Today’s game is Alan Wake. I wasted no time getting back too it and went through the first half of episode 4. I would have done the second half but the game crashed sadly. I’m hoping to complete it soon, though with the Silent Hill 2 remake on the horizon i’m considering swapping my plans for Alan Wake 2 with that because i’ve been excited for SH2’s remake for a while and just remembered it’s coming out here in a few days, i’m not 100% sure on if i’ll do that though.
I originally accidentally posted this screenshot to the wrong gaming community, but The screenshot is of the Lodge at the start.
I think this game does a really good job of leveraging it’s landscapes, Particularly at this part. The whole game does an amazing job of capturing it's landscape, especially for a game of it's age where i feel like the landscape can sometimes show it's age.
Episode 4 is probably one of my favorites because i feel like it has a good balance of action moments and story pacing moments. Not to mention i love the lodge section. The escape from the lodge itself is great and it has a lot of cool lore elements, and then the hedge maze and garden outside i love too. It is probably one of the most memorable parts too me. Breaking Episode 4 into two parts may have been a blessing though, as it will let me talk about my other favorite part of Episode 4 in more detail tomorrow without drawing out the post
Yep, they also made me want to rewatch X-Files and Twin Peaks, two obvious inspirations (plus Stephen King particularly The Dark Tower, another kind of house that is the linchpin of universes).
I can also recommend The Lost Room mystery series from 2006. It's use of magical, but mundane objects and a timeless hotel room also seems to have been a direct inspiration.
Damn, I knew about X-Files and Twin Peaks, but I had no idea about the others. It's honestly a rabbit hole I'd love to go down if I ever get the time. Adulting sucks :(