Wow was this a ton of fun. More than anything, it’s just a ton of fun. Finished it in one setting and was so happy the whole time. Remedy went wild with the ideas in this, even more so than usual with some of the stuff and really pleased a lot of fans.

Episode 1: Number One Fan
This is the most goofy and humorous thing Remedy has made. It has a lot of aspects from fan fiction in it and a lot of the jokes around it are really funny. Rose as the main character is great and it plays as one of her fan fictions. The pink theming around everything feels so different from Remedy’s usual stuff and it really stands out and even gives it a surreal vibe but in a different way than usual. There’s some really great one liners in this both from Rose and the Writer. It was fun to fight the “Haters” without worrying about light. This was a really good way to start out the dlc

Episode 2: North Star
This had some really good horror and creepy vibes throughout, being in Coffee World at night. It was so cool to play as Jesse and I loved all the Control references. Seemed like this could’ve been an earlier draft of Control’s story written by Alan. Everything regarding coffee and a government agency controlling people’s minds with it was really cool. I could’ve used more enemies to fight in it, felt like there wasn’t too many. I liked the coffee mascots a lot, but wish the section with them could’ve been a bit longer. The implications in the ending of this were interesting to think about and the Control-like imagery was great to see. Wish this episode was a bit longer. More than anything was just really happy to see Jesse and Control type stuff.

Episode 3: Time Breaker
This was definitely my favorite episode and was so cool. Everything in this had a lot of implications on the Remedyverse as a whole. Quantum Break fans will be very pleased. All of this episode was oozing with creativity and Remedy really went off in this. The mix of mediums was so awesome to see and Remedy has consistently improved and outdone themself with each new thing they make. Theres some sections regarding gaming in this I won’t spoil but they were jaw dropping moments for me. The ending was insane and really blew my mind.

Theres a section after the end of the dlc that was very heartwarming to see. Overall I had a great time with this dlc and Remedy should be so proud of everything they’ve made. Can’t wait for The Lake House.

Rose's episode was really funny, but repetitive. Jesse's episode was initially interesting, but without the stuff that makes her Jesse, it was just boring. And the forced stealth section was asscheeks.

Tim Breaker's episode was pretty damn interesting. I really wish this DLC was just built around him and they could have expanded his story a huge deal. I hope their "To be continued" means they're working on an actual Time Breaker because it was totally sick. Reminded me of playing Suda51 games with the genre changes and mindfuckery.

I wish these episodes were balanced more around the survival horror aspects of the game too. Your inventory fills up with ammunition and health items and you WILL NOT NEED them. Just seems like they got negative feedback that Alan Wake 2 was a horror game and now they wanna course correct and they don't care if it comes at the expense of the gameplay for these episodes. Hope I'm wrong, because AW2 was one of the most incredible horror games I've ever played.

I'm very excited for the next expansion. Hope it comes soon.

-ep 1 more than anything this seems to work as a weird writing exercise for lake and dealing w both extremely positive and negative reaction and reception for the past 25 years. prob the most metatextual thing remedy has ever done at least in regards to themselves as a game dev company. idk def not the first game to tackle parasocial relationships but maybe the highest budget one to do so and idk that’s v interesting to me!!
-loved rose so fucking much in the base game,, cute ditzy but ultimately sincere and sweet bpd girlie. endeared by this cute and glossy world she’s kind of conjured up to deal w the monotony of both working a dead end job + obsession w someone who you’ve put on a pedestal and who doesn’t see u in that same way. relatable shit fr!! love the color palette here and how rose is living in a literal fantasy within the framework of the fake show just as she does in the base game. cool usage of flowers especially how it’s photos of flowers like it’s this v melodramatic almost douglas sirk type beat aesthetic choice but it’s just framed photos in an otherwise kind of unrewarding job. the rockabilly ass soundtrack LMFAO. cinnamon and gunpowder 😝😝
-love when remedy leans fully into the Alan is a very bad a narcissistic guy type of thing,, it’s great and always funny !! not subtle in the slightest but idk remedy works best when their writing is blatant and obvious,, stories about broken men breaking down other ppl in weird miscalculated shots at revival and retribution. so the idea of him spending thirteen years in the dark place only writing hackneyed scripts where he’s always the center of the attention and secretly a good guy,, a misunderstood nice guy type of archetype is good and funny and works for what remedy is trying to say about these men.
-i wish i could say i like the original alan wake’s dlc a lot more than i actually do,, turning a survival horror game into an arcade shooter is fun and cute fluff i just wish the writer and the signal did more in retrospect. everything in those levels for the most part just looks like cut levels from the base game where ur redoing waves and waves of killing enemies and it’s just not rlly fun?? this however,,, great fun,, more fun than alan wake 2 tbh!! guns feel better and enviros look great when they’re being destructed

-episode 2 is like one of the most inconsequential and pointless things i think ive ever played? don’t rlly gaf about control like at all so was fully expecting this to not hit for me but wow it rlly does not hit for me!! mostly it’s just running back and forth between two places three or so times in a row bc this entire dlc is v obviously padded. best thing i can say about this specific chapter is i rlly do appreciate that each ep gets its own color scheme i think that does kind of make them look a tiny bit diff from base game even though everything here is just reused assets + locales,, fun visuals in the very last two places u visit in this ep but that also consists of maybe five mins of a fifty min thing so it all just feels pointless loll

-ep 3 i mostly like bc its trying to do a lot of new stuff both w visuals + gameplay that hopefully will bleed over into future remedy games. on some travis strikes back or like smiling friends type of multimedia work and i think that’s great to see!! the comic section straight up some of the fucking ugliest art ive ever seen jfc on that rolling tray blacklight type shit, v embarrassing! also i just dont rlly care about the remedy connected universe type stuff its rlly boring and like basic to me,, i don’t gaf about marvel bc im not a sixteen yo boy lol! i think quantum break is a v good game i like it a lot but i am not clamoring for a sequel that obviously can never be + a part of me wishes remedy would kind of move on and away from all of that but whatever lol.

Yeah it's pretty cool but have you ever considered
SPACE INVADER
LOOKIN' CUTE IN A HUMAN SUIT
SECRET AGENTS
WITH THE DUMB-DOWN RAYS THEY SHOOT
PSYCHIC POWERS
HYPNO-EYES AND MAGIC FRUIT
STRANGE MACHINES, WEIRD MYSTERIES
(WE'VE GOT FREAKY FANTASIES)

IN NIGHT SPRINGS
PSYCHO KILLER ON THE RUN
YEAH, IN NIGHT SPRINGS
AT DAWN, THE BLACK HOLE SUN
CAUSE IN NIGHT SPRINGS
WE'RE JUST LOOKING FOR THE THRILL
ALL YOUR NIGHTMARES COME TRUE

CRASHING THROUGH THE WARNING SIGN
YOUR CAR BREAKS DOWN JUST OUTSIDE
IN NIGHT SPRINGS

ENDLESS VERSIONS OF THIS TOWN
THE CULT OF THE ELDER GOD
WHO LIVED INSIDE A SLEEPLESS DREAM
BETTER LET HER SLEEP
IN NIGHT SPRINGS
(IF I DIE IN YOUR ARMS I DON'T MIND IT)
(I'LL HAUNT YOU AND YOU'LL LIKE IT)

IN NIGHT SPRINGS
CAUGHT IN AN ENDLESS TIME LOOP
YEAH, IN NIGHT SPRINGS
A SOLAR SYSTEM IN YOUR SOUP
CAUSE IN NIGHT SPRINGS
WE'RE JUST LOOKING FOR THE THRILL
ALL YOUR NIGHTMARES COME TRUE

LOST IN MIST FOR DAYS AND DAYS
NOW YOU SEE THE SIGN IT SAYS
NIGHT SPRINGS

AHHH
(We're all in danger)

IN NIGHT SPRINGS
CAUGHT IN AN ENDLESS TIME LOOP
YEAH, IN NIGHT SPRINGS
A SOLAR SYSTEM IN YOUR SOUP
CAUSE IN NIGHT SPRINGS
WE'RE JUST LOOKING FOR THE THRILL
ALL YOUR NIGHTMARES COME TRUE

LOST IN MIST FOR DAYS AND DAYS
NOW YOU SEE THE SIGN IT SAYS
NIGHT SPRINGS

The original Alan Wake DLC wasn't anything special. It felt forced, with more questions than answers. I was hoping the original game would let us play episodes of Night Springs. This is a fictional TV show that plays on TVs in the game and is reminiscent of The Twilight Zone. Night Springs takes Alan's writing and adds a silly or strange twist. This is a three-part mini-episodic DLC, with each episode taking less than an hour to complete. Mr. Door hosts the series, the only live-action component of the DLC, and that's fine.

In the episode, you play the cheery waitress working at the Oh Dear Diner. This is an action-oriented episode where you're blowing enemies left and right. You get a rifle, a shotgun, and seemingly unlimited ammo, but that's okay. These episodes are all about having fun over being serious and focusing on survival. You are chasing down Alan's fictional brother in this story, and I won't get into any more details. This episode is entertaining and doesn't take itself too seriously. It's a fantastic way to open the DLC.

In the second episode, you play Jesse from Control. If you haven't played Alan Wake II before, there's a connection between the two games, though I won't reveal how. This is more horror-focused, with a small stealth section in Coffee World. It's entertaining, but not quite as much as the first episode. It's pleasing to see more of the two game worlds connecting, however. There are a couple of thought-provoking puzzles that require math and may upset some people, but they really do make you think.

The third episode is a fictional superhero parody in which you play the role of Sheriff Breaker. Here, the game breaks the fourth wall, and you are talking to the game director himself, Sam Lake, who has become a bit of a celebrity lately. This is the most "Alan Wake"-type episode of time travel and dimensional shifting. It's the most thought-provoking episode, but it does consist of a single puzzle that I found completely confusing and difficult to understand, but not as challenging as episode 2's puzzles.

Night Springs is both a fun distraction and an intriguing dive back into the game. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and we finally get to play an episode of the TV show. I would have preferred a slightly longer duration for each episode. Consider extending each episode to 2-3 hours, incorporating more action and shooting. What's here is a lot of fun, but only those who really love the world and story of Alan Wake II will find interest.

*Essa "análise" será bem longa e contém spoilers.

Sam Lake mais uma vez prova que é um dos maiores gênios da história dos games. É uma experiência incrível e maluca, é uma DLC única em todos os aspectos.

Essa DLC é totalmente inspirada na franquia The Twilight Zone, muito influente na cultura pop, principalmente em histórias de suspense, terror e mistério. Desde a fonte do título da DLC, 'Night Springs', até a estrutura de episódios e a presença de um narrador, tudo remete à Twilight Zone.

Como disse anteriormente, essa DLC é formada por 3 partes, chamadas de episódios, como se fosse parte de um programa de TV, todas narradas por Warlin Door, um dos personagens mais importantes e misteriosos de Alan Wake II, com cada episódio contando uma história diferente, com personagens jogáveis diferentes.

Cada um dos 3 episódios contam uma espécie de 'What If?': são histórias alternativas em universos alternativos onde controlamos personagens que nunca imaginávamos controlar em Alan Wake. Cada uma das histórias é mais absurda que a outra, o que não é surpreendente, já que quem desenvolveu tudo foi Sam Lake.

Na primeira história, controlamos Rose Marigold, a garçonete da cafeteria Oh Deer, que é uma fã obcecada pelo escritor Alan Wake. Nessa realidade alternativa, Rose é quase como uma celebridade: todos na cidade conhecem ela, amam ela, e pedem conselhos para ela. Porém, há algo ainda não resolvido: o amor não correspondido por Alan Wake.

Nessa DLC, nós controlamos uma Rose determinada a 'salvar seu amado', trucidando hordas de inimigos, todos controlados pelo 'Bad Boy' (Mr. Scratch), que nessa realidade é o irmão gêmeo invejoso de Wake.

Esse primeiro episódio é muito viajado (assim como os outros). Todos os acontecimentos são absurdos, tudo é inesperado, e muito engraçado (pelo menos pra mim), já que ninguém sequer imaginou que a Rose um dia iria sair armada até os dentes para salvar Alan Wake.

Apesar de eu não ser fã de batalhas baseadas em hordas de inimigos (quase) intermináveis, no caso dessa DLC, eu achei divertido.

O segundo episódio é focado na protagonista de Control, Jesse Faden (Control faz parte do universo compartilhado da Remedy). Nessa história, Jesse acaba parando numa versão alternativa do parque de diversões Coffee World, e se mete em uma conspiração sobre experimentos envolvendo humanos e cafés que causam alucinações e atividades paranormais (ou paranaturais?).

Diferente do 1° episódio, o clima de terror é presente, e a gameplay é bastante voltada para exploração e resolução de puzzles. Também é uma história viajada, mas no bom sentido.

O 3° e último episódio da DLC, controlamos Shawn Ashmore. Sim, não é Tim Breaker, o xerife de Bright Falls, mas sim o próprio ator que interpretou Tim e Jack Joyce, de Quantum Break (outro jogo da Remedy).

Nessa história, Shawn é um ator (olha a metalinguagem), que está gravando suas cenas para seu próximo projeto junto de Sam Lake (olha a metalinguagem de novo), o diretor. De repente, Shawn se descobre profundamente envolvido em acontecimentos estranhos já previstos pelo roteiro do projeto.

Ao explorar diversas realidades, Shawn conhece Jesse Faden, toma conhecimento de Mr. Door, e decide enfrentar tudo com o objetivo de salvar as realidades, como o herói que ele interpretava em seus filmes e jogos.

Essa 3 história é mais diferenciada: Vira e mexe, e algo muda na gameplay. Em determinado momento, a imagem do jogo fica acinzentada, quando exploramos o Hotel Oceanview. Em outro momento, o jogo assume um estilo retrô emulando os gráficos e gameplay de jogos beat 'em up de arcade. Em outro momento, o jogo assume um estilo de texto interativo, onde lemos a história e decidimos o que fazer em seguida com base em escolhas. E também há um momento em que a história é simplesmente contada como uma história em quadrinhos. É simplesmente sensacional.

Essa DLC mostra mais uma vez o quão criativo e fora da caixa Sam Lake é. É uma DLC bem mais experimental, com diversos conceitos diferentes e incomuns. É uma experiência única (assim como o jogo base), apesar de bem curta.

Agora é esperar pela 2° e possivelmente última DLC de AW2: 'A Casa do Lago', que não possui data revelada, mas é esperada pra sair ainda em 2024.

Considering the length of each of the episodes I don't wanna delve too deep into it so that others can play it for themselves, but each story gives a refreshing experience with a different type of gameplay still for each episode. The first one being a more linear shooting spree, the next one more of a puzzle solving exploring around one area, and the third being a combo of shooting and puzzle solving. I feel like a lot of people will really enjoy the first and final episodes the most. The one I remember the most fondly and was the most entertaining was definitely Rose's in episode one. She needs her own game made out of her own fanfictions!! Can't wait for the Lakehouse expansion. Think I will go back to this game in the near future and grab that 100% completion.

EU TE AMO ROSE!

Eu estou okay com você Jesse

Ah, oi Tim.

I very rarely review or rate DLC but this one is just that good that I felt like I had to.

Sam Lake and Remedy have done it again. The only reason I don't give this a 5/5 is simply because it's a bit too easy giving way too much spare ammo and completely eliminating the "survival" aspect of the base game and also it's very short (took me less than 2 hours to complete all 3 episodes) but other than that it's pretty close to perfect and infinitely creative just like the base game.

It's more of what we loved about Alan Wake II, but in bite sized episodic format via the in-game universe Twilight Zone style series Night Springs. Featuring 3 episodes and 3 protagonists each episode has its own distinct style and tone to it. Rose's is very comedic and surreal, Jesse's is the most horror-like and the one featuring Shawn/Jack/Tim is the most lore focused one which has some revelations that I think are going to be very important going further into the Remedyverse. (Quantum Break fans are in for a treat)

It's weird and quirky, it's creepy and surreal, it's darkly funny, it plays with genre convention and unconventional storytelling formats and it's more meta than an actor playing a character in a video game about an actor playing a character in a video game and it's only available here in...Night Springs.

P.S. R.I.P. to James McCaffrey. Gone, but never forgotten. No one else will ever be able to play Max Payne/Alex Casey the way you did and hearing your voice at the end really hit differently.