Alan Wake for Xbox 360 Reviews by Gamers

From the very beginning of Alan Wake it became clear that this was not your normal survival horror game. The controls are excellent making aiming and maneuvering throughout the game world a breeze. The gameplay revolves around light and dark in which case your flashlight and flares are your most valuable items. The storyline is very well thought out, but it might not be one that will gain the interest of everyone. Even if the story does not grab your interest there is plenty to like. The graphics are top notch with my only complaint being some lip syncing issues. The shooting is quite excellent and I feel this aspect puts this game over its competitors (Silent Hill, Resident Evil). My one complaint which really has no impact on the overall experience is the amount of collectibles required for achievements. I did not mind finding the missing pages of the book as it pertained to the story and had relevance, but collecting coffee thermoses is a serious pain.

This game was turning into the Duke Nukem joke. Lots of hype and LOTS of delays. In the end though- this game was BRILLIANT.

I am NOT a horror / survival horror fan. I don't get any satisfaction from the "jump out and scare you" games that many companies are cranking out. Alan Wake is NOT such a game. It's a thriller with some very creepy and scary parts- but nothing feels 'cheap' or 'gimmicky'. The story is very mature and very imaginative and while the voice work is downright cheesy at times, it's done very well. If you were a fan of Twin Peaks, you'll feel very at home with Alan Wake. The story is told in such a way that you're made to feel like it's a TV show. That works incredibly well to pull you in and give you a great stopping point for the night or week. It's true charm however is it's pacing and the way it gives you the small bits of the story between the action. After a while, I totally got over the horror/creepy thriller fear and just wanted to know MORE and about the story. I needed to know "What happens next??!!" and that was a defining moment for me. I played the game the way it was intended; alone, at night and with a great pair of headphones. If you try this game- do yourself a favor and obey those suggestions like laws. You will enjoy this game SO much if you just give into the cliche's and do it. The graphics are some of Xbox's best (I live in the woods on four acres of forest... this game does a PERFECT job of recreating that feel). The town is great, the mountain roads... all of it is just spot on. Add the creepy folk feel and it's a joy ride to experience. I liked this game so much I bought it AND both DLC chapters that came out after and the whole collection is worth it. I haven't enjoyed a game like this since Silent Hill 1 on the PS1. This is an absolute must for Xbox fans who are old enough to enjoy a great story along with the scary action.