PLAYED ON: PC via Epic Games
We are finally at the end of Alan Wake 2. As a big fan of both Alan Wake and Control, I was eager & excited to see how Remedy would blend the two worlds in this latest DLC, The Lake House. As usual, the overall atmosphere felt spot-on. The moment I stepped into the FBC facility, with its eerie Brutalist architecture and dim lighting, I knew I was in for a creepy ride. Remedy really knows how to set a mood, and it didn’t take long for the tension to start building.
Gameplay-wise, it felt familiar, but in a good way. I was back to using a flashlight and a gun to fend off enemies, and while the new paint monsters added a fun twist, I can’t lie, some of those encounters were frustrating. These creatures could instantly grab you, and with limited health packs, things got a little stressful. The challenge was definitely there, but at times, it felt a bit too punishing, especially during the boss fight. Still, the combat kept me on my toes, and I enjoyed the tense moments of trying to survive. The new weapon using Black Rock was a clever move though.
One thing I really appreciated was the story. We got to dive deeper into the lore of Alan Wake 2 and Control, and Agent Estevez, the new playable character, was a refreshing addition. Her interactions with the Marmont couple, who are trying (and failing) to harness the powers of Cauldron Lake, were interesting and added some depth to the narrative. I was genuinely curious about their backstory and how everything connected to the larger Remedyverse. I also liked the lore tidbits here and there, throughout the building (which I love Remedy for) especially when you are getting to know what happens in an FBC facility which is not the Oldest House.
In-Game Screenshots on PC
The puzzles were a mixed bag for me. Some of them were clever, like the shifting environments that messed with my sense of direction, but others could’ve used a little more clarity. A few times, I got stuck longer than I’d like to admit, just trying to figure out where to go next. It wasn’t enough to ruin the experience, but it did slow things down a bit. Thankfully, the story kept me moving forward, even when the gameplay got a little frustrating.
This DLC is made for both Alan Wake & Control fans but it was more of a continuation than a conclusion. We do get to experience what we can expect in the future [Spoilers] and trust me, I was way too hyped! I would have appreciated it if we could have seen what happened to Alan, Saga & Alex Casey after the main game ended and how their story kind of continued in a way.
Screenshots from IGDB Page
Smash Hit Score: 7.8/10
The Lake House was a solid addition to Alan Wake 2, even if it didn’t quite hit the high notes I was hoping for. The atmosphere and story were fantastic, but some of the gameplay elements could’ve been smoother. I’d still recommend it to fans of the series, especially if you’ve already invested in the game. It’s not a perfect send-off, but it’s a fitting one, and it definitely left me excited for what Remedy has in store next.
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GIFs from Xbox's Giphy Page
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