Alan Wake

Different From Every Game
Over the break I actually didn't get as much time as I thought I would to lounge around and play this game. I put work before it instead since my boss offered me the extra hours haha. I have played it as far as chapter 3 in the game though. I must say that overall this game is pretty impressive, and not the usual type of game I play, and seems different from any game really.

What is so Likable
What is so likable about this game is that for one, the graphics are simply beautiful. This game has really pushed the envelope, and it being a scary game, it really adds to the creepiness. The game has the best story of any I have played, so good in fact, that it is the main component of the game. This is because Alan is a writer in an escape to a small town. So far the story is kind of unraveling as you play and you find missing pages to Alan's manuscript throughout that eerily tell the outcomes of events to happen. The other really cool part about this game is although it follows a traditional linear level design, it still feels like you are in an open world, very few games accomplish this as well as this one does I think. I also have lived in Washington for awhile (where this game is based in) and they really captured the creepiness of how it feels to be out in the woods at night there.

What Could Be Better
This game seemed like it was almost so focused on the story, that it detracted a little from the gameplay. I would find a random radio, a TV, or a manuscript and it would read or play on for a good two and a half minutes. In game time, where you seem to be on the go, it feels like an eternity. The other thing is that it seems to get a little repetitive at times. It seems like I am ALWAYS running through the forest from something to find something and that's about it. I always come across an abandoned house that sometimes looks the same, or an obvious off trail I should follow to get a powerup, that usually isn't the best thing in the world like a flare gun to ward off dark spirits. I also wish that I could use a first person mode to shoot at things, the third person shooting is ok, but I feel it needs something and I don't know what.

Hooked
So far the game has me aching for more, and I usually finish about a chapter a night in my break time among homework. It is great because the "chapter" sense gives the player a recap of what happened in the story. Very smart, and something I often wish more games did, because it is hard to follow a 16 hour stretched out story in one sitting. I suppose it can get annoying that I can't skip the recap video when I do play through say two chapters, but that is small potatoes.

Overall: 9/10
Graphics: 10
Gameplay: 9.5
Story: 10+

Pros: Really solid story, awesome attention to detail, really unique game.
Cons: Bit more level depth, less time on things to stall upon to keep flow consistent.