Alan Wake II (2023 Video Game) User Reviews

Binge watching and gaming at the same time

[lotfalcon · 10/10 · 31 October 2023]

I played the first Alan Wake a few months ago when it was free on playstation Plus, and I really liked it. I don't really care for horror games, but I loved it due to the great storytelling.

Alan Wake II is different than Alan Wake I, and for me in a positive way. There are less battles in Alan Wake II; this game is even more focused on the story and puzzles. It being more story driven instead of combat doesn't take anything away from the gaming experience though. They used very refreshing gaming tactics to reveal the story.

The game looks stunning, and without spoiling too much, there are some very unexpectedly fun additions to the game that made me run upstairs to tell my boyfriend wtf just happened because it was just to unexpected for a game.

I recommend playing Alan Wake I first, or watching a decent recap of Alan Wake I to get a sense of the story, before playing Alan Wake II.

The wait is worth it.

[paul-gibbons22 · 10/10 · 10 November 2023]

If Stephen King and David Lynch had a baby this would be it - It's creepy & completely bonkers.

I've not felt uneasy playing a game since P. T & the first few hours of Outlast, and this excels in that department, the use of sound, music and lighting to elicit fear is exceptional. & the occasional cheap jump scare I loved.

Writing, voice work, and combat is a massive step up from the first game.

A special shout-out to the episode "We sing" - absolute brilliant insanity and the use of lighting in this level *chefs kiss*.

It has a few minor technical issues as of writing this, with some scenes where lip syncing is out & a few bugs & no physical copy coming was disappointing.

I didn't think anything would get close to BG3 for my GOTY but this is running it close.

This is like the third season of Twin Peaks

[Xamalion · 10/10 · 28 October 2023]

I'm blown away. I loved the whole concept of Alan Wake back in 2010. I even bought an XBox just to be able to play it when it got relased. I never dreamed of a sequel, but when Alan appeared in Control, I started to have hope again. Another 4 years later and here we are. The care that went into this game shows, finally we see Bright Falls the way it was always meant to be. We get a lot to explore and we meet some familiar faces along the way, which I won't spoiler here, but as my title says, this is like the return to Twin Peaks, luckily we only had to wait 13 years instead of 30. The actors, the score, the atmosphere, everything is great. I'm not finished yet, but it's already a 10 for me to be able to revisit this world and those characters in this golden age of video games.

A beautifully crafted masterpiece

[nagelmackerss · 10/10 · 28 October 2023]

As an avid fan of the original Alan Wake, which still holds a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorite games. The first game had been a masterpiece in its own right, a unique blend of psychological thriller, intense combat, and an engrossing narrative. I wasn't quite sure if the sequel could surpass the magic of the original. However, after completing Alan Wake 2, I can confidently say that my expectations were not only met but exceeded in ways I couldn't have imagined. Remedy Entertainment has clearly poured an incredible amount of effort into this game, and it's evident from the very beginning.

While the first game heavily focused on combat against the menacing Taken, the sequel takes a different approach. This time, there's much less emphasis on action and more on the narrative, resulting in a game that feels like a gripping, psychological thriller novel brought to life. While it's great that they made it very narratively structured, some may find it overly so. Personally, I find it enjoyable.

The narrative in Alan Wake 2 is a true standout. The story is intricately woven, filled with mysterious twists, and leaves you constantly on the edge of your seat. The way it delves into the psyche of the titular character and explores the blurred lines between reality and his own mind is a masterstroke of storytelling. It's a narrative-driven experience that immerses you in the complex, enigmatic world of Alan Wake like never before.

From the moment I fired up the game, I was immediately drawn into its dark, mysterious world. The atmosphere is absolutely captivating, and it's clear that Remedy have gone to great lengths to create an immersive and intriguing setting. The visuals are stunning, and the attention to detail in the game's environment is commendable.

The gameplay mechanics grab your attention with their captivating and outstanding qualities, showcasing a perfect balance of creativity and expertise that ensures an immensely enjoyable gaming experience. Furthermore, the controls are exceptionally smooth and responsive, ensuring effortless navigation and object interaction within the game world. The introduction of fresh gameplay elements and mechanics enhances the overall experience, making it more dynamic and immersive when compared to the original title.

My experience with Alan Wake 2 has truly captivated me. The game's world, narrative, and the meticulous work that Remedy poured into it are abundantly clear. If you loved the first Alan Wake or enjoy immersive, narrative-driven games, Alan Wake 2 is a must-play. To ensure you get the most out of the game, I recommend starting with Alan Wake I or, alternatively, watching a comprehensive recap of its story before diving into this sequel. While Alan Wake 2 might pose a bit of a challenge for beginners, I still highly suggest trying the game out, as it has its magic moments that are truly worth experiencing firsthand.

In summation, whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, Alan Wake 2 promises an engaging and satisfying experience that transcends its predecessor.

Important. Unique. Outstanding.

[szeall · 10/10 · 24 November 2023]

Remedy have long been a favourite studio of mine, always pushing the boat out in terms of creativity, story telling, and gameplay. Here, they shine with their best work yet, building on the universe they began to build with their last game, Control, delivering a story I couldn't stop thinking about and a world I couldn't stop exploring. The original Alan Wake was a game I would always defend, not limited by its sometimes repetitive gameplay and flaws, as it was unlike anything I had ever played before. With Alan Wake 2, Remedy delivers masterful survival horror, balanced with a gripping psychological thriller and truly groundbreaking storytelling. If that isn't enough, the gameplay and graphics are pushing the bounds of anything we have seen before on current gen. A must play.

Truly A Masterpiece

[amirfalcon · 10/10 · 1 November 2023]

I'm sort of in the middle of the game i have to admit it alan wake was allways something to me when it was released back to 2010 till 2023 and it's sequel .

Alan Wake II has an atmospheric and haunting story , environment and characters are well made even side characters , pitch and complexity of the story reminds me of david lynch's movies . I've never exprienced such as this. This is a game and in the same time it is NOT ! It is a tv show that you are part of it ! Sam lake the creator of alan wake continue his work and it was really good that he was also in the game ! His voice is so powerfull and also alex casey is dependable character that even could have his stand-alone spin-off .

Alan Wake II is a really great title and i'm happy that i'm expriencing it ...

Amazing game!

[xaffster · 10/10 · 11 November 2023]

I haven't finished the game yet, but until now the game has been amazing. It curtainly is not sandbox-game like GTA and RDR2, and I think it's part of it's strength. I don't want to spoil anything for players, so I don't want to reveal too much about the plot.

I want to give props for all team but especially for actor Ilkka Villi, I think he has made incredible job in this game. His confusion during the studio-scene made me too confused as hell. Only thing that bothers me that they have changed his voice (seeing his work in Sorjonen etc, it just feels weird). If you havent seen his work before you wouldn't even notice this.

All in all, this game is something unusual and special. Although I'm definitely seeing this through white-and-blue-glasses (I'm finnish), I think this is the most absorbing game I have ever played. You just want to continue the story to find out more.

Congrats to makers, and I hope other players find it as great as I have found!

SHOW ME THE CHAMPION OF LIGHT I'LL SHOW YOU THE HERALD OF DARKNESS

[mrpuchoffical · 10/10 · 2 November 2023]

Alan Wake 2 is a stunning sequel that surpassed my expectations. I was blown away by the captivating story, the immersive gameplay, and the brilliant performances of the actors. The writers did a fantastic job of creating a thrilling and mysterious plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. The game is full of twists and turns, references to pop culture, and nods to the original Alan Wake. The actors, especially Ilkka Villi and Matthew Porretta, who voice Alan Wake and his alter ego Mr. Scratch, respectively, delivered their lines with emotion and intensity. They made me feel like I was part of the story, not just a spectator. The game also has stunning graphics, sound effects, and music that enhance the atmosphere and mood of the game. Alan Wake 2 is a masterpiece that deserves all the praise and recognition it can get. It is one of the best games I have ever played and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves action, adventure, and horror genres.

Sophisticated Masterpiece!

[Kamil_An · 10/10 · 17 November 2023]

This is just pure excellence! All of the fans who waited for more than 10 years will have a great time playing this game. Alan Wake 2 submerges you into a world of mystery, thrilling adventure and psychological horror. Every bit of the game unfolds in a brilliant pattern that just doesn't get boring. The graphics feel almost as if you are playing a movie. The gameplay might be challenging at times, but the story makes up for it big time. Don't listen to the people who give it bad reviews, do yourselves a favor and just dive right in. I rarely buy games just for the story, and since I bought this, I can happily assure you that the money was well spent!

All in all, the second installment beats the first one hands down. I loved Alan Wake 1, but Alan Wake 2 just edges the first one, thus takes the crown from its predecessor. This game has a huge potential to win GOTY as it's just a terrific game!

It's not a video game, it's an artful masterpiece

[dmansquared · 10/10 · 31 October 2023]

I've never played a game with such a well written story and such well tuned mechanics. It has a story that will automatically hook you in and several jaw dropping moments that will have you almost wondering what is reality and what is a dream! It screams Lynchian surrealism, wears its influences on its shoulders, but is a wholly unique experience that no other video game can come close to. Already one of my top 5 games of all times. Genuinely, if you love twin peaks and all things weird, this is for you. It's not weird for the sake of being weird, everything has a purpose. I cannot recommend this game enough. It can be a little buggy, but honestly the bugs are usually so small that it does not take away from the overall experience.

Most genius game I've ever played

[Hokkaid0 · 10/10 · 16 November 2023]

Theres a lot to say about this game, the biggest thing for me is how amazing the narrative plays into the actual gameplay. With Sagas section of the game it feels more like a normal horror/crime/action game with some of the best scenery and incredible rich atmosphere where you are in investigation of a town as an FBI Agent. I don't get into spoilers. But Alan's side of the game is what really stood out to me. It truly makes you feel like you're in a twisted storybook or feverish nightmare. The story takes you into the Dark Place, where Alan Wake was taken back in 2010. From the second you wake up in the Late Night studio you learn quickly how mind boggling this game gets. Absolutely loved it the whole game is genius.

A monster with my face

[malte-neumann · 6/10 · 25 November 2023]

Oh no, this is not a masterpiece. Gameplay-wise, it is not very challenging. You don't get to defend yourself very often, and your adversaries are pretty easy to defeat or evade, even on hard mode. However, if you enjoy stalking through creepy areas and solving some riddles, which I do, this game does provide some thrilling entertainment. The graphics are impressive and well-staged, although the performance on PS5 is often problematic.

This game fancies itself as a story-driven, movie-esque experience. After solving a murder case for Captain Obvious, filled with flat characters, there is at least an interesting development at work that draws you into the game. But after you reached the point where it is abundantly clear what is at stake, the developers overextend their Twin Peaks-Stephen King hybrid, telling the same story over and over again, adding layers over layers, turning loops into loops until it becomes boring and confusing.

Alan Wake himself is a mediocre writer constantly alluding to "something" and "someone," the case board is totally annoying, Saga's magical meditation-profiling is cheap af, and the game tries too hard and for too long to keep you in suspense instead of letting the player actually do something. Some elements work perfectly fine, like the atmosphere, graphics, acting, and humor, while others don't work as well, such as the story, gameplay, and character-building. This game is not like a movie; this movie fails tyring to be a game.

Can not understand the hype

[ILoveTheMovies77 · 2/10 · 16 November 2023]

Walking simulator. I'm back to being what's her name the FBI agent. Walked around as her, no point fighting enemies on anything other than story. The average enemies, with numbers 2 or greater, are tougher that bosses... That's if you come across enemies.

As Alan some enemies are simply shadows to walk through, most of them on fact, then once in a while one of the shadows wants a fight. No indication which one mind you until it hits you.

Scares? What scares!

Controls, awful Story, bland and boring "Lot to explore", no, looks to look at!

The game is beautiful graphically but that's it. It's so boring!

I think a lot of people are swayed by the what the graphics and lighting blow them away in the first 10 minutes, and they do, and then that's it, it's the greatest games ever! It truly isn't.

This reminds me of ff16, so much hype and excitement, such an incredibly beautiful game... Then you realise it isn't a game at all as is in fact just another lazy walking simulator that seems to becoming more the trend these days. Why are gamers now happy to not play games and want to be lead by the hand along a linear path, when did that happen?

Wow.

[pedja-the · 10/10 · 28 November 2023]

I enjoyed this game from start to finish. Voice acting, including side roles are just fantastic, the casting was perfect. It's like a mix of "Dark" and "True detective". Although the game is not short at all, I just wish it lasted forever because the story will drag you into the "Dark place". Sam Lake's monologues are a piece of art and I wonder how this guy isn't given a major movie role. I'm glad he's still in great shape and this gives me hope of maybe some future Max Payne projects?. If you wanna watch a great TV show or movie and blast away dark forces, well don't wait any longer and give this game a go ASAP!

Remedey is the BEST!

[dontlooklodzy · 10/10 · 25 November 2023]

I played several remedy games including Quantum Break , Control , Max Payne 2.

And you can tell they always develop their Storytelling into something fresh and probably never seen before, the game itself has a great story with two characters that i loved , Saga and Alan. They both explore a nightmare which differs from each one of them , the Gameplay is better than the first game easily , i'm talking about several enemy types , more weapons , and more survival-focused.

The level design is top-notch, And finally the game is filled with content and i'm talking about puzzles which are great and makes you think , cases to solve.

A great game great sequel but still need some polishing

[PConsoul · 8/10 · 11 November 2023]

Alan Wake 2 is the follow-up to the 13-year-old action-horror game "Alan Wake." This sequel takes a different approach, embracing the Survival Horror genre for its storytelling.

I'm a devoted fan of Alan Wake 1, rating it 10/10. However, my feelings about Alan Wake 2 are mixed. It's a good sequel but the changes in style and gameplay didn't fully resonate with me. Additionally, the long wait and high expectations led to some unmet hopes.

Let's dive into why I enjoyed Alan Wake 1 and what made me feel that way. It's not just your typical action horror game; it's like a blend of a horror TV show, a Stephen King-style story, and enjoyable gameplay. The game immediately immerses you in its storytelling, posing questions along the way that it later answers in a plot reveal. It starts subtly and then things get intense, but it also gives you relaxing moments to catch your breath, like daytime breaks or the humor between Barry and Alan (I love Barry). I also really appreciated the game's Pacific Northwest setting, which had a great atmosphere and made me want to visit Washington for the first time!

Now, let's discuss why Alan Wake 2 is different. They made some changes, like reducing the game's overall map location to focus on a larger, more exploration-friendly world. Given that it's a survival horror game from 2023, this shift to a big map with side quests makes sense to add replay value. While I understand and support this decision, it felt like we couldn't fully revisit the original Bright Falls, as the entire Saga gameplay only consisted of three maps.

In terms of gameplay, they transitioned from the unlimited inventory and light-and-shoot mechanics to a Resident Evil-style system with limited enemy variety. While I appreciate elements like The Last of Us dodge, the inability to dodge and attack freely (to emphasize survival) felt awkward. It would be smoother if I could easily do a light-shoot-dodge-melee-shoot at will. The inventory management system also lacked user-friendliness, with no item rotation and too sensitive D-pad scrolling.

The flashlight charge mechanism also changed, going from a gradual depletion to a one-charge-per-button-press approach, which didn't guarantee to clear all darkness from enemies. This flashlight change disappointed me because the flashlight in Alan Wake 1 allowed for dynamic control. Even the new mechanic of the darkness shield recovering over time could have worked with the old flashlight system, but they chose a different path.

Let's talk about the game's pacing. Alan Wake 1 had a well-paced, engaging story that kept me hooked. However, Alan Wake 2 came after Quantum Break and Control, and it adopted a similar storytelling approach. Quantum Break had numerous live-action cutscenes with limited enemy encounters, and Control featured a complex narrative with minimal explanatory cutscenes, requiring players to piece things together themselves.

In Alan Wake 2, they leaned into a darker, more intricate narrative style. You're required to piece things together through file reading and world exploration, much like in Control. When they do include cutscenes, they tend to be lengthy live-action sequences like Quantum Break.

The gameplay in the first half of the game involves a lot of walking and puzzle-solving in Saga's Mind Place, with limited fights against The Taken. While I enjoyed The Mind Place, there was less storytelling to keep players engaged in the first half. Despite being labeled "Alan Wake 2," I found myself enjoying Saga's gameplay more. It not only expands beyond the Pacific Northwest but also offers more maps, side quests, and a wider variety of enemies compared to Alan's gameplay. Saga's story feels like genuine story progression, whereas Alan's feels like random encounters in The Dark Place that don't impact the main story. In Alan's writing room gameplay, there's very little to do, making it feel less engaging compared to Saga's Mind Place, which is far more entertaining and interesting. It seems like they placed a strong emphasis on Saga's gameplay and only included Alan to maintain the "Alan Wake" name.

The game also seems to have lost the humor and relaxing pace present in Alan Wake 1. The absence of characters like Wheeler, the shift towards a darker tone, and the game's semi-open world approach have eliminated those moments of humor and relaxation. In Alan Wake 1, these moments included when Alan rented a cabin with Rusty, woke up at the Hartman clinic, or visited Rose's Trailer Park. These allowed players to take a break from the gameplay and interact with characters like Tor & Odin, Barry, and Hartman, especially during conversations with Barry (their chemistry was the best).

In summary, Alan Wake 2 is a solid game and a commendable sequel. However, it would benefit from some refinements to reduce its "slow-burning" pacing. Additionally, more attention to improving Alan's gameplay is needed, as Saga's gameplay is significantly more enjoyable.

Absolutely brilliant

[kevbelanger-19764 · 10/10 · 19 November 2023]

Been waiting for this game forever. It is absolutely incredible. Be sure to play Control after playing Alan Wake 1. It is not necessarily needed, but it does have characters, references and easter eggs from it that you wouldn't understand or pick up on otherwise. I haven't beaten the game yet but have already logged hours on hours and it just gets better and better. The addition of adding the actual real life actors in this one is epic! The cut scenes are like watching a movie or TV show. Spot on cast. At first I was skeptical about switching between Saga Anderson and Alan Wake but the way it is integrated is so seamless. It turns out that I do indeed welcome this addition to the game play. True Alan Wake/Control fans, or fans of supernatural, horror, puzzle solving, plot twisting, etc...will enjoy this game thoroughly. It's a breath of fresh air. Look forward to seeing where it leads as I continue to progress through the story!

dont rewrite anything please !

[AvionPrince16 · 9/10 · 17 November 2023]

Wow ! What a visual-horror experience . Its really a nice video game and i remembered that i really enjoyed the first video game with the writing ,story ,dialogues,gameplay, characters and the visuals . And i need to say that this new video game really have the same spirit ( gameplay with lights and shadows) but with an interesting direction in the visuals ,story (love the psychological part with Saga nearly the end ,the problem with Alan with Scratch .) Even in the story that i found brillantly written and the mixed with the gameplay ,visuals, the motion video really fitmwell in that universe .But i need to say that i was pretty confused sometimes with the story with all the elements (Saga ,the dark place,the real and Fake Alan,the fact that if they are real characters or just part of the writing process of Alan . I also need to say that tht part where we need to go to the cinema and the fact that i stayed the whole time to see the movie in the video game was really a memorable experience and i was just curious to see . I can be quite confused by the story sometimes but i generally understand it and all the complexity and all the investigations behind it and find it really interesting and make me dive in from the beginning until the end.

The camera,lights, the mise en scene, the dialogues ,the emotions,the drama part,the visuals really madelme forget that i played a video game and its really a mix between video games and a movie and the mix was really great .

I remembered also that the first video game was pretty confused in some parts of the stories and here also in some parts.

I normally hate jumpscares but here they put it in some interesting ways and it really didnt bothered me and really took me several times by surprise and it was kind of unexpected and for a video game its pretty great .

The Shift between Alan and Saga was really interesting and each of them bring their own perspective on the story and it was nice also to see the mix between their own places each time and how they will figured it out together .

There were a lot of times they made scenes like a loop and how it can be disturbing sometimes but really add to the atmosphere and strangeness of this video game .and it really fit well here .

The sound design was really awesome :the sound each time we finish a chapter ,the sound during the gameplay of each sequences and it really help in the mood of the game .

I love also the weird sequence with Alan with MR. Door in the studio and it gave a lot of memorable sequences.

I spend a lot of time to explore the game and found some elements for the story or the side quest with the riddles , cult hidding stuff. And i finished the game in 20 hours so its really a great time for an action-adventure game like this

What else to say ?its really a unique video game with a psychological part ,with some monsters and fictions that really fit into that universe , a complex story (even if it can be confusing sometimes),a video game movie mix that really work , an interesting exploration with some side quest to extend the hours of the game ,some complex characters and the pleasure to see new ones and also the characters that we saw in the first Alan Wake , the nice sound design , the additional stuff( radio ,television, the cinema part , the rhymes .)

it was really an unforgettable experience and for me Alan Wake 2 its really my game of the year of 2023 without a doubt . Go play it now !

Alan Wake 2 is undeniable art under threat from its own narrative's ambitions

[phoenix-prjct · 8/10 · 5 January 2024]

Alan Wake 2 is undeniable narrative art wrapped in a gorgeous and atmospheric wrapper, delighting players with meta moments and a twisty adventure through a detective story turned supernatural horror. Remedy's style is front and centre, and, arguably, no developer comes close to their blend of self-aware storytelling. It's tantalising and thoughtful while building a larger universe the likes gaming hasn't quite got right yet. That all could change thanks to Remedy as long as they keep moderation in mind. Alan Wake 2 soars and suffers under the weight of its borderline pretentious writing. It focuses a little too hard on the idea that horror excels by leaving doubts in the consumer and comes scarily close to rendering its entire experience moot with an anticlimactic finale that leaves us where we started. Gameplay is fun but never develops past what you're initially taught, adding another sacrifice to the altar that is the story, with many aspects of the game having, on the surface, interesting mechanics that hide stagnating simplicity.

On the other hand, Alan Wake 2 will be talked about and debated for years to come. There are some ridiculously smart threads throughout hinting at certain revelations that are devilishly delicious. I, for one, eagerly anticipate their next entry into the Remedy Connected Universe while also holding out hope that they don't forget that answers don't negate mystery but reward it.

A very good game with just a few flaws

[napel-13633 · 9/10 · 15 March 2024]

Well, overall the game is quite good. The only downsides I can think of are the clunky mazey level design (especially in the "Dark Presence" levels) and the overly monotonous evidence sorting inside the mindplace. Sometimes it's just not fun to wander around aimlessly or to repeatedly stick notes to the wall.

But the atmosphere and music are awesome. The story is very multilayered and leaves a lot up to our interpretation, which I personally like. The ending felt a bit rushed and unfinished, but perhaps that was the point of the story.

This game definitely feels unique and genuine. I'm glad that I decided to give it a chance.

A true nightmare

[justusoppel · 9/10 · 11 April 2024]

---{ Graphics }--- You forget what reality is ☑ Beautiful Good Decent Bad Don't look too long at it MS-DOS

---{ Gameplay }--- Very good ☑ Good It's just gameplay Mehh Watch paint dry instead Just don't

---{ Audio }--- Eargasm Very good ☑ Good Not too bad Bad I'm now deaf

---{ Audience }--- Kids Teens Adults ☑ Grandma

---{ PC Requirements }--- Check if you can run paint Potato Decent Fast Rich boi ☑ Ask NASA if they have a spare computer

---{ Game Size }--- Floppy Disk Old Fashioned Workable Big Will eat 10% of your 1TB hard drive ☑ You will want an entire hard drive to hold it You will need to invest in a black hole to hold all the data

---{ Difficulty }--- Just press 'W' Easy Easy to learn / Hard to master Significant brain usage Difficult ☑ Dark Souls

---{ Grind }--- Nothing to grind ☑ Only if u care about leaderboards/ranks Isn't necessary to progress Average grind level Too much grind You'll need a second life for grinding

---{ Story }--- No Story Some lore Average Good Lovely It'll replace your life ☑

---{ Game Time }--- Long enough for a cup of coffee Short Average Long ☑ To infinity and beyond

---{ Price }--- It's free!

Worth the price ☑ If it's on sale If u have some spare money left Not recommended You could also just burn your money

---{ Bugs }--- Never heard of Minor bugs ☑ Can get annoying ARK: Survival Evolved The game itself is a big terrarium for bugs

---{ ? / 10 }--- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ☑(so close to a 10) 10

---{ Author }--- Alpha X.

Walking Simulators are more entertaining

[michaelsulsenti · 2/10 · 28 October 2023]

After several hours in this game I basically did nothing. I walked around. There was maybe 2 enemies to handle. There was nothing to investigate. Every puzzle and lock had the solution plastered on a note next to it.

Like this game is riding on a decade long coat tail of the first game with not only nothing new, but literally nothing to do in it. Meanwhile it keeps slapping you in the face with long drawn out story cutscenes that just bludgeon you over the head with the same story as the first game like it's trying to get your attention "HEY I'M AN ALAN WAKE GAME. REMEMBER THAT GAME?! I'M ALAN WAKE"

Why do I have a ton of inventory slots that I keep finding when I only have 2 items? What is happening here. Did they not finish the game?

You're better off watching a few movies back to back cause art least something happens in those.