - US, (1/26/2011 11:53:35 AM)

Welcome to Bright Falls. A heavily wooded small town located in the state of Washington. You are Alan Wake, a very popular author with a desperate desire to get away from it all. Your wife, Alice, decided Bright Falls was just the place to do that. However, about as soon as you arrive everything starts to go wrong. Your wife goes missing, after trying to save her, you lose about a week worth of memory, and no one believes you (for just reasons, but still, it makes life a bit more difficult.)
As you go on, you discover Alice has been taken by, what is simply known as, the darkness. You also find out that Alan predicted everything that is happening in a story he doesn't remember writing. Alan must battle light against darkness hoping that he finds Alice before it is too late.
Overall, this game is amazing. The game play is fantastic, as you have to strategically plan what to use, when to use it, and who on.
Finnish developer Remedy Entertainment made the delivery of the game fresh as the game was separated into episodes with a quick recap at the beginning to make the game feel more like a season of your favorite television show then a straight through movie. The delivery of the game was also excellent as the narrative and all around story are gripping and keep you wanting more but still weave comedy in there (depending on how you feel about Alan Wake's best friend and agent, Barry). The ending leaves you scratching your head contemplating how season two will turn out.
Unfortunately, Alan Wake lacked in sales due to its release date being along side GOTY Red Dead Redemption but don't let that fool you. This understated game is one that every gamer should look into, as its ability to weave a story is something that lacks in games more often than not. Alan Wake earns all the praise it gets for its stellar game play, story, soundtrack, and graphics. If this is the result of a game after five years in development, every game should take five years. Check it out now unless you are afraid of the dark.