E3 2009: Light Shed on Alan Wake

Lots of Xbox 360 exclusives were revealed at todays E3 Media Event.  One of those games was that of Alan Wake, the story-driven, survival-horror title from Microsoft Game Studios and Remedy Entertainment.

This atmospheric title looks to be shaping up nicely, spinning a thrilling, scare-filled yarn while using an interesting light mechanic to help Alan on his quest to find his wife Alice, after she goes missing in the “deceptively idyllic town” of Bright Falls, Washington.

The game draws inspiration from such television works of fiction as The X-Files and Twin Peaks.  In fact, the game will be focused on engrossing storytelling and will even go so far as to present levels as episodes.

Fact Sheet:

Title: “Alan Wake”
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Remedy Entertainment Ltd.
Format: DVD for the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system
ESRB Rating: RP for Rating Pending
Pricing: $59.99
Availability: Spring 2010

Product Overview:

Bringing a new style of storytelling to Xbox 360, “Alan Wake” is a psychological action thriller from Remedy, the renowned developers of the successful “Max Payne” series. In this dynamic new title exclusively for Xbox 360, players assume the role of Alan Wake, a best-selling suspense author suffering from writer’s block, who escapes to a small town only to experience the mysterious disappearance of his fiancée.

Set in the deceptively idyllic town of Bright Falls, Wash., “Alan Wake” immerses players in an intense and expansive cinematic world that enables players to explore the hyper-realistic and interactive environments. “Alan Wake” is mission-based with a deeply engaging and suspenseful storyline unveiling new twists and profound character revelations at every turn.

Players will unravel the riveting plot through multilayered character interactions, unique problem-solving and intense combat against terrifying enemies. In this nightmarish world, where fantasy and reality collide, Alan Wake must use a variety of weapons to survive, including his most powerful ally against the darkness — light itself.

Features:

• Intense psychological thriller. “Alan Wake” delivers a deeply psychological and finely crafted plot that raises the bar for storytelling in video games. The riveting story of “Alan Wake” is propelled by a movie-like atmosphere, compelling situations, memorable characters and real-time pacing. Remedy has a record of creating and developing games with unique cinematic presentation and exceptionally high production values.
• Light as a combat element. As Wake journeys deeper into the mystery of Bright Falls, the shadows close in around him. When darkness descends, light becomes his only ally as he fights his way to daybreak. . This poses a severe problem for Alan Wake since his enemies seemingly gain strength from the shadows, and before long, light itself becomes his greatest ally. Players must skillfully combine their use of light with more conventional weapons to stand a chance.
• Realistic, interactive environment. Set in the town of Bright Falls, the hyper-detailed environments of the Pacific Northwest play an important role; even the change in daylight and weather will profoundly affect the characters and enemies in “Alan Wake.” The game’s advanced rendering engine provides amazingly realistic environments that bring this world to detailed life — from the lush forest of evergreen trees to the quaint small-town buildings and streets. The world of “Alan Wake” is alive and real.
• Episodic narrative. The mission-based structure of “Alan Wake” creates an episodic narrative similar to a deeply structured dramatic television series, such as Twin Peaks and X-Files. As the episodes progress, gameplay will evolve to introduce new elements and characters, escalating the level of threat and action in the game.