Alan Wake General Discussion - Out May 18, 2010!

[quote name='flameofdoom666']I want the LE, but I don't want to pay the MSRP for it. I want it for $40 :D[/QUOTE]

I got it for $60 with the Gamestop 25% off code from a little while ago, and I received a $10 coupon code as well, although those things are pretty worthless.

But yeah, $40 would be great. I just don't know that I'll ever see it for that price.
 
[quote name='flameofdoom666']I want the LE, but I don't want to pay the MSRP for it. I want it for $40 :D

Even God of War III: Ultimate Edition which was deemed 'rare' has had many discounts and such. I will try my luck.[/QUOTE]

Thing is God of War is an established IP while Alan Wake isn't. Also the GoW 3 LE has not been on sale cheaper than $80 since launch. If you have a Fry's near you, you could get it for $80 plus $30 gift card this week.

I doubt many B&M places will have this left, especially after Memorial Day. I would just keep track of Amazon, buy.com, and Gamestop's stock/price if you're holding out.

I doubt you see it for cheaper than $65 before any promotions before it's OoS and OoP.
 
[quote name='reddjoey']I had a Lincoln MKX w/ MS Sync in Episode 1 of Alan Wake....[/QUOTE]

Sorry I suck at cars and that was probably what it was. I always associate the Ford Focus with Sync because the was the first car it came in and they advertised the hell out of it.

The Sync logo is clear as day though if you look at the radio as Alice stops at the diner.
 
[quote name='MSUHitman']Thing is God of War is an established IP while Alan Wake isn't. Also the GoW 3 LE has not been on sale cheaper than $80 since launch. If you have a Fry's near you, you could get it for $80 plus $30 gift card this week.

I doubt many B&M places will have this left, especially after Memorial Day. I would just keep track of Amazon, buy.com, and Gamestop's stock/price if you're holding out.

I doubt you see it for cheaper than $65 before any promotions before it's OoS and OoP.[/QUOTE]

I'm hoping for the best :D
 
[quote name='DiscoDuck8k']You can't save manually, but there are rather frequent checkpoints so you can stop whenever you want.[/QUOTE]I'm glad to hear that. Thanks!

[quote name='faceturd']The episodes are around 2 hours maximum and I think it helps to play them in those chunks so that you can experience the whole episode story-arc to completion.[/QUOTE]Yeah, I'm hoping to do that, but some days I'm lucky to get an hour to play. We'll see; I have a feeling this game will make me put my real-life responsibilities on hold for a while... :lol:
 
To further go into the chapters. Each chapter has 2-3 different areas. So you can pretty much break it down by that. The game automatically saves whenever you collect a thermos, manuscript, step into the light, view a sign, etc etc etc. The game automatically saves like every 2 minutes.
 
I have tried this and it isn't exactly true. Just because you get a thermos or a manuscript it does not mean it saves. I have gotten a thermos and it didn't say but, it saved prior to me getting the thermos at a lamp post instead so don't always count on the thermos point equaling out to a saving point.

- Jason
 
Beat it last night! What a fantastic game. I think the last chapter was weaker than the previous three, but it was still a cool ending. I can see how people have been talking about the plot being open to interpretation. Maybe someone here has some better understanding about a few things:

Exactly who/what the hell was Mr. Scratch? Seemed like a copy of Alan created by Zane, but why? Or was he created by Wake? Zane mentioned something about Scratch communicating with the outside world after Wake was gone. Did Wake sacrifice himself to save Alice? Attaining the balance that Zane originally lacked and therefore trapping himself in the dark cabin, still being forced to write something (the last shot of him clearly has darkness swirling around outside and Alan looks pretty crazy). So maybe Mr. Scratch will take his place in his regular life since Alan is trapped? Also, what the shit was Nightingale doing in the dark window when the parade was going on outside?

:lol: I guess this sets things up nicely for DLC and the sequel but I feel like I might have missed something during the game that would help explain the whole Scratch thing.

Hats off to Remedy. And especially to Sam Lake. That guy is obviously mad talented for creating this whole universe, and I fucking loved his
cameo at the beginning of chapter 6. Where they even have him do the Max Payne face. LOL I was cracking up at that.

I just hate myself for not buying the limited edition.
 
[quote name='Jabrim']Don't let the smiley face upset you, it was an opinion which I am entitled to, enjoy your game, wrapped in cellophane while others actually play it. :roll:

- Jason[/QUOTE]

surething noob.

fucking douche.
 
[quote name='bigdaddybruce44']
- Zane definitely is the "light" that guides Wake through certain parts of the game. If you notice when he finally appears in this diving suit, the helmet is extremely illuminated.

- At this point, without some insight from the developers, the relationship between Zane and Wake is like trying to decide if the chicken or egg came first. Considering the power of the lake, it's hard to tell what the actual reality was before Zane and Wake altered it with their writings. When Wake is being given that "tour" of the facilities by Dr. Hartman, the Anderson brothers refer to Wake as "Tom." This could be because Wake resembles Zane (like a son resembles his father), Wake is a reincarnation of Zane, or the Andersons are just batshit crazy and confused. Again, though, for whatever reason they think he is Tom, that could have all been influenced by the writings.

- Nightingale's purpose has really perplexed me, as well. One thing I have thought about is his appearance at the end of the game. He seems to be surrounded by darkness and looking quite cold and distance. Has he become the new bearer of the Dark Presence? Perhaps there needs to be one? It could be part of the necessary balance that forced Alan to sacrifice himself for Alice.
[/QUOTE]

[quote name='Ink.So.Well.']
The Alan Wake Files did a decent job of touching base on Nightingale's personality and possible reasoning behind his investigation of Bright Falls and Wake himself. In fact, 60 - 75% of his dosser comprises the book including transcribed interviews with various characters. I recall a document in the book stating he wasn't on official business as depression and chronic drinking due to the death of his partner led to him being discharged from the force.

His personal notes of course didn't divulge the circumstances leading to the death in detail, but did seem to imply the Dark Presence was involved in some way. If so then this is a text book case of guilt ridden obsession in my opinion. An emotionally battered man determined to redeem himself in the eyes of his partner by catching or killing whomever or whatever was responsible for introducing him to his demons.

Clay (the author and man killed outside of the cabin by the Taken in Alan's first nightmare) certainly felt the same way often wondering why he took interest in certain articles and books including DP esque dispatcher calls/reports, Barbara Jagger's obituary in the paper and a rare set of the few remaining pictures of Diver's Isle containing mysterious ink blots. He's also one of the few convinced Nightingale was a completely different man before his partner's demise.

I could quote a few notes or an interview if you guys want. I'm starting to fall in love with the storyline of this game as in order to fully understand it
we first need to establish which writer's reality is the genuine article: Alan Wake or Thomas Zane?
[/QUOTE]

It's funny , because after I posted my big post last night , I went on to read a plot discussion thread on 360achievments.org and it discussed a lot of the same things both of you mentioned. Kinda made me wished I read that thread before I posted.

On a lighter note , does anyone find the Taken themselves and some of the achievements in the game rather funny? Some of the things the Taken say just seem so random. Stucky is the best though , and the achievement you get for beating him is pretty good too. Other ones I liked were "It's not just a typewriter brand" and "Light through yon window breaks".
 
[quote name='Ink.So.Well.']I could quote a few notes or an interview if you guys want. I'm starting to fall in love with the storyline of this game as in order to fully understand it
we first need to establish which writer's reality is the genuine article: Alan Wake or Thomas Zane?
[/QUOTE]
Aren't they both real? I keep hearing people with the limited edition mention that Clay (I, sadly, did not buy the LE so I'm not sure who that is) kept news articles referring to Zane, which would suggest that he did exist if there were real world news reports about him.
 
Like I said before, without some insight from the developers (or whatever we might learn in further episodes or "seasons), we're all just purely speculating about most of this stuff. The game really is a total mind fuck (in a good way), which most fiction ends up being when you're dealing with time travel or multiple universes.
 
It wasn't until the whole
second clicker
business that I immediately started questioning whether one is a product of the other.

You could easily chalk up Wake's surprise as a byproduct of another amnesiac episode... sure. The only problem is when both writers are capable of altering reality itself there's no real way to decipher fact from fiction without delving into both of their completed manuscripts. Most of what was published in the Alan Wake Files does help legitimize each writers existence in the same world, but is that simply because one of them wrote it into fruition or because it simply is? I'd kill to get my hands on Zane's manuscript at this point. The man wrote himself out of history sans Cynthia's memory for christ sake so there is no limit on speculating just how detailed nor how much time he had available to put into revisions. After all... he managed to subdue the Dark Presence long enough to CUT OUT HIS HOST'S HEART. Dude is a beast. Crazy as hell but a beast none the less.

Could anyone who has collected the Nightmare manuscripts tell me if
Mr. Scratchy or Alan receiving the second clicker
were mentioned?
 
[quote name='StarKnightX']It's funny , because after I posted my big post last night , I went on to read a plot discussion thread on 360achievments.org and it discussed a lot of the same things both of you mentioned. Kinda made me wished I read that thread before I posted.

On a lighter note , does anyone find the Taken themselves and some of the achievements in the game rather funny? Some of the things the Taken say just seem so random. Stucky is the best though , and the achievement you get for beating him is pretty good too. Other ones I liked were "It's not just a typewriter brand" and "Light through yon window breaks".[/QUOTE]

Yeah I particularly liked the one about the flare gun kills and the one about using a flash bang and getting multiple kills.

- Jason
 
[quote name='bigdaddybruce44']
Like I said before, without some insight from the developers (or whatever we might learn in further episodes or "seasons), we're all just purely speculating about most of this stuff. The game really is a total mind fuck (in a good way), which most fiction ends up being when you're dealing with time travel or multiple universes.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah, that's true. I can't understate how impressed I am with Sam Lake for AW's story and characters.
 
[quote name='Fjordson']Yeah, that's true. I can't understate how impressed I am with Sam Lake for AW's story and characters.[/QUOTE]

Considering Sam Lake's level of involvement in the Max Payne series it doesn't surprise me that the game is a complete gem really. I also love the cameo where Alan is watching a television interview he did and who is sitting next to him but, Sam Lake.

- Jason
 
A somewhat loose string of ideas about characters:
Did we ever see a picture of Thomas Zane on a poster or a book cover? I know we saw Alan, and Hartman... but can't remember about Zane. I can't get out of my head that if we hadn't seen his face then there is an obvious reason that he is only in the story as a "glow of light" and as "the diver." (I am also keeping somewhat in mind that the brothers called Alan "Tom" like BigDaddyBruce reminded us... a potential point for opening up whats going on in this world, I think)

If we haven't then.... Not only is Zane's identity obviously being kept secret for a likely big reveal at some point, but also... what is the motivation to not have him be a physical person? If Alan wrote him into existence, why not have him be a lamp-lady type character that is actually in the world who he can talk with and understand more? Or if Zane wrote Alan into the world what would be the motivation...? Or possibly they both exist... but then why have we never seen proof of Zane beyond the lamp-lady's "love" for him... ugh... I think I just went cross-eyed.
 
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The last gameplay segment of Chapter 5 was an absolute blast. I love the combat of the game so much, and thanks to the great enemy A.I, it felt really satisfying when I beat all the Taken.
 
[quote name='Enclave Soldier']The last gameplay segment of Chapter 5 was an absolute blast. I love the combat of the game so much, and thanks to the great enemy A.I, it felt really satisfying when I beat all the Taken.[/QUOTE]

Agreed. I don't think I've ever played a game where the AI actually came at me in multiple numbers and actually succeeded in making the situation a bit frantic. Assassin's Creed should take note ;)
 
[quote name='Enclave Soldier']The last gameplay segment of Chapter 5 was an absolute blast. I love the combat of the game so much, and thanks to the great enemy A.I, it felt really satisfying when I beat all the Taken.[/QUOTE]

Yeah I enjoyed the game and did not feel like I was just "going through the motions" with Alan Wake. The A.I. is really good too, there are some instances where you have to act almost instantly or your character is hit, like when you turn corners and the Taken are already in full swing about to hit you. The way the Taken also actually flank you is cool as well, if they are in groups I have noticed a few times where they separate, especially in the dark so you can't follow multiple enemies.

- Jason
 
The Taken are very fun to fight because they come at you like Olympic runners and attack you immediately, unlike, say, the dudes from Resident Evil 5 who only stood there waiting for you to blow their brains.

The A.I has made all the encounters really enjoyable and challenging without feeling unbalanced or frustrating.
 
[quote name='Enclave Soldier']The Taken are very fun to fight...[/QUOTE]

Except for those fast running guys... at first it was neat, but then it just turned into standing around and waiting for enough chances to knock the dark off. They never attacked enough.
 
[quote name='Jabrim']Considering Sam Lake's level of involvement in the Max Payne series it doesn't surprise me that the game is a complete gem really. I also love the cameo where Alan is watching a television interview he did and who is sitting next to him but, Sam Lake.

- Jason[/QUOTE]
Yes! And they have him do "the face" :lol: that was awesome.
 
[quote name='faceturd']Except for those fast running guys... at first it was neat, but then it just turned into standing around and waiting for enough chances to knock the dark off. They never attacked enough.[/QUOTE]

You gotta use the flashbangs for those dudes.
 
I would have used them if I thought they were a threat, but they usually weren't. Only once or twice were they combined with other attackers... that was a little more dangerous. I always felt the big axe guys who charge at you were the real threat... along with the possessed objects.
 
I just beat episode 4 last night and that was one of the coolest gaming experiences I've had in a while.

I'm so glad I found Children of the Elder Gods on MP3 on the 'nets today!
 
Just beat the game and all I can say is WOW I want more!!! so many questions still!!! maybe we need a CAG Alan Wake game thoughts discussion thread where we can all talk our ideas and spoilers without even accidentally screwing people who havent played it.

I have so many thoughts!!!
 
[quote name='faceturd']I would have used them if I thought they were a threat, but they usually weren't. Only once or twice were they combined with other attackers... that was a little more dangerous. I always felt the big axe guys who charge at you were the real threat... along with the possessed objects.[/QUOTE]

Definately. The really fast guys are really only a threat within a group (which they rarely are). In the cases where you to have to fight them (episodes 1 and 2 with Stucky and Rusty) they are easy , and most of the rest of the time you can fairly easily flee from them.
 
[quote name='StarKnightX']Definately. The really fast guys are really only a threat within a group (which they rarely are). In the cases where you to have to fight them (episodes 1 and 2 with Stucky and Rusty) they are easy , and most of the rest of the time you can fairly easily flee from them.[/QUOTE]


Most of the time I just ran from them unless there was 2, they take forever to attack and can be a waste of batteries and ammo. they are really cool looking though
 
For those playing nightmare... where does the difficulty come in? Less supplies, more damage before kills, stronger enemies, more enemies, etc...? I am tempted to play right now but think it might be better to wait a month and play nightmare before the DLC comes out.

DLC comment... probably not a spoiler but just in case:
Did you guys hear Cheapy talking about the DLCs not having Wake as the main character? I haven't heard that before?
 
[quote name='faceturd']For those playing nightmare... where does the difficulty come in? Less supplies, more damage before kills, stronger enemies, more enemies, etc...? I am tempted to play right now but think it might be better to wait a month and play nightmare before the DLC comes out.

DLC comment... probably not a spoiler but just in case:
Did you guys hear Cheapy talking about the DLCs not having Wake as the main character? I haven't heard that before?
[/QUOTE]

Although I've only played the first chapter so far , I'd say a little bit of all of the above. Enemies tend to do more damage , you get less supplies (hidden supply chests aren't effected though) , enemies take more hits to kill (4 revolver or 2 shotgun for standard taken) don't know about more enemies though. Doesn't seem like I fought any more in the first episode then I did before.

As for the spolier
From what I've read elsewhere others seem to have been under that impression as well. The current theories seem to be playing Barry in the signal , and playing Zane in the writer.
 
If you look at the DLC section in-game, there are little teaser blurbs for the first two pieces of DLC. I don't remember the one associated with "The Signal," but "The Writer" definitely sounds like it has Wake as the playable character.
 
Oskari Hakkinen, head of franchise development at Remedy Entertainment: '"The game add-ons aren't telling more of the story, so to speak," he continued. "It'll give you a different perspective on the things you've done on season one and then trying to set you up for the possible things you're going to do in season two." We'll find out for ourselves just how different that perspective is when the DLC releases, free for purchasers of the game new at retail, on July 28.' 1UP

But I'm with you Bruce,
the description for 'The Writer' definitely made me think of Wake.
I am a little more confused about the DLC but at least they know where they are going overall:

"We do know where season two is going to go," he said. "Season one will have a conclusive and satisfactory ending but we will leave doors open for season two and we know where we're going to take the story." CVG
 
Yesterday I read Entertainment Weekly while at the dentist office. It reviewed the video games Iron Man 2 and Alan Wake. Alan Wake got a B. Iron Man 2 got a B-. Yikes, now I know why I don't care about Entertainment Weekly's game reviews.
 
Just finished it yesterday. Fantastic game from beginning to end. Can't wait to read the Alan Wake files and play the game with the developer commentary on. That should give me even more insight into this wonderful world Remedy created.
 
[quote name='faceturd']For those playing nightmare... where does the difficulty come in? Less supplies, more damage before kills, stronger enemies, more enemies, etc...? I am tempted to play right now but think it might be better to wait a month and play nightmare before the DLC comes out.
[/QUOTE]

I also plan to replay on nightmare, but I think I'll wait. The first DLC comes out in July. So, maybe I'll wait until then to replay.

I thought Alan Wake was a really great game. The combat mechanics were amazing.
 
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[quote name='Enclave Soldier']...and play the game with the developer commentary on.[/QUOTE]

I've never played a game with commentary (and regrettably didn't get the LE), I'd be curious to hear how that goes and if you learn anything of note if you are willing to share.
 
I loved the
"Concert" part in Episode 4. That was awesome!
 
[quote name='Blackout']I loved the
"Concert" part in Episode 4. That was awesome!
[/QUOTE]

Yeah that was absolutely great, one of the best action sequences.

- Jason
 
[quote name='faceturd']i've never played a game with commentary (and regrettably didn't get the le), i'd be curious to hear how that goes and if you learn anything of note if you are willing to share.[/quote]
x 2.
 
Just got this game yesterday and put around an hour of time into it. Game freaks me out since I wear headphones, but I love the atmosphere and light mechanic.

Also, I really enjoyed the

Night Springs episode Quantum Suicide, shit is awesome.
 
Just finished Episde 2, and I'm still not really pulled in. I guess it's just the fact that I don't really like games where enemies sneak up on you. I get freaked out super easily lol. Luckily my dogs were right next to me.
 
I don't like being freaked out by movies or games either. By like halfway thru the game, the "spooky" parts of the game didn't freak me out anymore. I just got used to it and I played it like any other game.
 
[quote name='Kissfuldreamer']Just finished Episde 2, and I'm still not really pulled in. I guess it's just the fact that I don't really like games where enemies sneak up on you. I get freaked out super easily lol. Luckily my dogs were right next to me.[/QUOTE]
I'm the same way, but I enjoy being freaked out like that. Helps shake things up :lol:

This game does a great job of maintaining a solid level of suspense and unease. It's usually not outright scary, but I'm not big on horror games, so I really enjoyed that. Creepy seems like an apt way to describe it.
 
[quote name='guyver2077']finally beat it.. awesome game

yea the ending has me confused as hell..

and wtf with its not a lake.. its an ocean ending?
[/QUOTE]
Yeah
, the ending leaves so much open. I think that line was referring, in some way, to the darkness not being completely erased just because of what Alan did. That it's still out there somehow, and can't be contained in Lake Cauldron.

I could be way off, the DLC/sequel could reveal that it meant something entirely different, but that's some of what I took away from that quote.
 
ending talk
so alan killed himself for his girl and yet she seems alone and yet the darkness still seems to be out there!! way to go alan
 
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