New horror game Alan Wake 2 is at once scary, cerebral and silly. But it's just the latest in a long line of prestigious horror titles. We round up our favorites.
In the case of Alan Wake 2, the weirdness is part of the charm. The sequel to a 2010 cult classic, the game follows not only the titular character, an author of schlocky crime novels, but also Saga Anderson, an FBI agent investigating ritualistic killings in a patch of Washington State that may as well borderThe opening narration tells you exactly what you're in for.
The expanded scope, however, doesn't come without some headaches. Forests aren't just menacing — they're maddening. Twice I ventured down what seemed to be a viable path and Anderson literally turned around, refusing to go further. The first boss soaks bullets as much as any Resident Evil monstrosity, but doesn't telegraph how you're actually supposed to beat him.
Thankfully, an unhinged plot elevates the otherwise finicky experience. Anderson accepts the fact that she's in a horror story unblinkingly, though she's understandably irritated by the locals who claim to recognize her from a tragic past visit she doesn't recall. She's joined by Alex Casey, who shares the same name, voice and appearance as Wake's fictional detective — though he insists he couldn't possibly be the same person.
Grating as this premise might seem, however, it's also unexpectedly joyous. Sure, there are murder cults and uncanny doppelgangers — but there's also hilariously on-the-nose dream graffiti, a friendly metaphysical janitor, and even a live-action heavy metal musical! Much as the game's jump-scares may make you scream, its self-referential flourishes are more likely to make you smile.
While it lacks the gleaming polish of this year's Dead Space and Resident Evil 4 remakes, Alan Wake 2 is earnest and undeniably ambitious.
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