Alan Wake

 Xbox 360
Alan Wake Image
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 100 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1448 Ratings

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  • Summary: Alan Wake is a psychological action thriller, a unique new take in the world of gaming. The game is set in an idyllic all-American small town and its surroundings in the state of Washington. Alan Wake, the game's protagonist, is a bestselling horror writer, who writes a novel about hisAlan Wake is a psychological action thriller, a unique new take in the world of gaming. The game is set in an idyllic all-American small town and its surroundings in the state of Washington. Alan Wake, the game's protagonist, is a bestselling horror writer, who writes a novel about his darkest nightmares. In the game, those nightmares come true. As with Remedy's previous games, story and atmosphere are fundamental elements. The game features a massive, open world for the players to explore. The game design is mission based with the player as the driving force behing the action, and as with their previous games, Remedy again focuses completely on delivering the best possible single player experience. The use of light is a significant gameplay element. Remedy has developed proprietary new technology to support the gameplay of the title and to push the high definition visuals to the next level. [Remedy]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 100
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 100
  3. Negative: 0 out of 100
  1. The Escapist
    100
    A brilliantly told story, excellent voice acting, and an atmosphere so unnerving you'll sleep with the lights on for a month. If only it came with a bottle of instant amnesia so that you could play it for the first time more than once.
  2. Console Monster
    90
    Despite it's flaws, Alan Wake is not a game you can miss out on.
  3. Computer and Video Games
    90
    While its not the generation defining game the epic development schedule might've hyped, Alan Wake is still a fantastic, 10-hour-plus play-it-on-the-couch linear action game - with brains required or not depending on your preference.
  4. NZGamer
    85
    A challenging and genuinely frightening experience...As a survival horror, Alan Wake succeeds admirably, and comes highly recommended. But as a self-proclaimed "psychological action thriller", it falls short of its ambition.
  5. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    80
    Alan Wake is a strange beast - a great story, told clumsily and strewn with odd characters saying vaguely unbelievable things in an earnest way that might or might not be a joke. However, as baffling as it can be, it really does hold its own, keeping you nervous, excited and rolling your eyes indulgently so regularly that it simply won't occur to you to stop playing.
  6. Total Video Games
    80
    There’s certainly a feeling throughout the experience that what the game gives you with one hand, it quickly takes away with the other. Ultimately though, the survival-horror genre is in desperate need of a new poster boy, and Alan Wake just about fills that remit.
  7. Wired
    60
    When presented with an infinite number of possible resolutions, any answer is going to feel arbitrary. Alan Wake starts strong but finishes weak; neither the gameplay nor the story deliver on their potential by the time the credits roll.

See all 100 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 148 out of 193
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 193
  3. Negative: 12 out of 193
  1. eairthrow
    May 11, 2017
    10
    For sure if you are into Stephen King's stories or Twin Peaks, this is THE game for you. A wonderful mystery thriller mixed with reallyFor sure if you are into Stephen King's stories or Twin Peaks, this is THE game for you. A wonderful mystery thriller mixed with really satisfying action elements. After 7 years it's release I still tend to replay it every year. I truly hope Remedy will continue Alan's story as it left us with many questions unanswered.… Expand
  2. Skalinos
    May 1, 2012
    10
    This game sucked me in for three days... and I don't regret even one second spend in this masterpiece. It was like reading one of early King'sThis game sucked me in for three days... and I don't regret even one second spend in this masterpiece. It was like reading one of early King's works. Unique story, combat mechanics are enjoyable to (till) the end. Overall - 10 out of 10. There were some flaws, but that wasn't enough to spoil the fun.… Expand
  4. GunGraveTZA(JackW.)
    May 18, 2010
    10
    This game is truely a masterpiece. It has one of the most exciting and satisfying stories for any video game (and the ending isn't crap This game is truely a masterpiece. It has one of the most exciting and satisfying stories for any video game (and the ending isn't crap nor does it require the DLC, it just doesn't answer some questions clearly, and that's great as it opens up the ending to interpretation and makes it even more interesting), the gameplay is simple yet always fun, and the graphics are really wow for a game that's been in development for 5 years. Truely one of the best games of this generation.… Expand
  5. Le__Xenomorph
    Jan 9, 2015
    9
    A very effective horror game with a strong story. Many times when I'm playing it I shield my eyes because of its level of intense horror. TheA very effective horror game with a strong story. Many times when I'm playing it I shield my eyes because of its level of intense horror. The jumpscares are unexpected and the story is one of the best stories I've seen in a horror game. 9/10 (awesome)… Expand
  6. alex007
    Oct 30, 2012
    8
    "Alan Wake" is a psychological horror game from the makers of "Max Payne". Storywise, it is a blend of Stephen King novels and TV's "Twin"Alan Wake" is a psychological horror game from the makers of "Max Payne". Storywise, it is a blend of Stephen King novels and TV's "Twin Peaks". But the gameplay and overall look recalls the video game "Silent Hill". Made exclusively for the XBOX 360, it features a good twisty story that's presented much like a TV show. Before a new "episode" begins, there is a brief recap of previous story events. The presentation is a gimmick but it's done well enough. The developers at Remedy Entertainment have produced an extremely polished game with "Alan Wake", but it's too bad that it never reaches its true potential. Unfortunately, repetitive tasks robs the game of much needed tension. Its spooky to be sure, but once Alan has turned on a light source for the umpteenth time, it becomes obvious the makers focused more on the story than gameplay. In that regard, the company's "Max Payne" and its first sequel are more satisfying experiences. But despite its shortcomings, "Alan Wake" is still a trip worth taking. It may not be a great XBOX exclusive, but it's good enough to play through at least once. 8.5 out of 10.… Expand
  7. xshadowscreamx
    Jun 1, 2013
    8
    nailed the atmosphere of a decent horror novel and if your a Stephen king fan or a twin peaks fan. this is for you. also any fan of horrornailed the atmosphere of a decent horror novel and if your a Stephen king fan or a twin peaks fan. this is for you. also any fan of horror and story telling. there is not much verity in enemy's but the game does not outstay its welcome.… Expand
  8. Mindkiller7522
    May 19, 2021
    0
    2/22/21-3/7/21 100% Story

    Not really great! If you're a fan of stories that are weird for the sake of it, you'll love it. Not my thing.    2/22/21-3/7/21 100% Story

    Not really great! If you're a fan of stories that are weird for the sake of it, you'll love it. Not my thing.

    Alan Wake is a famous writer who goes on a cabin-by-the-lake vacation with his wife to a small (weird) town where things begin to go awry pretty quickly. His wife disappears and a creepy darkness starts making everyone crazy(er).

    Most of the game is walking through the woods, and more walking through the woods. That, plus the non stop flashlight tag with the enemies before you can shoot them, makes the game very bland.

    Alan Wake is a very dull protagonist overall. The other characters are meant to be endearing, but mostly everyone is just irritatingly odd. I never really got in to Twin Peaks either, so that might tell you something.

    The controls and shooting aren't the greatest, either. Every death feels cheap and having the darkness throw objects at you made me put the game down in frustration for quite a while.

    The only redeeming thing about this game is that it is referenced quite a bit in the game Control, which is a far superior experience. I'm glad I played it through if only to get those references.    … Expand

See all 193 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2010
6
#6 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2010
4
#4 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2010