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Learn moreAlan Wake 2, a continuation of the story about a writer who faces the nightmares from his books come to life, was recently released. The new game from Remedy studio not only continues the Alan Wake series, but also expands the lore of another project of the studio – the action-metroidvania Control, where the characters inhabit the same universe as Alan Wake. This creates a unique connection between the two games, deepening the world and adding new elements to the plot. Alan Wake 2 offers players exciting gameplay and a fascinating story, attracting both fans of the first part and new players.
The developers claim that the plot of Alan Wake 2 will be understandable even to those unfamiliar with the first part. However, the worlds created by Remedy can be difficult to understand even for experienced fans, as these worlds are characterized by their intricacy. In anticipation of the upcoming release of the new game, Skillbox Media's Gamedev team has prepared a detailed guide to the complex universe of Alan Wake. In this article, we'll cover key events and their interconnections to help players better understand the plot and depth of the events. Subscribe to our Checkpoint Telegram channel. Here you'll find a cozy space dedicated to games and the creation process. We share helpful tips for developers, discuss current updates to popular software, and offer interesting ideas. The comments are open for discussion: share your thoughts, suggest topics for new publications, and participate in gamedev conversations. Join our community and stay up-to-date on the latest gaming industry news.
Wake's Creative Troubles
Getting to know the united universe of Remedy should start with the first part of Alan Wake. This game, released in 2010, became a key element of the overall mythology, which was expanded with the release of Control in 2019. The first part of the adventures of Alan Wake is the ideal starting point for immersing yourself in this unique universe. It is from it that a fascinating journey full of mysticism and tension begins.
In this work, we follow the life of a writer who, together with his wife Alice, comes to Bright Falls, a small fictional town in Washington state. The developers chose this location for a reason: Bright Falls echoes both Twin Peaks from David Lynch's celebrated series and the locations of Stephen King's Bag of Bones. It is the influence of these masters of the genre that is most evident in Alan Wake. Alan Wake, like The Dark Tower fantasy series and Stephen King's Misery, immerses players in a world where the process of storytelling itself is the central theme. It explores why people tell stories, how they do so, and the price they are willing to pay for their creativity. This profound meta-history highlights the importance of narrative in human culture and makes us think about the consequences that can arise from the interaction between the author and their work.
Alan initially perceives the trip to Bright Falls as an ordinary vacation. However, he soon learns that this trip was organized by Alice and his agent Barry in order to help him overcome his creative block. Two years have passed since Alan completed the last part of the detective Alex Casey series, and he cannot come up with anything new. This vacation should be an opportunity for him to restore his creative flow and find inspiration for new works.
The main character of the Wake books is an obvious reference to Max Payne, the protagonist of another well-known series from Remedy. Casey is a charismatic detective from New York, who also seeks justice for the murders of his wife and child. His thinking is permeated with dark metaphors, which creates an atmosphere of deep tragedy and internal struggle. This similarity to Max Payne underscores the shared themes of revenge and loss, making the characters more memorable and appealing to readers interested in dark, emotionally charged stories.
The game's writer, Sam Lake, uses this reference as an opportunity to consider the relationship between creativity and real life. Like protagonist Max Wake, Remedy studio also faced a creative crisis after completing work on the second part of Max Payne. This experience became an important stage in the company's development, allowing it to rethink its approaches to creating games and be inspired by new ideas.
For Alan Wake, creative crisis turns into an otherworldly threat. He and his wife decide to relax in a secluded house on an island in the middle of Lake Cauldron. On the very first evening, disaster occurs: Alice, left alone for a while, goes missing. Alan inspects the cabin and concludes that Alice likely fell into the lake and drowned. Without thinking, he dives in to save her but loses consciousness. Alan awakens a week later in a wrecked car, which had veered off the road in the middle of the woods. Alice remains missing under mysterious circumstances. It is later revealed that she was abducted by a Dark Entity dwelling at the bottom of the lake, which took the form of an elderly woman in mourning. We'll discuss this important fact later, but for now, remember it.
Alana encounters the Taken—humans transformed into servants of a Dark Entity. This darkness serves as a shield, so to prevail, Wake must first dispel their magical shield with light. After that, he can destroy the monster with firearms. This dynamic of the struggle between light and darkness is a key element of the narrative, emphasizing the importance of using light to overcome evil.
Walking through dense, dark forests, Alan discovers manuscript pages titled "Leaving." This is the title he had in mind for his new novel, which he had been working on for the past two years but never completed. Now, the manuscript pages describe horrific events that will befall the writer in the future, such as an encounter with a Taken armed with a chainsaw and the death of a townsman before the protagonist's eyes. This plot twist adds an element of tension and intrigue, prompting reflection on how creativity can anticipate reality.
The manuscript's author, Wake, is unable to recall the process of writing it. Everything points to him becoming a character in his own horror novel. This mysterious situation raises questions about the nature of creativity and reality, highlighting the boundaries between the author and their fictional world.
Secrets of Cauldron Lake
Alan Wake is not the first character to face such events. Moreover, his arrival in Bright Falls has deep roots and is not accidental. This mystical setting and mysterious events create a unique atmosphere in which his story unfolds. Every element of the plot, every event in Bright Falls has its own significance and is closely connected to Alan's personal history, which makes his journey even more fascinating and intriguing.
Until 1970, the once-famous but now forgotten poet Thomas Zane lived in a cabin on Cauldron Lake. His inspiration was his lover, Barbara Jagger. She served as Zane's muse until tragedy struck: one evening, Barbara went swimming in the lake and disappeared under mysterious circumstances. This incident left a deep mark on the poet and sparked his subsequent creative explorations. The story of Thomas Zane and Barbara Jagger draws attention to the mysteries of the past and tragedies that can inspire the creation of art.
Zane was aware of the lake's magical power to transform creativity into reality, and his assistant, the poet Emil Hartmann, knew about it too. It was Emil who convinced Zane to resurrect Barbara with poetry. The girl did indeed return, but Zane soon realized that only a shell remained in her body, and a mysterious Dark Entity occupied her interior.
When the poet realized that his plan had led to disaster, he did everything possible to erase himself, Barbara, and everything connected with them from his reality. This attempt to resist the Dark Entity caused the awakening of a volcano that had long been dormant beneath Lake Cauldron. As a result of its 1970 eruption, the island where Zane's house was located was plunged into the abyss.
The poet suspected that the Dark Entity would attempt to return to the real world. His premonition proved correct: 40 years later, when Alan Wake and his wife go to Bright Falls for a vacation, the evil awakens again. It's worth noting that the couple's choice of this vacation spot was no accident—it was facilitated by Emil Hartman, Thomas Zane's former assistant. Bright Falls, with its mysterious atmosphere and dark secrets, becomes the arena for new events related to the dark force, which gives the story additional tension and intrigue.
Hartman, despite Zane's attempts to hide his existence, retained knowledge of the supernatural properties of Cauldron Lake. For many years, he studied this unique phenomenon and eventually founded a psychiatric hospital for creative people on its shores. The goal of the institution was not only to treat them, but also to use their abilities to alter reality around them. Cauldron Lake became a center of attraction for those seeking to discover their talents and explore the boundaries of human nature.
Alice Wake contacted Alan before his trip to Bright Falls, hoping to persuade him to seek help at the clinic, where Dr. Hartman could help the writer overcome creative burnout. Alice understood that the specialist's support could play a key role in restoring Alan's inspiration and improving his psycho-emotional state.
Midway through the game, the protagonist, Wake, finds himself in a sanatorium, where a doctor tries to convince him that the Dark Entity and the Taken are merely figments of his imagination, brought on by the stress of losing his wife. Other famous artists are also housed in this institution, including musicians Odin and Thor Anderson, once famous as the founders of the heavy metal band "Old Gods of Asgard." This plot twist highlights the theme of struggling with inner demons and the challenges that creative individuals face.
In the 1970s, the band of brothers gained widespread fame, but since then their reputation has tarnished. Some believe the Andersons suffer from senile dementia, but game records suggest that the real cause of their unstable condition is moonshine made from the water of Cauldron Lake. This drink helps Wake unravel the mystery of the events that occurred during the week that disappeared from his memory - from the disappearance of Alice to the moment when Alan wakes up in a wrecked car on a forest highway.
An Ocean Within a Lake
Wake found himself in a similar trap as Zane: after the disappearance of his wife, he plunged into the lake in search of her, but found himself under the control of the Dark Entity in the Dark Abode. The writer did not immediately realize what was happening, and the Entity forced him to take up writing a horror novel. In this story, the darkness lurking at the bottom of the lake was supposed to break through to the surface and overwhelm Bright Falls.
Wake realized his mistake in time and, instead of succumbing to the influence of the Dark Entity, decided to introduce a character named Thomas Zane into his story. Zane was to become a key ally in the fight against the dark forces, helping Alan escape their captivity and fight evil. This decision became a turning point that changed the course of events and opened up new possibilities for defeating the darkness.
After the writer escaped from the bottom of the lake, he, weakened, gets behind the wheel of a car in an attempt to reach the city. However, having lost consciousness, he flies off the road. This is why at the beginning of the game, when Alan jumps into the lake after Alice, we find him on the side of the highway in a wrecked car. An entire week passed between these events, during which Alan was under the control of the Dark Entity. This week became a critical moment, determining his future actions and destiny.
Wake must return to the Dark Abode and confront the Dark Entity. In his fight against this evil, he is aided by the magical artifact "The Nutcracker," which was created by Thomas Zane and has become an integral part of Alan's life. The artifact resembles a lamp switch with a broken cord and was given to Wake by his mother as a child. The Nutcracker was intended to help the boy overcome his fear of the dark. Now, as an adult, Alan realizes that this episode of his life was a fabrication by Thomas Zane before he removed himself and Barbara from reality. This revelation highlights the complex connection between Wake and Zane, and heightens the atmosphere of mysticism and psychological tension in their confrontation with dark forces.
Zane acts as the Light Entity, assisting Alan in his fight against the Taken. He contacts Wake in a dream before his arrival in Bright Falls to provide important instructions on how to counter the dark forces. Zane also leaves manuscript pages along Wake's path and places lanterns that restore health and serve as save points. This interaction emphasizes the importance of support and guidance in confronting evil.
With Zane's help, in a thrilling climax where buses and ships rain down, Alan Wake reaches an island hidden at the bottom of the lake. Using the Nutcracker, he defeats the Dark Entity. Now all that remains is for him to do is sit down at his typewriter and complete the final page of his work, "Leaving." However, unlike Zane, Wake is convinced that there can be no happy ending in the horror genre.
"Light and darkness, cause and effect, guilt and redemption—all these are elements that shape our reality. At the game's conclusion, the writer emphasizes that balance must always be maintained and that nothing comes without effort. A true horror novel requires adherence to internal logic, and in this context, Wake faces a difficult choice: to save his wife, he must take her place in the Dark Abode."
Alice returns to the past, rewinding time a week. She emerges from the depths of Cauldron Lake and climbs to the shore. Bright Falls hosts a traditional autumn festival known as Stag Day, while darkness remains trapped at the bottom of the lake, never disturbing the tranquility of the festivities.
Alan Wake finds himself trapped in the Dark Realm, while his evil double, known as Mr. Scratch, appears in the real world. This character, created based on dark rumors about the disappearance of the real Alan, will become a central element of the plot of Alan Wake 2. Mr. Scratch personifies the dark aspects of Wake’s personality and his internal conflicts, which adds depth and tension to the gameplay.
Federal Bureau of Control
At the end of Alan Wake, the writer utters a cryptic phrase from his new book: “This is not a lake. It is an ocean.” This phrase raised many questions among fans and hinted that the Dark Chamber and its phenomena are just a tiny part of a larger, more terrifying world hidden behind familiar reality. These hints were confirmed in the 2019 game Control, which expands the Alan Wake universe and deepens our understanding of its dark and mysterious aspects.
Players learned that the events that occurred in Bright Falls are classified as Alternate World Events (AMEs). This term refers to instances in which paranormal forces interfere with normal reality, causing changes. To effectively respond to such phenomena, a secret government organization, the Federal Bureau of Control, was established in the mid-20th century. This organization is engaged in the study, analysis, and elimination of the consequences of the AMS, ensuring safety and stability in a world influenced by supernatural forces.
The SCP Foundation's internet project served as the basis for the new concept. It is a web archive for a fictional scientific organization whose purpose is to store information about creatures and objects with paranormal properties to prevent them from entering our world. Similarly, the Bureau solves similar problems, but focuses on Alternative Events.
Automated multifunctional systems (AMS) exhibit surprising diversity. For example, employees of the Federal Bureau of Control once encountered a hotel that connects different dimensions. In another situation, they witnessed an unusual event when an alien creature disguised as the fourth crew member returned to Earth from a lunar expedition. These cases highlight the unique capabilities and mystique of the AMS, which continue to amaze scientists and researchers.
Alternate world events are difficult to categorize, but they are often associated with archetypal objects that live in the public consciousness. These can be objects such as a gun, an ordinary television, or a haunted house. In this context, the game Control continues to explore the key theme of Alan Wake: the influence of human imagination on the formation of reality. Themes of the interaction between imagination and reality become central to understanding these works, highlighting how our perceptions can influence the world around us.
Objects that possess unique properties as a result of anomalous modification are called altered objects. One example of such an artifact is the thermos from Alan Wake, which, according to a report by a research organization, abnormally retains the heat of a drink and improves its taste. However, among altered objects there are also dangerous specimens, such as a refrigerator that can kill a person if they lose eye contact with it. These artifacts represent an interesting and potentially dangerous object for study in the field of anomalous phenomena.
This object, like many others, is stored in the Bureau's headquarters, known as the Oldest House. It is here that the main events of the Control game unfold, highlighting the unique atmosphere and mystery of the surrounding world.
The Oldest House and the Council
When Jesse Faden, the protagonist of Control, first arrives at the entrance to the Bureau's headquarters, the building reveals itself as an ominous, windowless Brutalist skyscraper. This dark and impressive architectural style creates an atmosphere of mystery and uneasiness, which perfectly suits the game's plot. The Bureau becomes not just a setting, but an important element of the narrative, reflecting Jesse's internal conflicts and her struggle with unknown forces.
The oldest house is located in Manhattan and was discovered by the organization's agents in 1964 during an investigation into an incident on the New York City subway. Inside this building, a unique reality reigns, distinct from ordinary time and space. It is a chaotic labyrinth that constantly changes its structure and dimensions. Ordinary offices, laboratories, and cafeterias sit alongside mysterious caves and deep concrete chasms, creating an atmosphere of mystery and surprise.
The Oldest House possesses unique characteristics, making it a place of power capable of storing Altered Items. This attracted the attention of the Bureau, who began investigating the facility and eventually made it their headquarters. By 2019, when Control takes place, the Oldest House houses five main departments: Management, Maintenance, Research, Containment, and Investigation. The Foundation expansion adds another department, the Foundation, which expands the Bureau's capabilities and deepens its research into anomalous phenomena.
The House also functions as a bridge between our world and other worlds, the most important of which for the Bureau is the Astral Dimension. Within this white void resides the Council—an inverted pyramid-shaped entity that represents a unique combination of bureaucracy and ancient gods, inspired by Lovecraftian mythology.
The Council appoints the Bureau's director by providing applicants with a service pistol, which is classified as an Object of Power. These altered objects are linked to the Astral Dimension and can grant their owners paranormal abilities. A 2010 report on the AMS in Bright Falls suggests that the Nutcracker may also be one of these objects.
After Jesse takes a weapon from the body of the previous director of the Bureau, Zachariah Trench, she unexpectedly becomes the new leader of the organization. This event is not accidental, since, like Alan Wake, Jesse gained her supernatural abilities without her own desire. There are many intersections in their destinies, which emphasizes the complex relationship between the characters and the world in which they exist. Every decision and action Jesse makes opens new horizons and poses difficult challenges for her in managing the Bureau and investigating mystical phenomena.
The Ordinarium and the "Old Gods of Asgard"
Jesse Faden is one of the few who still remembers Thomas Zane. In a conversation with a psychiatrist, she mentions him as her favorite poet. This fact underscores not only Jessie's connection to literary heritage but also her deep emotional attachment to Zane's works, making him an important figure in her life and the world in which she exists. The memory of Thomas Zane lives on through heroes like Jessie who appreciate his work.
Jessie's memory may be related to her experience of AMS as a child, living in a town with the symbolic name of Ordinarium. Near this place, she and her brother Dylan discovered a slide projector whose slides opened doors to different dimensions. In one of these dimensions, the children came into contact with a mysterious entity known as Polaris.
Polaris became as much a guide to Fayden in a new and unfamiliar world as Zane was to Wake. She rescues Jesse and Dylan during the AMS in the Ordinarium, and then helps Jesse find the Oldest House where her brother was taken. Polaris guides the protagonist through the complex interweaving of local history, revealing new perspectives and key moments that are significant to the entire storyline.
The main plot of the game Control is not directly related to the work of the writer. The narrative centers on the confrontation between the main character Jesse Faden and the Iss, creatures from another dimension who have almost completely captured the Oldest House. While Wake and Bright Falls are mentioned in the context of reports of numerous anomalous events that have occurred in the town over the past fifty years, there is one moment when the locals play a significant role in the development of the plot. This emphasizes the connection between the various elements of the game universe and creates a deeper immersion in the world of Control.
In the final part of the game, Faden will have to overcome the Ashtray - a unique complex consisting of sliding corridors that block access to all outsiders. To open the way through this place, Jesse needs to find a cassette tape for the player, which is given to her by the local janitor Ahti. An important point is that the cassette tape contains the song "Take Control" group "Old Gods of Asgard", which plays a key role in this stage of the game.
Alan Wake becomes the central figure in the second DLC for the game, called AWE. In this add-on, players will be able to delve deeper into his story and understand key plot points. DLC AWE reveals new aspects of the character and his interactions with the world around him, making it a meaningful addition to the main game.
Signal from the Future
An important aspect of the plot of Alan Wake is that the story does not end with the phrase about the lake and the ocean. The true ending is revealed in additional episodes - "Signal" and "The Writer". These chapters provide key details and deepen understanding of the events occurring in the game, adding new layers to an already complex narrative. Understanding these episodes is essential to fully grasping the plot and its depth.
Having defeated the Dark Entity, Alan now wanders the Dark Abode, facing internal conflicts. His personality splits into two: one, controlled by the player, strives to find a path to the light, traversing the distorted landscape of his own consciousness. While the other part, consumed by despair and madness, unleashes the Taken and creates other dangers that threaten his quest. This struggle between light and darkness becomes a central theme, reflecting the inner demons he will face on his path to self-discovery and redemption.
Thomas Zane once again comes to Wake's aid. With his support, Alan overcomes his fears, reaches the other half of his consciousness, and restores his integrity. After this, the writer sits down at his typewriter and begins typing the first page of his new novel, "Return." With the help of this work, he hopes to escape from the Dark Abode.
After a long silence about Wake's fate, in 2019, Jesse Faden unexpectedly encounters the ghost of the writer. Wake, it turns out, made Jesse the heroine of his manuscript and now urges her to go to the Investigations Department. This event becomes the catalyst for the plot of the AWE expansion for Control. This part of the game deepens the understanding of the world of Control, connecting it with Wake's work and expanding the story horizons for players.
Before the events, the Investigations Department remained the only inaccessible part of the Oldest House. Upon arriving, Faden discovers that the sector had been locked for several years before the Iss invasion, following the events that occurred in Bright Falls in 2010.
While analyzing the sector, Jesse discovers that following the events of Alan Wake, Bureau agents interrogated Emil Hartman, the owner of a clinic for creative individuals with mental disorders. During the interrogation, all of his research notes were confiscated, underscoring the importance of his work and the impact he had on the events of the game.
Having lost all of his notes, Dr. Hartman decided to jump into Cauldron Lake to study the powers hidden within it. This led to his transformation into a Taken. Bureau agents captured Hartman and placed him in the Oldest House, but he managed to break free, forcing the Bureau to abandon the entire Investigation Division. When the Iss reached this part of the building, they encountered the darkness that had possessed Hartman. This contact resulted in the creation of a monstrous hybrid that must now be destroyed by Jesse Faden. This confrontation becomes a key moment in the fight against the looming threat and reveals dark secrets associated with Cauldron Lake and its dangerous forces.
Proceeding through the corridors of the Investigation Department, the heroine repeatedly finds herself in the Oceanview Hotel - a mysterious place that serves as a link between dimensions and transports visitors to various corners of the Oldest House. In this strange hotel, Jesse discovers doors decorated with an image of a spiral, and through the keyhole she observes scenes with a writer, which reveal several interesting details and add new touches to the overall picture of what is happening.
Wake continues to work on his novel, "Return," which should help him escape from the Dark Abode. He continues to receive support from Thomas Zane, now known in the real world as a director. However, the threat still remains - his evil doppelganger, Mr. Scratch, is still free and poses a danger.
At the end of the expansion, Faden defeats Hartman, and the Bureau receives an unexpected signal about a new AMS in Bright Falls. However, there is one peculiarity: the dates on the monitor indicate that several years remain before this event. Wake's voiceover confirms this information, creating an atmosphere of tension and mystery. This unexpected turn of events highlights the complexity of the timelines and heightens interest in the further development of the plot, forcing players to consider the possible consequences.
The return happens again. The writer warns of a repetition of events.
In Alan Wake 2, FBI agent Saga Anderson becomes a participant in the mystical story anthology. She arrives in Bright Falls to investigate a series of ritualistic murders. Along with her, her partner Alex Casey, previously known as a character from Alan Wake's successful books, arrives in this mysterious town. Alex Casey now plays a major role in the new game, highlighting the connection between the literary and gaming worlds.
Alan Wake 2 will provide plenty of answers to the fates of Alan Wake, Saga Anderson, Alex Casey, the Bureau, and other characters created by Remedy. This game promises a strange, gripping, and terrifying adventure that will continue to explore the dark and mysterious aspects of their lives. Players will be immersed in an atmosphere of tension and mystery, uncovering secrets that remained unsolved. Alan Wake 2 will be an important milestone in the development of the plot, enriching the game universe with new intriguing elements.
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Alan Wake 2 Review - The long-awaited horror game about writer Alan Wake is attracting the attention of not only fans of the original game but also new players. This sequel continues the story of the writer who encounters dark forces in a mysterious world. The game offers a deeply developed plot that intertwines elements of psychological thriller and horror.
Alan Wake 2 features enhanced graphics and atmosphere, immersing players in dark forests and mysterious locations. The developers paid special attention to detail, ensuring that every scene is filled with tension and fear. The game features not only the main character but also new characters who enrich the storylines and add variety to the gameplay.
Lighting systems and sound effects create a unique soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere of horror. Players will have to solve puzzles and make decisions that affect the development of the plot, adding an additional level of engagement.
Alan Wake 2 is not just a continuation of the story, but a new chapter that promises to keep players on their toes and immerse them in a world where reality and fiction intertwine. Expectations for the game are high, and at the moment it looks like one of the most promising releases in the horror genre.
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