Alan Wake

[Pic0o]

Jolly day. My cousin and I made travels yesterday, as I wanted to scoop up the Alan Wake CE for Xbox 360. I notice the 360 is currently the only platform this game is on, as many are hoping for a PC version too. In the CE edition, you get the following:

Limited Collector's Edition

 

The limited collector's edition of Alan Wake, packaged in a case resembling a hardcover book, consists of the game, a 144-page book titled The Alan Wake Files, a soundtrack CD, a code redeemable for the game's first add-on episode, an Avatar coat and scarf and 2 Themes. The limited edition also includes a number of making-of videos, an unreleased trailer from 2006, and developer commentary that is installed to the hard drive or memory unit and enabled in-game.

 

I was keen on the printed book and free DLC, then when I unboxed, I saw the cool book design of the case. Soundtracks are always welcome too. ;) The DLC will release July 27th or so. Also of note on the CE, the book included is basically the game script. So avoid reading that until you play, unless you want to know what's up, then see it ingame. I'll read the book after I bust this game up right.

 

I only got an hour or 2 of play in so far, but I can say the flashlight + gun mechanic is pretty cool. It has a Silent Hill / Alone in the Dark feel to it, while still feeling like it's own tale. The start to events and characters was pretty well done too. I'll keep working on the game to get a solid vibe off it.

 

Btw, here is the blurb off the MS site I got from my download history.

Thank you for buying Alan Wake! As you are a first time purchaser, the code you have entered entitles you to a free game add on later this year. This episode will be available on July 28, 2010 and a new code will be emailed to you at that time to download. Please check your e-mail inbox associated with your GamerTag in July to receive information on how to access this content and make sure your email address is correct by visiting Xbox.com/accounts.

 

FYI for anyone who got the CE, and wonders where the DLC is. That explains the Day counter that shows up in the game.

 

I also enjoyed the Behind the Scenes bonus disc, as I love to get a vibe how games were made. I was floored when I noticed Remedy were the Max Paine folks. I got much more excited about the game learning this. :smurfy:

[Pic0o]

I got to finish chapter 2 last night, and I am loving the vibe of this game. I got some genuine chills from some of the ambient to battle transitions too. I like the recap action when you start a new chapter too, very helpful for a quick reinsertion to the game.

 

The R Stick to move, L Stick to aim Flashlight / cursor is nice too. I am doing well with the attackings, I just need to work on better escaping close attacks.

[Afronomicon]

I wrapped this up Sat night. Pretty good flow and a fun story to this game. I still feel it as a well improved Alone In the Dark 360/PS3 style.

 

I'd say my normal playthrough was about 10-12 hours or so. A little short, but the quality made it worthwhile. Of note, you will get access to

extra difficulty settings, full cut-scene unlocks you can replay anytime from the Logo screen.

.

Edited July 2, 2010 by Pic0o
Post Game stuff

[JeT]

Seems fun, as I loved the Alone in the Dark classics. Not that recent shit, but the first couple.

 

Any MP or replay value? Not sure if I could spend the $$ for like 10-12 hours of gameplay.

[Pic0o]

No MP in there, but replay is there. Another nice thing about the game, is complete cutscene access when you finish it up. When you play, you also collect pages of the novel around each chapter. Some are restricted to nightmare only mode, but I have yet to try that puppy out.

 

I agree on the cost per playtime as well, but I am also not certain if I put a bit more time in on it. I do know I played about 4 days before I wrapped it up, so I could be generous and side with potentially 14-16 hours. Still, I agree to hold out until price droppens.

 

Edit:

Checked around, 10-12 hours is looking just about right on length for a Normal difficulty play. Likely to do a Hard Run, as Normal was pretty damn cake.

Edited June 29, 2010 by Pic0o

[Xerxes]

I will be getting this when I order Crackdown 2!!!

[Pic0o]

Cool dude. While the play is relatively short, the play was well worth the investment, imo.

 

I started a Nightmare playthrough and the first thing that jumps out, is how much light you need to destroy their armor. I can see that difficulty being nun-punching difficult.

[JeT]

I beat me some RE:5 and have been doing bonus stuff, and also just finally entered the promo code for all my Gold Edition stuffens. hah. I was like... where's all my extra stuffens. :o

[Pic0o]

Back to some Alan Wake, I read the book that came with the CE, and it's more of a side-story read, and will not spoiler the game for you. The pages you find in-game however, are spoiler, as they tend to say what is going to happen shortly in the game.

 

RE5 sits in my collection waiting for play. I want to tackle some of the lesser confirmed awesome games, so I have something to fall back on, after completing a meh game. ;)

[JeT]

When you do jump on the RE wagon, we should do some co-op shit. Everything on the game has co-op option and ends up being more fun that way typically.

[Pic0o]

I would, but I have it for Ps3. :ginder: Got it mad cheap a few months ago in a buy 2, get 1 deal. :bunny:

[Pic0o]

The DLC Mission for Alan Wake should be live today. I got my game installed on the 360 Slim, so I should be ready to play tonight. :)

 

For those who got a code with the game, check your email for your Live account, as I had a token with 25 chars to enter, so it unlocked the DLC for me. Booting when I get home for the DL Process.

Edited July 27, 2010 by Pic0o

[JeT]

I wish I could just DL this game in marketplace. I'm too lazy to pick up a copy. lol.

[Pic0o]

High-Five to that. I get a little sad on weekdays after work, when I go to to store and by time I am back home, it's near 7pm.

 

This is why I tend to pickup games a few miles from work. I rock some Lunch Get, and when I get to the pad, it's boot time. Btw, the bit I played of the expansion is pretty good. :) I rocked some milk crate LCD, while Kat watched the big TV. Couch POWWWWAAAAAA!!!

[Pic0o]

Back on Topic, the 1st DLC was pretty good. Nice pacing and play config for sure. I am interested in the next one for sure. Got about 2 hours out of the DLC Chapter.