Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Alan Wake 2 domain

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Bertie
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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Reviews
by Bertie » Fri Feb 17, 2012 10:24 pm

I'm looking forward to it, I certainly won't be rushing. I picked it up on the strength of opinion on here, it's a game that sort of passed me by. I'm looking forward to it.

I have this, mgs3 (from the hd collection) and metro still untouched. I've got some work ahead of me with ME3 coming up.

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PostAlan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Reviews out
by Buffalo » Fri Feb 17, 2012 11:59 pm

I can do Alan Wake in one sitting.



I was sitting for about 11 hours, mind. My arse was numb as a bugger afterwards.

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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Reviews
by tomvek » Sat Feb 18, 2012 6:15 am

Glad this is finally out on Wednesday :D

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Cal
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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Reviews
by Cal » Sat Feb 18, 2012 2:36 pm

I picked up the new Collector's Edition PC version of the original game off Steam this morning (£22.99).

Includes developer commentaries and videos, illustrated PDF book, soundtrack album and two special episodes ('The Signal' and 'The Writer').

Very nice package and the game really does look gorgeous on PC, running everything max. Looks like Remedy might just have produced the definitive version of the first game. Game has been optimized for quad core support. 360 controller support is natively supported for those (like me) who prefer it over keyboard and mouse.

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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Reviews
by Tragic Magic » Sat Feb 18, 2012 7:31 pm

tomvek wrote:Glad this is finally out on Wednesday :D


Really?! gooseberry fool! I need to get some points! :shock: :mrgreen:

Got some days off for Vita too so this'll be great for when the Vita's low on battery. 8-)

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Cal
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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Diary 2
by Cal » Sun Feb 19, 2012 10:02 am

Brerlappins little hat wrote:...the PC version of Wake is strawberry floating GLORIOUS. Seriously. Might be the best looking game ive ever seen.


Yes, it's quite a treat for the eyes. I have a few issues with some clunky story-telling, some questionable artistic decisions, but the use of light and shadow in this game is pretty impressive. I wouldn't say it's the best-looking game ever, but it's clear Remedy definitely put some serious effort into the PC version of AW. At £22.99 on Steam for the definitive CE it's a real bargain.

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zXe
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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Reviews
by zXe » Sun Feb 19, 2012 7:37 pm

I was a little anxious to get this because of my concern on how my system could handle it. But I can play it smoothly with everything on max at around 30 fps max about 40 in some indoor areas. Now normally I wouldn't be cool with that, but it actually feels smooth which is the main thing and haven't had any trouble fighting enemies. Also find I prefer to use the xbox controller with this game, aiming is a bit harder but I like the vibration on. But overall I'm impressed with the port. I feels very well optimized and looks great, especially at my monitors native res (1080p), not a sub hd res like on the 360 version. I actually booted up it up to compare and the difference is pretty significant, the xbox version looks so blurry now... I think I'll wait for american nightmare for pc this time round. I just don't think I could go back to sub par res gameplay. I should add thogh, that the 360 version is still decent, but it would have benefited more at a btter res, but I guess that is a testament to the visual effects and tech the game uses.

Last edited by zXe on Sun Feb 19, 2012 7:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Trelliz
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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Reviews
by Trelliz » Sun Feb 19, 2012 7:39 pm

The first is absolutely incredible on PC, even though I've only done the first episode, it's fantastic. I have a raging hard-on for Twin Peaks, so this ticks all the boxes.

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zXe
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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Reviews
by zXe » Sun Feb 19, 2012 7:42 pm

Trelliz wrote:The first is absolutely incredible on PC, even though I've only done the first episode, it's fantastic. I have a raging hard-on for Twin Peaks, so this ticks all the boxes.

I've actually been watching the first season of twin peaks recently, which is kind of why alan wake was on my want list again, especially so being the pc version.

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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Reviews
by Something Fishy » Sun Feb 19, 2012 7:57 pm

Trelliz wrote:The first is absolutely incredible on PC, even though I've only done the first episode, it's fantastic. I have a raging hard-on for Twin Peaks, so this ticks all the boxes.


yep it's as close as you can get to the shows except maybe Deadly Prem.

We got the box set last year. It was brilliant until about half way through the second season then took a real dip. Overall fully deserving of it's cult status.

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Bertie
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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Reviews
by Bertie » Sun Feb 19, 2012 7:58 pm

I've done a couple of episodes and the atmosphere. I'm really interested in what's going on, the setting is great and Alan is a good character that you really feel for.

The combat is a little weird and it feels a bit too much of a chore?! The flare gun and flares are a great touch, I just have a problem with the power of enemy attacks. The enemies add to the story and atmosphere, but being killed because you ran out of battery or got jumped from behind just breaks up the story and frustrates.

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Cal
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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Reviews
by Cal » Sun Feb 19, 2012 11:12 pm

Bertie wrote:I've done a couple of episodes and the atmosphere. I'm really interested in what's going on, the setting is great and Alan is a good character that you really feel for.

The combat is a little weird and it feels a bit too much of a chore?! The flare gun and flares are a great touch, I just have a problem with the power of enemy attacks. The enemies add to the story and atmosphere, but being killed because you ran out of battery or got jumped from behind just breaks up the story and frustrates.


I agree, if we're talking about the first game. It's a frustration - it can be alleviated by taking the time to explore a bit; you'll usually find some batteries and ammo hidden around the levels. Whilst the combat often looks spectacular (flare gun FTW), it's a not especially enjoyable aspect of the game. I use the 360 controller and I think it's been implemented well.

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Bertie
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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Reviews
by Bertie » Mon Feb 20, 2012 8:16 am

Cal wrote:
Bertie wrote:I've done a couple of episodes and the atmosphere. I'm really interested in what's going on, the setting is great and Alan is a good character that you really feel for.

The combat is a little weird and it feels a bit too much of a chore?! The flare gun and flares are a great touch, I just have a problem with the power of enemy attacks. The enemies add to the story and atmosphere, but being killed because you ran out of battery or got jumped from behind just breaks up the story and frustrates.


I agree, if we're talking about the first game. It's a frustration - it can be alleviated by taking the time to explore a bit; you'll usually find some batteries and ammo hidden around the levels. Whilst the combat often looks spectacular (flare gun FTW), it's a not especially enjoyable aspect of the game. I use the 360 controller and I think it's been implemented well.


Yup, the original. I'm yet to finish it, or play any of the dlc. The enemies create the sense of tension and fear, along with the environmental aspects that try to spook you. But the way the enemies appear, behave and act is what creates the tension, the combat adds very little, and once you have dispatched a few guys, it's back in to that tension building loop, which I love. It just breaks the game up too obviously and disrupts the flow of the game too much when you die.

Great game though, and I'll keep an eye out for cheap dlc.

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Wedgie
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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Reviews
by Wedgie » Mon Feb 20, 2012 9:31 am

Trying to get to the top of the lighthouse without using any ammo add tension. Try that!

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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Reviews
by Drunken_Master » Mon Feb 20, 2012 9:50 am

Never had the pleasure of playing this on the 360, all I have to say is WOW to the PC version. Can't think of many PC games which look better. Not bad for a mere 360 'port'. Although the animation does let it down a bit.

As for the game, it's great. Although I am getting that 'survival horror' game fatigue. Where sometimes it can be a wrench to go on because of all the tension.

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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Reviews
by Photek » Mon Feb 20, 2012 10:09 am

Yep, can get a little claustraphobic at times, even though you're out in the woods, I suppose thats what Remedy where after.

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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Reviews
by tomvek » Tue Feb 21, 2012 3:27 am

GB have put up a quick look :)


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Monkey Man
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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 22/2, Reviews
by Monkey Man » Tue Feb 21, 2012 7:25 am

More reviews:-

EGM 85%

In trying to please everyone, American Nightmare takes a small step back from what made the original Alan Wake an original and enthralling experience, but is still well worth the price of admission for old and new fans alike.


http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/ ... nightmare/

Destructoid 85%

As close to a full console title as we've seen on Xbox Live Arcade to date. Its story mode is fun foray into the twisted universe of Alan Wake, even if some of what's going on won't always make complete sense to any but the most dedicated of fans. Remedy has admirably tackled the repetitive nature of the campaign in order to get the most out of the the content they had, although it does start to wear thin at the midway point. Thankfully, a strong final act and a ridiculously addictive Arcade mode more than make up for it.


http://www.destructoid.com/review-alan- ... 2126.phtml

Eurogamer Sweden 80%

Alan Wake's American Nightmare is highly entertaining and has an interesting twist that ought to be fleshed out into a full-length game. In other words this is an excellent appetizer until we get the real sequel. Hopefully this won't take too long.


http://www.eurogamer.se/articles/2012-0 ... -nightmare

Joystiq 4/5

As he writes his own escape from the Dark Place, the tale ironically lacks the narrative punch of his first trek into the shadows. Even so, it invites us back into Alan's world, takes us on a new adventure and sheds new light on his predicament. The writer is correct: we love our characters, and if you love Alan Wake, you really don't have a choice. You must survive his American Nightmare.


http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/alan- ... re-review/

Gameradar 80%

Ends up being more inviting than ever to new players, with a clearer plot and goals. The game knows what it does well and highlights it instead of trying too many hit or miss concepts. Despite the sometimes limited scope of its world and objectives, it's a great downloadable that hopefully will introduce a whole new audience to one writer's unique world.


http://www.gamesradar.com/alan-wakes-am ... re-review/

Gameinformer 7.75/10

I didn’t feel as connected to Alan’s world or story, which were the main draws for me in the first game, but the gameplay is streamlined and improved in this sequel. American Nightmare is not quite as gripping of an experience, but I certainly got my mystery-laden, flashlight-burning fun out of it.


http://www.gameinformer.com/games/alan_ ... light.aspx

Eurogamer 7/10

The character himself simply feels more at home in this shorter, punchier, less laboured and self-regarding form. Freed from the weight of expectation that accompanies a full retail release in this genre, the experience - while lacking the set-piece spectacle and spookiness of the original - is less forced and more comfortably pitched.


http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012- ... e-review_7

Digital Spy 60%

Feels like a deconstruction of the first game. The atmospheric plot and tense action segments have each been given their own separate treatments through the story and arcade modes. When at their best, both modes surpass the original in their respective areas, but as a whole their separation doesn't work in American Nightmare's favor.


http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/review ... rcade.html

Videogamer 60%

The elementary combat system is entertaining, but ultimately overshadowed by a hopelessly contrived plot. Mr Scratch's presence could have been something special, and it's regrettable that his performance is throwaway. As with the rest of the game, a lack of cohesion and clear thought from Remedy ensures American Nightmare feels like a missed opportunity.


http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/alan_ ... eview.html

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Frank
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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 2moro
by Frank » Tue Feb 21, 2012 10:12 am

Think I should post this while I remember, (spoiler if you haven't read that IGN review) I'm not liking the groundhog day style mechanic. I was wondering how they'd manage to make a 4 or 5 hour game on an XBLA budget, though.

Seems a little weird that everyone knows they're living the same night again. I was expecting Wake to go back and be all "I've seen the future, you're all going to die", and then they'd just ignore him as he'd sound mental. Or if he tried to save them they'd get killed some other way, Final Destination stylee, as their deaths were already written. The fact that everyone sort-of knows they're living the same thing again just leads to some downright awkward conversations.


Story-wise, I'm a bit disappointed. Everything seems to contradict itself. In the first game, isn't Mr Scratch created by Thomas Zane for some reason? But then in this Alan seems to suggest that he's the embodiment of all his negative press, an exaggerated caricature of his bad side as reported in the media. Hopefully it all becomes clear(er) at some point...

Still, at least they seem to have fixed the running issue. He can sprint for miles now.

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Trelliz
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PostRe: Alan Wake: American Nightmare (XBLA) - Out 2moro
by Trelliz » Tue Feb 21, 2012 10:13 am

So...PC version of this soon? Or will it be another two-year wait?

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