The exploration of mental health in Alan Wake has been compelling, if hyper-literal, and The Writer is as blunt in its surrealism as ever. But I do find it admirable in grappling with the self-defeating internalized shame and externalized collateral damage which almost invariably latch onto those struggling with their mental health. I’ve seen the intense spiral of self-hatred extinguish far too many bright lights.

So the symbolism might be obvious and somewhat inelegant, but Alan’s agonizing struggle (against himself as well as forces out of his control) to climb out of the Dark Place really resonated with me here. Plus, the more surrealistic level design and actual story revelations made this better than The Signal. Now on to American Nightmare.