After numerous rumors and even more clamoring from fans for a sequel, Alan Wake 2 was officially unveiled during the recent TGA showcase. Game director Sam Lake took to the stage for a few minutes after the teaser trailer to discuss the ambitious vision for the upcoming game, confirming a suvival horror tone and gorgeous graphics. Considering Remedy Entertainment's pedigree for delivering engaging, thrill a minute experiences, players are likely in for quite the treat when the game drops.
That being said, Alan Wake 2 is still quite a ways off, with an estimated release of sometime in 2023. Although the studio should be more than allowed to take its time to deliver the best end result, the waiting game can sometimes be painful. This is especially true since the original game was released two gaming generations ago, back in 2010. Thankfully, there are plenty of similar games in the survival horror genre to dive into to help those that are eagerly anticipating Alan Wake 2 kill some time.
Alan Wake Remastered
What better place to start in preparation for Alan Wake 2 than by playing the first installment. Whether it's a first time playthrough or revisiting the game, Alan Wake Remastered provides a great way to get up to speed on the bizarre life and times of writer Alan Wake. Originally an Xbox 360 and PC exclusive, this remaster has now made the title available to PlayStation owners as well, ensuring that even more fans of action and horror can check it out. Strange cerebral themes, a twisting narrative and intense gameplay make for an all around excellent horror game.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
While any Resident Evil game would be a solid choice, few other entries in the series are perhaps as close to Alan Wake thematically as 2017's Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. Serving as a soft reboot for the franchise, Resident Evil 7 features a grungy, rural visually style and a haunting supernatural theme. Protagonist Ethan Winters is no superpowered hero either, really emphasizing the entire notion of the genre and selling the idea that every second is a fight to survive. From freakish creatures to fend off to eerie, paranormal plotlines, Resident Evil 7 is a great way to get ready for the terrifying journey that Alan Wake 2 is teasing.
Outlast 2
Sometimes, a survival horror experience opts to be a bit more than just foreboding atmosphere and a clever series of obstacles to overcome. In the case of Outlast 2, the game seems dead set on the goal to just scare the living hell out of players, whether that be by a relentless sense of danger or heart stopping jump scares. While the original Outlast is certainly scary in its own right, the sequel amps it up to another level. Outlast 2 also features a more disturbing narrative revolving around a deranged cult, something which may be more close in terms of mood to the terrifying plans in store for Alan Wake 2.
The Evil Within 2
From one sequel to another, The Evil Within 2 builds upon the foundation of its predecessor for a thoroughly engrossing and downright creepy action horror experience. The first game had its ample share of supernatural scares, however it's the sequel that really doubles down on what makes up a survival horror game. A stronger emphasis on exploration, inventory management, and stealth are all key to success in The Evil Within 2.
P.T
This entry may be harder to get access to nowadays, but for players able to experience this horror gem, it's undeniably a must play. Initially serving as a setup for the now cancelled Silent HIlls, the brief but absolutely horrifying demo is a hallmark of horror game design, and is still talked about years after its release. With a claustrophobic environment, cryptic goals, and no means of self defense, P.T encapsulates many of the elements that make survival horror such a gripping genre to begin with.
Alan Wake 2 is in development.