Alan Wake Remastered Review - The Final Verdict

It’s hard to have much of a problem with Alan Wake Remastered in any department. Unlike a lot of games from the seventh generation, Alan Wake’s characters, story and gameplay have mostly withstood the various test of time. And with this remaster’s aggressive technical improvements, it manages to, for the most part, play like a game you’d play today - especially on current gen systems.
The inclusion of the original game’s two DLC expansions adds several hours of gameplay and further sweetens the pot for its already-friendly price tag. The unsettling characters and slightly old-school feel of the combat might not be everybody’s cup of tea in 2021, but for all the players who might appreciate that sort of thing, especially those who missed Alan Wake back in 2010, this is a must play.

[@jack_knife-1478]

If you haven't played this game you're in for a treat.

[@jonathanchew913]

I haven't but loved control and have been meaning to pick it up. Tried it today... gosh draws you in quick!

[@darklighter66]

I have been having a great time with it.

[@groovyJ]

@@darklighter66 are the controls and combat any good? oh and ive heard ppl are having issues with the cutscene is that true?

[@jack_knife-1478]

@Dylan Zammit disagree

[@jtstevenson81]

@Dylan Zammit Disagree wholeheartedly. I loved playing it when it came out back in 2010, and i am loving experiencing it again 11 years later. Easily one of my Top 5 favorite games of all time.

[@detestor420]

One of the best games ever made. Fucking excellent. Thank the Gods it was remastered for the PlayStation

[@darknessviking]

one of the most overrated games ever

[@detestor420]

@@darknessviking your opinion. That’s fine. Move along.

[@wladimir880]

Don't you mean "thank the old gods of asgard"?

[@detestor420]

@@wladimir880 no I said thank the Gods

[@wladimir880]

@@detestor420 my comment was just a reference to the band in the game, you dingus.

[@dmitripopov8570]

Years passed, it turned out to be my most favorite game. Simply, brilliant!

[@damienkrawczuk1435]

Someone seriously needs to review the soundtrack: it's by far the chillest wild and bad ass soundtrack I've heard in the last 5 years: Air kisses and Nick cave's Down by the devil radiate utter chilled ice cubes of hot saucy goodness completely in love with its soundtrack every song is immaculate and tells its own tale within the Alan wake universe, I'm completely in love with game all over again

[@tyrel5150]

I got to play the original via backwards compatibility on Xbox One X and I was blown away. The action was simple in theory but tense in its execution. The haunting music and sound design really help sell the tension. But where AW shines brightest is in the story. My god. Few games have hit me like AW did and it reignited my deep love for games as an artform. Not since Bioshock had I been so impacted by a game’s story (not saying others out there aren’t equally amazing but still). It nails the one thing about horror/thrillers that many movies/games etc miss these days. MYSTERY. It honors its influences to the highest degree. It’s not a lake… it’s an ocean…

[@chrisholland1121]

Late I know but like yourself I've just finished AW 360 on xbox1 and loved it a fantastic tension filled game with a amazing plot.The remastered version may be great but the original was and is unparalleled in my view look forward to AW2

[@VegetaEx]

Waited so long for this, the Game is purely masterful, love it so much.

[@damienkrawczuk1435]

Oh that's incredibly clever! hidden QR codes for interesting visions to watch within the game, Remedy games, that's genius! Love it

[@Dusterdimmu81]

Those visions are also in the Control DLC where u see Alan Wake

[@voided_reality6863]

This is the greatest psychological horror title to release since the original Silent Hill trilogy. If you've never played this it's a must buy for any horror fan. Not to mention this is very likely being released to get people prepared for the widely requested sequel.

[@damienkrawczuk1435]

Much better review than the one I watched before, guy probably did zero research into it, great review! And so glad to play it on my ps4! But in the day a mate had it on his Xbox and we played it obsessively such a great game then and still love the game now, can't wait to re play it all again, downloaded last night and can't wait to get stuck into it over the weekend

[@ammar2316]

You have my total respect GamingBolt for your professionalism in reviewing this great game. That`s why you, among a few other gaming channels, are the only channel I watch for gaming news. This game is so good.

[@shubhamraj25]

This channel is shitty tho, follow gameranx instead

[@Lummers74]

@@shubhamraj25 I’ll second that before watching it I can guess it gets an 8/10, just like the last 20 reviews. If I’m wrong then so be it

[@Lummers74]

@@shubhamraj25 hahahaha, what did I say…..that review was a 9 the way he banged on about it but, oh no we have to give it the standard Gamingbolt 8………pathetic!!!

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

While this channel is trash and dying because of it, the game is great.

[@Lummers74]

@@iHaveTheDocuments I completely agree with you, as are some of the previous titles reviewed on here. Have a look back at the last 15 - 20 games and pretty much each one has got an 8 when the review just doesn’t match the score. I just understand the logic from a channel that could be great. After all it’s only an opinion the review I trust is my own.

[@tomivalkonen1343]

Beaten it many many times on X360. Still have that big book looking Collector's Edition box on 360. Im so damm excited to play this again with new fresh coat of paint. This gives hope for possible Alan Wake 2 again! Thank you folks at Remedy! 🇫🇮☕

[@W-xx-Dy]

Alan wake 2 announced 😁

[@joshuaknox2724]

you must have loved the announcement of alan wake 2 xD

[@tomivalkonen1343]

@@joshuaknox2724 yes i did. 🤯

[@MetalFacedGamer]

I've been looking for that limited edition version since it came out. I'm not a huge collector of things but something like that. I remember when this game came out and I got it. For whatever reason did trailers just got me. My dad at home put it in, played it and within a half an hour I was calling my friends up saying you have to get this game. Cult classic

[@markwalch6065]

Playing it now for 1st time. Blown away. And I adore the episodic tv fornat. All the endless nods to Twin peaks/twilight zone etc.. Hell theres even nods to Max Payne...and the soundtrack is sublime. I got Control too and cant wait to play that aswell X.

[@anthonyjordanmoviesandmore2470]

The thing is though the dodging is meant to feel clumsy Alan Wake is an author he's not an athlete he's not a police officer or some kind of elite Commando

[@redcrimson1028]

I figured that out the first time I played the game.

[@ryno_8848]

Alan even mentioned in the game he never fired a gun outside of a shooting range before fighting the taken

[@CheyenneBlack_]

Let’s Gooo I’m so hyped they remastered this!

[@monstergonads11]

I know man, actually just bought this game and played for the first time on xbox 360 and thought it was amazing, already knew it was going to be good since I loved max payne and other remedy games but was pleasantly surprised to see a remaster soon after finishing it. I’m ready to see if they bring it up a notch with this remaster

[@TomFromTheTube]

7:07 LOL smooth editing.

[@whodeycinbengals]

One of my favorite games of all time. Just picked up the remastered edition for ps5!

[@DutchVikingGuy21]

Wish they had included American nightmare, but other than that, freaking awesome 😎

[@MrTheDarkKnightFan]

I love this game!! Despite its flawed Dodging & running mechanics.

[@billywelch4611]

Messing up the darkness level is a huge mistake to me, it’s takes away from the mood when you can see everything coming. The dlc definitely makes it worth buying(edit , silly me, just turned down the brightness and problem solved lol) so use to everything being perfect out the box these days

[@mafikdew78]

Yup remasters are never the same as the original but new players won't notice

[@m1garand164]

Alan Wake (especially the remastered) is an awesome cinematic horror dream for anyone who loves sheer atmosphere and cerebral terror mixed with amazing narration, great characters, tense combat, and world building. Expect to be brainstorming though. It's one of my favorite games of all time.

[@XiLock_Alotx]

Just wish American Nightmare was included. Regardless this is worth playing yet again

[@1VikingBrute3]

He said two free dlc's i was hoping one was American nightmare.

[@shinobisatsujin585]

Agree 100%. American Nightmare being included would've made this remaster incredible. I'm still excited to play it again but the original version actually holds up pretty well so adding A.N. along with the dlc would've made this version feel way more necessary.

[@TyrellWellickEcorp]

@@1VikingBrute3 Wasn’t American nightmare a stand-alone game and not dlc?

[@vic4dubiplaygamez369]

I believe its because Microsoft published it and would have to be paid money for it. That's the only thing I can think of.

[@1VikingBrute3]

@@TyrellWellickEcorp it was technically dlc man

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

Definitely getting it. I never played the original.

[@paulc2138]

Just bought this in the Xbox sale for £20 with all DLC, look forward to playing it

[@lukastemberger]

How long is the game? I want to play it, but there are too many great games out, I don't have days to waste on games... Is it a reasonable 12-14 hours?

[@BantaKlaus]

Just started a play through on my channel.can’t wait for the second game

[@NVOLIKOS]

One of the most immersive games ever made!

[@wade_says]

This is one of the best games ever made. Beat it in 2010 for 360 then many times after that. Just did my 2nd play through on PS5 for the Platinum.

[@robertfeldmann542]

got it today from ps plus looking forward to playing this

[@camila_costa12]

I'm loving this game and playing it for the second time on nightmare.

[@UnfilteredMedic]

I've had it on Steam for some years. IMO, both it and American Nightmare are great games and a great story. If anyone here hasn't played or finished them, you're in for a great time.

[@tambo6230]

Just about to jump into this game. It's currently loading up. Had it sitting for months as well but seems interesting so time to give it a go I suppose 😂

[@commonsenseability]

Never played the original but I love Control gotta try it just cause it's connected

[@CymruDragon]

Strange, your voice over is very stilted also, what a coincidence!

[@vCASTORTROYv]

Tried to play it on 360 a year or so ago. Geometry and detail had it at about 600p. So much better on PS5 or Series. Definitely hitting different.

[@olivercardenes6600]

Just bought it. Changed region to NZ. Let’s go baby 🤣👍

[@brownpunk1794]

Is this similat to evil within? Enjoyed that game

[@thewicked1862]

I just picked it up for 15 bucks. Pretty excited to try it out for the first time and that’s a rarity considering there’s not many games I can say that about I have quite a colorful catalog over the years. Definitely a better and a hard-core gamer so the fact I’ve never played. This is amazing. Cannot wait to start it. Think I may do so tomorrow.

[@91niemela]

so, howd you like it?

[@genox3636]

Any update?

[@MetalFacedGamer]

This guy left people high and dry

[@genox3636]

@@MetalFacedGamer 😆

[@genox3636]

We're dying to know what you think, literally, because I'm 6 months older now.

[@slysi81]

I bet it's missing the live action mini movies from the game will still be a must though proper loved this game when it came out on 360

[@acehole4788]

I had no idea this was a thing.. ooh happy happy days!

[@Ytnzy250]

? Switching settings to NZ? Or am I missing something? 😁

[@beardofwar2009]

As someone who never got the chance to get my hands on Alan Wake back in 2010, but have since ran through Control and the old Max Paynes, I couldn't be any more excited to finally get my hands on this game. The fan base has given nothing but high praise, and being able to experience this on the PS5 will be awesome. Remedy is one, along with a couple other companies that has constantly pumped out classics.

[@fernandochapa1433]

Remedy is one of the best developers out there. They only know how to make masterpieces

[@bobbysworldrox]

I played on normal back in the 360 and beat it.. Should I try to beat this on hard mode this time on the remaster or is it different difficulty !??

[@Lummers74]

Play it and find out!

[@Sinn0100]

I'll be picking up two copies tomorrow. One for our Series X (for me) and the other for the PS5 (for my fiancee). I can't wait to jump back into this amazing game. For those that missed it the first time...do yourself a solid and get this game. It is priced to sell at...I think $30 and man is it worth every penny. Even at $40 (can't remember) it's a steal! ;)

[@grahamkelly8662]

Downloading this now via ps plus. Looks great

[@Dorothyinstead]

February 2024: This game is a fun little fright fest romp. The mechanics are simple yet engaging. I am 58 and thoroughly enjoy playing this on my PS5.

[@frodobaggins6411]

I don’t usually play horror/survival because I have a hard time handling the horror aspect of those games. But I make exceptions for games like Bioshock, TLOU, RE2, etc. Is this a horror game on the same quality level of any that I listed, or can I skip out on this one?

[@tomivalkonen1343]

As far as horror go its on par with RE8 or F.E.A.R if that tells you anything. Its not too scary but it has amazing thick atmosphere.

[@SaberRexZealot]

It’s a very comfy game made with a lot of love. Definitely worth checking out.

[@danieldevito6380]

Absolute masterpiece. Remedy is one of the best video game devs, without question.

[@jeffxdahmer]

I played Max, Alan, Quantum, but Control stay My fav so far. Studio knows what they do.

[@willlayton8688]

I played the xbox 360 version and really liked it and can't wait to play it on ps4!

[@nemesisencounter2060]

Timeless classic 👌

[@pete5049]

i was thinking about the collectors edition on PC which I think is touched up (not sure about reg version), however seen a lot of negative comments about bugs in the the remastered version not in the original. Don't know which version to get or if on PC they all get the graphics upgrade? Like graphics obv but soe are saying its ruined the game but do not know if there have been patches since. Can anyone comment?

[@agahnim0196]

Is the game just a linear shooter? Or is there exploration and puzzle solving as well? I'm very interested in the story and world of the game, but I'm not a big fan of plain' ol' shooters.

[@ozzyperez3190]

Linear

[@demonbadger86]

Got 100% on Xbox, PC now get to Platinum it. :D

[@Bonbonbon739]

I only mostly play survival horror games and I always wanted to play this but I’ve always been on PlayStation I just bought it I am so excited I’ve always wanted to play it

[@xtruthx]

I picked up today and have never played..PS3 owner in the past. I've heard nothing but great things about it.

[@lalas.9769]

What happens if you don’t grab the manuscript?

[@ONYX-365]

🤞🏻 *for Alan Wake 2!* 🔦

[@Paraludic]

Maybe someone can correct me if I'm wrong. Wasn't the black crush in Alan Wake (2010) a backwards compatability issue and not a part of the original 360 release? If so, then wouldn't the Remaster be truer to the original aesthetic? Either way, I can't wait to see how pretty Bright Falls looks now.

[@joshuaknox2724]

NO it wasnt it was an intentional design choice

[@joshuaknox2724]

just like the original gears of war before they brightened it up in the ultimate edition it was supposed to be dark and muddy so that the can use color as a too for emotion and story for example in gears blood is extremely gory and pronounced because the red is such a contrast to everything else or you will notice a small patch of flowers on the floor in the dark wasteland symbolizing hope....it can all help to drive the narrative and art

[@Paraludic]

@@joshuaknox2724 Digital Foundry would disagree. That's why I asked.

[@joshuaknox2724]

@@Paraludic no brain of your own??? did digital foundry make the game ....thats just there opinion its all subjective ...but hey digital foundry disagrees so yh

[@Paraludic]

@@joshuaknox2724 Wow. Needlessly hostile and patronising. In DF's analysis of Alan Wake on the Xbox One X they highlighted a black crush that wasn't in the 360 version. If the crush wasn't in the 360 version how can that possibly be developer intent?

[@tanner1ie]

Yes! - We FINALLY get to play this game on Playstation, so it's certainly a buy for me! Hopefully Quantum Break gets the same remaster and multiplatform release treatment next 😀🤘.

[@damianhernandez265]

I doubt it, Remedy bought Alan Wake from Microsoft but Quantum Break is still MS IP but im hoping they try to get it from them too

[@tanner1ie]

@@damianhernandez265 Even though Microsoft published Quantum Break, they don't own it. Remedy is still an independent company, so there's nothing to stop someone else publishing a remaster... For example, MS also published the original Alan Wake release and here we are! 🤔😀🤘

[@soulfire6906]

@@tanner1ie it's not about whether remedy is independent or not, but about who owns the ip. Remedy had to buy the Alan Wake ip from Microsoft first before they could release a multiplat remaster. Right now the quantum break ip does still belongs to Microsoft and until remedy buys that back as well, that game won't see the light on playstation. But yes, it isnt implausible that remedy could do that one day.

[@pulco3]

I am playing the game at the moment. I finished episode 3. I find the game interesting but extremely repetitive ? Am I the only one ?

[@WalkInTheShadows16]

Been waiting forever for this to come to Playstation...

[@bornGmE]

I want this sooon!! Outstanding game!!!

[@TevyaSmolka]

I love Alan wake such a great game and very good horror game

[@PillowEgg]

Did they remove the horrid overlarge thermos collectibles or are they still in?

[@princegroove]

I’m enjoying this banger on my PS5, it’s quite a treat.

[@bonsaratbu8498]

Is Alan Wake Remastered available in PC?

[@miguelmelo1814]

I just bought it along with control and alan wake 2 in order to experience the RCU

[@ToneVarela]

Not talking shit about this game cuz i love it but since i have the original on steam and can play it at 4k max i see no reason to buy this version,i can put the money from this to another game but if you are on playstation just get it

[@wrightfamily7381]

I'm going to try to get this tomorrow if they don't have it I will try a plague tale

[@kabelfritz]

i remember when this game was (unfairly) considered mediocre at the initial launch by many media.

[@tomivalkonen1343]

Mostly because its smaller studio and not situated in USA or Japan.

[@kabelfritz]

@@tomivalkonen1343 nah, remedy already had a household name back then thanks to max payne. i think it was somehow pushed into the "overly long developement time, relatively low yield" stereotype.

[@Bears11422]

Does it still have it's entire soundtrack?

[@tomivalkonen1343]

As far as i can tell, yes. Should be pretty much same game minus sponsor product placements.

[@WSGtr12]

This is nice but can't wait for Alan Wake 2.

[@gracey62uk]

Anyone else notice that bit where he says about the “seventh generation”? 😂😂

[@GlowingPumpkin44]

Was searching for a comment, what is all that about 😂😂

[@rafaelmoura2103]

a little town called silent h...bright falls, bright falls...

[@MarkoUntitled]

Alan Wake 2 is in my top 3 wishes ever

[@LennyDykstra1]

Playing it now. It’s solid asf

[@jamesblicq5468]

Never played it and loved Control. Picking up a physical copy today 🤙

[@tyrel5150]

If you haven’t played the AWE expansion for Control yet WAIT till after you complete Alan Wake. You will be in for possibly the rarest of treats possible in any game. It’s ok on its own but AWE is a terrific and mystifying crossover event a decade in the making.

[@damienkrawczuk1435]

I said it once and I'll say it a million times more, so stoked to own Alan wake on the PlayStation, flipping love the game and all the max payne references has made me heaps miss max payne when I'm finished AW: remastered I'm playing Max payne again and that control game again reckon I missed the Alan wake reference in that game, I so hope they release a physical version of AW: remastered in the future, really hope it sells well so we get it, I really miss these types of games

[@GameMasterpg]

This game is 1440p on PS5 and Series X

[@ChrisWinters_993]

Will it have in it Alan wake American nightmare in this

[@damienkrawczuk1435]

Sadly no, but never know early days yet, it could be added

[@TheEddyDAO]

It's time to put the lime in coconut again

[@shanebigfella1636]

Just pre-ordered the game for #SeriesX Pre-Installing it now

[@heiwajima4965]

Remaster only has one problem for me after completing signal once playing it again will crash your game everytime making it impossible to play again on PS4 & So I'm stuck being unable to get the no death run trophy

[@denios36]

Closed captions are set to Vietnamese bro

[@FJTabb]

Alan Wake and House of Ashes in the same month for 30 each.... life is good!

[@aFLYER1980]

What happened to Alan's face 😕

[@damienkrawczuk1435]

Use your own phone to scan code and watch, you know your own actual real phone just making that clear for no confusion hopefully

[@independentthought3390]

I just finished the original version, and it still looks great. There was no need for a remaster, so I will never buy it.

[@wes8723]

Not a single word in the review about the PC version (and the original PC version from 2012) ? WTF

[@moenibus]

Making s Frankenstein monster of bits and bites of other's people's works, is called "taking inspiration". ok

[@doge79]

Guess i'm nitpicking but their neck and face physics looks off tho...

[@thechicagobox]

Anyone else seeing the horrible flower textures being used? I’m talking N64… Also no more Energizer batteries 🔋

[@randolphquilaton1206]

Very underrated game.... enjoy the story wish they create the sequel.

[@rayromano6249]

Does it have upgradeable mechanics in the game?

[@krnc17]

Underrated? The game got mostly positive reviews, and won numerous awards hahah

[@damianhernandez265]

I think it is kinda confirmed it will have a sequel considering this and the AWE dlc from Control

[@randolphquilaton1206]

@@krnc17 yes the critics love it and won awards but compare it to other triple A games, it does not stack up when it comes to sells so that's why its underated.

[@krnc17]

@@randolphquilaton1206 I think the right word you’re looking for is “flop” man. Underrated is for more score or ratings

[@yashanweerapperuma8574]

Pain in the ass game..same shit over and over and over again..😪💔running mechanism also 💔

[@fedroger51]

Dude is this a review or a summary of the story?!

[@keithdavison2960]

You know this is now free if your a PSplus member

[@spiltcoff33]

PS5 is not 1080p…

[@DPK210]

If you close your eyes, Alan Wake sounds just like Patrick Bateman.

[@willynilly2545]

I foud this game to be mostly tedious, especially the combat. It is so clunkly. Particularly dodging and the running was so frustrating and annoying. Shine flashlight, shoot guns, repeat to death.

[@ChoongYeow]

Comparing it to the 360 version is totally wrong , you should compare it with the steam version, which far superior than the 360.

[@retro__791]

How tf can people even hate this