Narrative: 4 - Gameplay: 4 - Visuals: 4 - Soundtrack: 3.5 - Time: 4
Stars: 4
This is my second FromSoftware and Soulslike game. Elden Ring was my first and, of course, hardly another one will fill its shoes. I feel like Souslike games are the next big formula for the industry. They're fun and punishing, but in terms of overall game design and level design, it doesn't offer a sufficiently different experience - thus the formula bit. Nothing against formulas, just something to take into consideration.

Narrative: 5 - Gameplay: 4.5 - Visuals: 5 - Soundtrack: 5 - Time: 5
Stars: 5

As an Alan Wake and Control fan, I had my expectations set high with the new Remedy's entry. They were not only met but viciously surpassed them with gusto.

I will take the bad out of the way because it's only one minor detail, but that needs mentioning - the bugs. In the early chapters, I encountered a sporadic bug here or there, but as I progressed, they became more frequent and, frankly, quite annoying. Fortunately, I won't go so far as to claim that these hiccups detracted significantly from the overall experience. This is solely because the game itself is a masterpiece, an exceptional work of art that manages to overshadow any technical glitches. Otherwise, it would have been way more problematic, but the sheer brilliance of the game elevates it beyond such minor inconveniences.

Now, with the good stuff.

Following up on the first entry was a big of a challenge enough. We all remember our first encounter with Bright Falls, its mysteries and characters. he relentless pursuit of our beloved Alice, coupled with the profound emotions of anguish, terror, and madness, etched an indelible mark on our experiences.

Then it came Control and set all of that great horror story inside a greater and ambitious science fiction background. The hype was palpable.

And that's just the thing, Alan Wake II incorporates its history and newly acquired lore organica and masterfully. The fraction in two and all of the dualities that the game plays with are incredible. Alan and Scratch, Bright Fall and the Dark Place, as well as the eternal struggle between Light and Darkness.

The right to choose your own path and make the story yours, changing realities in edge-sitting chapters makes everything even more immersive. Alan Wake II emerges not just as a sequel but as a captivating journey that skillfully builds upon its own foundations while introducing fresh and intriguing dimensions to the storyline.

Spoilers ahead. I love that there's no leaf left unturned, all the characters are explored and fulfill a role in one shape or another, being a connection to the previous entry or building drama around the protagonist. Saga shines through in this aspect, being the new character, the one that we knew nothing about. Her ties with the great Old Gods of Asgard and the mysterious Mr. Door give me the chills and compose some of the most emotional scenes for me. And Alice, from a damsel in distress to an organic, deep, and bad-ass character. With her story fully articulated, we embark on a journey following her unique form of art, delving deeper into the intricacies of the Dark Place. There's little not to love.

Alan Wake II doesn't leave anything to desire, being an astonishing videogame. Evidently, the graphics are realistic and last-gen. The design, although, it's absurd. The way the lights and shadows interact, and the little distortions everywhere make the game a living nightmare. And this brings me to a gargantuan praising point: this game gonna frighten you for sure. I'm not easily scared at all, especially with jump scares. But goddamn you all, the jump scares are amazing. There were several times that I almost threw my controller at the TV, startled by either the screams or genuinely upset by an enemy lurking about.

I am in love with Alan Wake II and can't wait for the DLCs coming and the next Control game.