As my co-workers are fond of constantly reminding me, I used to live in the Pacific Northwest. From their comments, I think they imagine I wrote in a secluded cabin while wearing a hoodie under a blazer. They're wrong, but I know guys like that. The world Remedy built for Alan Wake is uncannily similar to the real Northwest, creepy woods and all. It's the perfect setting for a horror
thriller, and the chilling storyline and gameplay back it up. You play as Alan, a troubled writer on what he hopes will be a relaxing holiday. Instead you find yourself spiraling into insanity, with only a flashlight and some firearms to protect you. Alan Wake proves that there's more to survival horror than zombies and rickety mansions.
There's a moment midway
through Alan Wake where the game just turns on its head and pulls the rug out from underneath you. Up to that point it feels pretty straightforward, almost formulaic aside from its moody atmosphere and great sound. And then, all at once, you get pulled into the world of Alan Wake, engulfed by the darkness until you can make it
through to the end.
