Alan Wake Remastered Review

Reviewed by Tristan Ogilvie on PlayStation 5. Also available on PlayStation 4, Xbox, and PC.
"Playing Alan Wake Remastered is a bit like taking an old horror hardcover off the bookshelf and wrapping it in a glossy dust jacket; it looks brand new on the surface, but the experience of actually thumbing through it remains the same and some of the edges of of its well-loved pages are starting to look a bit dog-eared. It's therefore fairly inessential for existing Alan Wake fans, but its consistently menacing atmosphere and clever plot tricks still make for a distinctive survival-horror experience for newcomers - even if the advanced action of Remedy's most recent game has left poor Alan in its wake."

[@410MaXiMuS]

Funny how the reviewer mentions that the game needs a better HUD to indicate when you’re getting attacked from behind, and the corresponding gameplay clip shows Alan Wake turning his head to look behind him (to indicate to the player there is an incoming attack from behind). It’s quite literally a gameplay mechanic and you played through the entire game (presumably twice) without even noticing. Smh

[@Ytnzy250]

URAH, true dat!

[@enar000]

Boom roasted

[@noxthestar8300]

That's a game journo for you

[@lilantonio9022]

IGN bro is expected

[@amanchoosesaslaveobeys6510]

😄 what do you expect from a woke game journalist company

[@iCoolaxe]

For the price Alan Wake Remastered is definitely worth getting, especially if you've never played the original one.

[@ThroughMyEyes2020]

It will be my first time playing it on PC. Can't wait!

[@bashanborlangkhongshei2851]

@@ThroughMyEyes2020 if you like Horror then go for it, it's worth it 👍

[@MrHawkTV]

If you havent played the original at this point that means you have never wanted to play it. Its been out forever on xbox and pc plus on pc it looks better than ps5.

[@Philosophical24]

That’s me! New fan here 🙌🏼☝🏼

[@ZeotyXBL]

@@MrHawkTV everything looks better on pc as long as you have the hardware

[@KonohaRamenNoodles]

It’s best to look at this as a way to catch new people up before the bigger, modern sequel shows up.

[@shriyanshpandey112]

You sure they are making it ?

[@talharehman3664]

@@shriyanshpandey112 Why else would they bother to remaster a game from over 11 years ago

[@KonohaRamenNoodles]

@@shriyanshpandey112 pretty sure it was part of the same rumour that said they had a deal with Epic to make a big title and something smaller, this remaster would be the latter.

[@YouTubeHandleEtc.]

Based on how AWE ended, Control 2 is probably going to function also as an Alan Wake sequel.

[@BenHopkins1000]

Thought it was canceled

[@khias433]

The videos lenght is the score.

[@ohitsmerenz]

Lmao

[@thelonewolf7443]

Length*

[@amaljohn_7202]

@@thelonewolf7443 🏅

[@Levi7711]

Spoiler

[@romanyourcousinbellic594]

@@thelonewolf7443 u get cookie

[@MonguzTea]

Alan Wake was way underrated when first released and here we go again. Its stuck in the past because its from the past. No need to alter the gameplay for a true classic.

[@kinlopunim]

oh wow IGN got an entertaining reviewer again. keep this guy on staff!

[@zahibakhtar9123]

I've never heard of an unfunny Australian, they're just naturally funny 😂😂😂😂😂

[@bloodindark]

what are you talking about?this guy has been here before

[@eX8jbn]

He's the Editor man

[@ronswanson3826]

The dude is an awful reviewer compares the game with modern titles, and really criticized the gameplay in a remaster.

[@e.k.p3516]

@@ronswanson3826 if its wrong to compare a remaster to the modern titles then what's the point of making a remaster to begin with?

[@mmehdi3437]

The original was one of the best games ive ever played, hope more people can play it now

[@JustBeingAlive]

What!? Best game? Never xD

[@amanchoosesaslaveobeys6510]

@@Ausssss999 no it's not jump scares it a story driven psychological horror but honestly it not scary however it is a lot of fun and has a great story

[@skmk88]

Dang dude, low standards must be an Xbox thing. Feel sorry for you if this was one of the best you’ve played. Wouldn’t even make top 50 of all time 😂

[@Bleedblue6487]

@@JustBeingAlive opinions. "I've ever played". Maybe let homie have his opinion.

[@Bleedblue6487]

@@skmk88 as a PlayStation fan I've gotta say, opinions. "I've ever played". Maybe let homie have his opinion. It'll be ok if he loved the OG.

[@rey-o]

kudos for the Alan Wake like journal entries. Worth the effort!

[@justschwab]

This was a wonderfully creative review, and an example of how video reviews can take advantage of the medium (versus simply reading excerpts from the written review over game clips). Well done!

[@robnorish6515]

Never played it back in the day so I’m keen !

[@talharehman3664]

This game takes me back to my teenage, a memorable game from that time

[@traceyrinaldi4759]

Youre in for a treat. Pro tip, take your time with the game, really dig into it and explore. The game is really immersive so really take in the games atmosphere and dont sprint through it.

[@Philosophical24]

Same here ☝🏼🙌🏼

[@amanchoosesaslaveobeys6510]

It's a great game

[@coreyjames9560]

Same here, I'm getting it for my birthday in a couple if weeks.

[@SaroDantra]

Very disappointing that American Nightmare was not included in this release.

[@harveyawesome]

It’s rubbish but it SHOULD be included for preservation and the people who did enjoy it.

[@romanyourcousinbellic594]

Wow that's disgusting

[@romanyourcousinbellic594]

@Rando Le’Persón it should've still been included as an extra that's dumb

[@frankdonatelli343]

@@harveyawesome I liked american nightmare, sorry it didn't work for you

[@Trobott]

Its still playable on all modern xbox consoles!

[@michaeldasilva1752]

Playing through it right now on base PS4 and loving it... the atmosphere, the story, the action, the characters, the episodic "TV series" format... As soon as Roy Orbison's "In Dreams" played (end of chapter 1) I was like, "ohh this feels special"

[@tommyshelby3457]

Definitely a nod to blue velvet

[@alextromagnetic]

One of my all time favourite games. Can't wait to revisit it

[@TheJohhnyE]

“This game is a remaster but what holds it back is that it’s a remaster.”

[@Heligoland211]

Poetry!

[@maskedmumbler4127]

It’s about time we get to knock the dust off this game, and is no one going to mention how even 20 years later Sam Lake still pretty much looks the same since Max Payne 1? 😂

[@sirnootsalot3468]

Imagine one of the complaints being "it's a shooter stuck in the past" IT'S A REMASTER NOT A REMAKE

[@noxthestar8300]

That's a game journo for you

[@TheWaynos73]

Just another wanker who expected more.

[@MonguzTea]

Not even a shooter but ok.

[@sirnootsalot3468]

@@MonguzTea technically it is

[@platinum2905]

And who says a remake can't tweak gameplay mechanics? Even patches do that sometimes. You guys need to grow up and stop crying when your favorite game doesn't get a 9 or 10. If you hate IGN so much why are you still here watching every single review?

[@dr.loomis4221]

6:05 the absolute highlight of this game imo.

[@BalaGames]

Thx.

[@andreadorno7722]

Children of The Elder gods!!!!!

[@harshitrakhiani8833]

So length of this video equals total score given 😀🎉

[@IAmVianca]

Is the DLC that is now included, does it come as a code that you need to download or is it included in the disk right off the bat?

[@bencampbell198]

Is there a better collectables tracker this time around? The original just told you the total across the whole game, and make it very frustrating when you missed just one thermos or manuscript page.

[@JamesThomasJeans]

Nope, it's all identical to how it was set up in the original.

[@TANG3RINE95]

Love this review, nice to see some creativity in it and a nice homage to Alan Wake!

[@shugogh12]

I'm just here still hoping for a sequel

[@NemoEtNihil]

Seeing as how Control is set in the same uni(multi?)verse, we'll definitely be seeing Mr. Wake's story continue.

[@Masta200]

That seems very likely at this point. And the timing of the remaster too.

[@Turo602]

There's been several rumors saying the game is in development and considering how Control's AWE DLC ended with activity in Bright Falls and now this remaster, it's definitely happening.

[@Ghostrider-ul7xn]

Just announced lol

[@B0ttinat0r]

IGN - "Playing Alan Wake Remastered feels like you're playing Alan Wake. 7/10."

[@icenine09]

Which is confusing because if that were true, they would have rated it 10/10.

[@jamescunningham8092]

It’s fair to point out where the game hasn’t aged well.

[@discod992]

They could release this game without any improvements and I'd still buy it.

[@darknight264441]

Ah so you're the reason rockstar is releasing GTA V on for 8 years straight

[@discod992]

@@darknight264441 Whoa just because Rockstar has you butthurt don't take it out on me😆

[@thomaskaliviotis936]

@@discod992 exeis provlima afto to game GRAFEI ANTILIPSI FWNAZEI THWMAS

[@SiphesihleKhoza]

Imagine being this gullible AND proud of it...

[@AutismFamilyChannel]

"it was me that was coming across as phoney." Hey ...we love every bit of these phoney reviews. Keep them coming!

[@ralphwarom2514]

Wow. FIrst ign review that has made me smile in a long time. Lovely.

[@hierlesim]

Very well written review and perfect use of the game's structure and style to create the narrative...

[@MrRawnch]

Seems like reviewers can't distinguish "Remaster" from "Remake". The game definitely sits in the top 50 of titles produced in the last decade. It seems silly to hold this game to the same standards of today and fussing over little things. Anyone who's familiar with this title knows what they're getting into. Gamers have gotten really spoiled.

[@andrewhezekiahdaniel]

He does say it's not a remake. Ultimately there are newer, better games out there so that's probably why they get mentioned because time is a limited resource.

[@vd2130]

@@andrewhezekiahdaniel For example?

[@rorynolan2322]

@@andrewhezekiahdaniel there aren't really any better games that are like Alan wake though. Even remedy's newer games while improved in terms of gameplay although Alan still holds up very well in my opinion. Those games aren't don't tell a story in the same way nore are they horror. And if we go by gameplay standards in horror themed games Alan wake blows most of them away in terms of gameplay mechanics perhaps resi 2 remake beats it but still there's isn't anything quite like Alan wake out there and if anyone missed it it's Defs worth playing.

[@andrewhezekiahdaniel]

@@rorynolan2322 Prey definitely better imo.

[@voidhunter9474]

@@andrewhezekiahdaniel Yawn a other sheep

[@andrewnikkel3684]

One of the Best stories to a game I’ve ever played

[@user-xe7um4pv8i]

Raise your hand if you thought he said “grab your flesh-light and batteries” at the beginning of the video.

[@sommervilleTRS117]

No Bill, it's only you and your fleshlight. As usual.

[@DaveysRoom]

My friend says Fleshlights don’t need batteries.

[@sommervilleTRS117]

@@DaveysRoom is your friend named Bill??

[@DaveysRoom]

@@sommervilleTRS117 classic Bill.

[@meandmynine_tm4161]

There's no room for batteries in my fleshlight as my man meat lives in there

[@filmotter]

I'm definitely picking this one up. Played the original a ton as a kid. And the remaster looks significant enough to satisfy my nostalgia lol

[@mikehudson7451]

So weird to hear someone talk about having played a game as a "kid" that you played right when it came out...just a few years ago or so lol Talk about time flying..."played the original as a "kid"" WOW

[@wisdomfox857]

@@mikehudson7451 a few years it was 11 years ago lol

[@mikehudson7451]

@@wisdomfox857 You'll see LOL sure seemed like just a few years back!

[@wisdomfox857]

@@mikehudson7451 it does lol

[@untethered24]

"Alan Wake's mechanics are stuck in the past" Well, it's eleven years old, so...

[@Bhubnipz]

This was released in 2021

[@JAM_2024]

@@Bhubnipz this is a remaster not a remake.

[@Bhubnipz]

@@JAM_2024 Which is why the mechanics are 2009 levels. Is he not supposed to talk about negative aspects of the game just because they didn’t change it? It’s perfectly reasonable for a reviewer to tell people precisely what they are in for when purchasing a game

[@voidhunter9474]

@@Bhubnipz Shut up

[@Bhubnipz]

@@voidhunter9474 Aight

[@Haybud]

Did he say ‘flesh light?!’ 😳

[@BATASHALACKA]

Nah mate that’s how us aussies say flash light. We also call video games chazwazzers

[@Taxman5scotty]

@@BATASHALACKA chazzwazzers lmaoo

[@lFlyingDutchmanl]

Borat liked it. Very nice ! 👍

[@rexjaru]

@@BATASHALACKA used to be a time when Aussies would give New Zealanders a hard time for pronouncing ‘flash’ the same as ‘flesh’.

[@typho6279]

It's like playing through a peak Stephen King story, and that makes it a 99999/10. Alan Wake is among the greatest masterpieces created ever.

[@giannissarellas4677]

Played this back in 2011.. 10 years later it still remains my favorite game I've ever played!

[@Ka-tet84]

I'm so glad to see someone having fun with a review and not always treat it like a boring college assignment.

[@johne.nobody2946]

The OG is of my favorite games of all time. Played it like religiously as a kid. There’s just no game that matches this one’s atmosphere. Definitely will be putting this on my PS5.

[@remancyrodill4474]

Now they're making Alan Wake 2 🥰

[@5hane9ro]

One of my favorite games of the 7th gen. Genuinely unique and fun game, definitely give it a shot

[@edgarector]

If you haven't played it, pick it up now! This is Remedy's best game, imo!

[@n3gi_]

Great game? Yes but Remedy's best game? Hell no. Remedy's best games are clearly Max Payne 1 and 2, closely followed by control.

[@CarlFGauss-qn2cq]

@@n3gi_ No. Remedy's best game is Quantum Break followed by Death Rally

[@soylentcompany5235]

@@CarlFGauss-qn2cq 💀

[@lexoticsjyl3229]

@@soylentcompany5235 yea hes buggin it’s definitely max Payne

[@graybone]

Worst game, maybe ever

[@IGGYPOPEGAMING]

been waiting 11 years for this. still keen. loved the intro by the way

[@VincentVincent_89]

This games solid asf

[@85wastedyears]

The combat is super repetitive. Wash and repeat, over and over again...

[@quietgamer2146]

@@85wastedyears imma play it with a blunt

[@SuperHellhawk]

A solid 7

[@85wastedyears]

@@SuperHellhawk 5

[@eatanotherzio6811]

@@85wastedyears Just a tip You gotta dodge on Nightmare mode

[@TEEN1DOL]

Revisited the first one maybe 2 years ago now and loved every second of it. I’ll get this one to further support the team as well

[@mecharobots]

You can hear the weapons in the air when thrown to give you a time to dodge them

[@astrobussy]

awesome review. loved the quirky humor! more reviews like this pls

[@faithalityblog]

Remaster = updated graphics / Remake = new gameplay mechanics. As a remaster all you should expect is new graphics and that's exactly what this version of the game does.

[@leoviper]

“It makes you feel like you’re a writer” -IGN

[@nisoldi]

0:26 "Like a fleshlight flickering to life" buddy... you just became my new favorite reviewer.

[@petepete4402]

I've been playing for an hour & the camera keeps changing from one shoulder to the other, can this be stopped as really annoying

[@eventhorizon2873]

Still epic. One of my favorite game of all time. And everyone should at least have this game in his collection.

[@ChocoTavo626]

@Rando Le’Persón what about evil within? 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@randerins]

Agreed. The original was very remarkable to me

[@fabiov8412]

Ign playing a remastered game expecting it to be a remake lol

[@xbiker321]

Excellent review, loved the comedy and written pages in it!

[@Aragorn7884]

IGN: Because *of course* we gave it that rating.

[@Peer-IGN]

@@dipsetkory7964 Anthem got a 6.5 from IGN.

[@freshprincegaming4318]

Wooooow I’ve NEVER heard of this game until now an it looks AMAZING, I’m definitely grabbing this today!! 🔥

[@ahauntedlighthouse7305]

It's incredible. One of the best, Enjoy! 😀

[@MakelBelieve]

Very cool game

[@mcconartist3281]

hope they do a full sequel if this does well

[@GeneJ77]

How do the Xbox Series X remastered look?

[@NJILIKE]

do you think games should be remastered or remake? would you consider buying a remastered or remake?

[@Philosophical24]

Had to get this, for spooky season is now upon us!

[@samwisegamgee4122]

jesus christ guys who don't you marry the number 7 already?

[@-pressxtostart-]

@@HushTheMyth calm down

[@emptycan666]

Sorry, what had fresh batteries inserted into it?

[@thatguy3213]

Will we get a free remaster on pc if we already have alan wake?

[@equanimity92]

Would love to see this game get a sequel/spinoff

[@Masta200]

There's rumours it's in full production but yeah chances are high we will see a sequel.

[@dan12con]

Control has Alan Wake dlc

[@Ash-np4pd]

Control is the spin-off lol

[@zacharybrown8054]

Wish granted!

[@jakeygballs]

here after the playstation showcase, it’s your lucky day!

[@denzo3882]

They nailed the intro

[@justpassingby3409]

Does it run at 60 fps on ps4?

[@jesusgeronimo312]

Does he still get tired after 2 seconds of running?

[@yurielcundangan9090]

This was a Certified "hOOd" Classic

[@wikandakitana304]

💯

[@DoomEternal]

Now we just need Eternal Darkness Remastered and my life will be complete.

[@Coswalker27]

so is ign letter the review have more say in how they review it?

[@latino.raptor]

is it 60fps on xbox series S?

[@maximumaverage]

Tried to play it this week, couldn't get into it. The whole flashlight before shooting mechanic didn't resonate with me. The game feels old - obviously it is

[@khaitran43]

This is an xbox 360 era game, why doesn’t it have a switch release?

[@anasbakhit4303]

there's a rumors saying it was also hinted to comes to the switch as well.

[@brimstonesulfur5013]

Is American nightmare included?

[@cizfranainedres9028]

Dude. This reviewers have been on point for the past reviews!!!👍💯

[@SadboySpidey]

Got it downloaded on ps5! Never played it before and I’ve heard nothing but great things. Looking forward to it

[@cartertran1373]

Well is it fresh?

[@andrewjames7438]

@@cartertran1373 “fresh?”

[@MarioVelezBThinkin]

Yo Remedy, hire this guy. He has Alan Wake in his head rent free.

[@crashpal]

"You'll get your rent when you fix the damn door!"

[@LarryMullins]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@DaveysRoom]

So if you’ve already got this on PC then there’s not much reason to pick it up?

[@rockwallcat]

The "assault and batteries" dad joke got me.

[@djahjeband7249]

Started playing it on my Series X last night..it runs amazing!!

[@lonewanderer2798]

I've been grinding my way through it every other day recently. Its a great setting but the gameplay really drags on and becomes very tedious. Sounds like the sequel will be better so will finish this otherwise I'd have given up.

[@BiscayZ]

That was the best Intro ever - Thank you IGN Reviewer

[@MizfitZer0]

Does the ps5 version have any dualsense features or haptic triggers?....

[@meandmynine_tm4161]

Most, if not all multiplatform games won't have dualsense or haptic trigger feedback. You know this

[@MizfitZer0]

@@meandmynine_tm4161 false. Call of duty cold war, dirt 5, nba 2k21, a plague tale, control. Just to name a few

[@tonybone1889]

why is he complaining that its the same and nothing has changed its a remaster not a remake what did he expect

[@thenextlevel123]

A remaster. This does nothing, to Improve a great game other than to re release it.

[@-pressxtostart-]

Complaining or simply stating? It is meant to be a review you know, something to tell us what to expect

[@thenextlevel123]

@@xfreejack001x huh? A port?

[@albertgein3082]

You say flesh light??

[@MarkindVGA]

You put the lime in the coconut and you drink it all up, you put the lime in the coconut and drink it all up.

[@DontUputThatEvilOnMe]

How to get the remastered version. It’s not on steam

[@niallharrington3636]

epic game store

[@steffdia7080]

Alan Wake is an inspiration of Resident Evil 4 Alpha demo + Alone in the Dark.

[@ryanarchuleta6231]

I'm going to make Alan Wake a yearly tradition to replay it in October to celebrate the spooky season.

[@boobmyst3475]

0:25 “ yes like a Flesh light flickering to life after a freshly inserted……….” 😂

[@eventhorizon2873]

Is this coming to switch?

[@Kschreck]

One of the best games ever made.

[@egbah428]

As far as I'm concerned Alan wake was way better than control. And the lack of on screen hints such as showing your stamina or where the enemy is makes it more intense

[@C-Murph]

Gunna be psych to finally play this on my Switch OLED.

[@joebeeleung7789]

played this back at my xbox360/high school days, can't wait to play this again and the proper sequel ;P

[@MrEditsCinema]

7? I enjoyed Alan wake more than control

[@iamarabicandiloveamericanp7137]

Yeah me too

[@-pressxtostart-]

Then make a review and stick your own arbitrary number on it

[@henokhsatrio8804]

me too!

[@Crimson4252]

11 years ago IGN gave it a 9. Now it's a 7??

[@BigLehbowski]

Like a “Fleshlight” flickering to life from a freshly inserted set of energizers.. Anyone else here that?

[@nikolaisafronov3452]

Does it work on PC?

[@NottsRetroClub]

How can a touched up version running smoother with commentary not be worth it for returning fans? “Face palm”. Clearly it’s a chance for non 360 owners to play a cult classic for the first time, which you didn’t mention. Here’s a crazy concept, fans of a game might just want a subtle remaster rather than overhaul of a DECADE old game, given them the chance to be nostalgic on a newer system.

[@cosmoskid4613]

we need Alan wake 2 not remaster.

[@-pressxtostart-]

Yes because both can definitely not be a possibility can it

[@s-kazi940]

Every game doesn't need a sequel.

[@suparibhau]

@@s-kazi940 But this literally does, the story was left unconcluded even with 2 added dlc's.

[@Saint_Trump]

where is Max Payne Remastered？

[@ottolehto]

Great, informative review!