I still wonder how they're going to parcel this out. I just can't imagine it'll be a full experience at launch. I'm guess one or two episodes in a package at a time. I still think this will end up costing $45-$60 total when it's done.

I'd love to be wrong about that.

And this is kind of why I don't want to make too big a deal of out it.....Yes, the atmosphere is damn near flawless - maybe I just should have said I hope they add a tad more gameplay wise?

The pricing is an interesting thing to bring up as well (pinata) - but only because it could be the most expensive downloadable game yet (just saying...it's a first ya know?)

Yeah, I'm just playing Devil's Advocate there. It could easily be a 2gb XBLA game that has everything it needs for $15-$20 with the option for DLC later.

I'm just guessing by the episodic presentation of the original that it would be a perfect candidate to break up.

Called the "Horde Mode" a month ago.

I've absolutely no problem with that. The first game had instances of horde-like survival modes (the stage, defending the helicopter, etc). Plus it's optional* so quityerbitchin'.



*Optional for people that are not achievement whores

The trailer looks awesome imho.

I'd just rather have story than the typical mindless waves of enemies, that's all. In my mind Alan Wake is a better game than that. Could be fun anyway, I guess.

I understand, but if you look at this picture posted by, uh, you, you'll see that there's a story and the "Arcade Mode" is a side thing. I think it's silly and wildly premature to assume the story mode will suffer because of this inclusion.

I understand that it's a side thing. Still do not want. But you're right, I'm both silly and wildly premature. #whatshesaid

Here's a look at the "Arcade Mode" (otherwise known as "Fight Til Dawn"). Looks pretty fun to me and I love seeing all the new enemy types and hearing about the new weapons.

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A lot of revelations about this game in the new OXM. I'll try to give the highlights:

Alan Wake is trapped inside an episode of Night Springs, a show he used to write for. (Was that mentioned in the original game; I don't recall that)

The developers describe the game as a pulp-action adventure -- more in the vein of Quentin Tarantino than Steven King.
Much less narrative, more action.
Five-hour adventure.

Alan collects pages of his Night Springs manuscript to alter his reality.
He fights Taken and smoke monsters, but his biggest enemy is Mr. Scratch who taunts him along the way.

Taken are more difficult to "kill". Some strong Taken can be split into two Taken by being hit with any light (!)

New weapons include AK-47s and nail gun. They play well and handle like the guns in the first game.
____________________________

I'm very interested in this title and will almost certainly grab it at launch day. I'm very happy that it's not just like an expansion pack or DLC and that it has its own unique feel.

Someone didn't watch the video in the post above

ok I am going to pull a scott here...but any word on if the arcade mode is coop?

Doubtful. At least I've seen it use the "slo-mo close call" mechanic in videos. Not sure how that would work in an online setting.

Do some of those achievements give you a scare? I'm sure you can be a pacifist for 10 minutes once.

They give me a scare in that they're way too horde-focused, but it's premature to think about that.

85gs of them are obviously story mode with another 15gs easily doable. That's 50%. Probably too much to ask to rack up 2,000 in story mode...

Avatar awards!


Purchase the game and meet Emma in the game


Complete the Story Mode


Unlock the first nightmare difficulty arcade level

Nice. too bad i bought an Old Guards shirt a long time ago

You should wear it more often so you know it's Old Gods.

Too busy wearing my threadless shirt now.

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More

Yay, blasting hordes of bad guys for top scores! Giant spiders because why not!

The more I see of this, the more I think I might skip it, especially at 1200 MSP. Everything about it just seems counter to all the things I loved about Alan Wake.

Jesus Christ. You know there's a story element too, right? "$15" for even one more episode of Alan Wake is good enough for me. I can understand your feeling if Remedy failed you on it before. I guess if you hated the DLC packages, you have that argument, but I don't see it.

Giant, jumping spiders are definitely nightmare material for me, so that doesn't bug me any more than The Darkness inhabiting inanimate objects and throwing them at me... like a train...

Everyone's got their breaking point, with me it's spiders...