Highlights
- The new trailer for Alan Wake 2 gives fans a glimpse into the horror, urgency, and confusion that await them and the titular protagonist.
- The trailer combines live action and in-game animation to showcase psychotically cinematic sequences and gameplay mechanics involving light sources.
- Alan Wake 2's release date was strategically delayed to avoid competition from other major game releases, and its launch in October aligns well with the Halloween season.
Remedy Entertainment has revealed a new dark and twisting trailer for Alan Wake 2, and it is a mind-bending surrealist preview of the darkness that awaits in the game. From what the new trailer shows, the titular protagonist Alan Wake is in for another horrifying adventure that will follow the madness of the first game.
Releasing amid a slew of major video game announcements at Gamescom 2023, Alan Wake 2's latest trailer gave fans an incredible look at what to expect when the game launches in October. In spite of the crowded lineup, this Alan Wake 2 trailer is already grabbing the attention of many horror fans.
Mixing live action and in-game animation, the latest Alan Wake 2 trailer showcases a series of psychotically cinematic sequences. An imposing voice-over narrates a string of cryptic dialogue as the trailer flashes back and forth between snippets of live-action and animated sequences. Both the actor and game versions of Alan Wake appear to struggle to get a grasp on reality as darkness closes in, both figuratively and literally. The trailer also shows moments of gameplay, namely how the player can utilize various light sources, such as flares and flashlights, to fight off the creatures of the dark and try to restore their sanity.
The new Alan Wake 2 trailer gives fans a foreboding sense of the horror, urgency, and confusion that will surround both them and Alan once the game releases on October 27. Between the visuals and audio editing in the trailer, it is clear that the darkness of Alan Wake will be taking full control come launch day. It has been over a decade since the first game launched, so many horror fans are eagerly awaiting the release of a new entrant in mind-bending horror gaming.
Looking at the massive variety of games still to come in 2023, it is clear that Alan Wake 2 may have more than the darkness to be wary of. In fact, Alan Wake 2's release date was delayed to avoid launching in the same week as other powerhouse AAA titles, namely Spider-Man 2 and Super Mario Bros. Wonder. One benefit playing in favor of Alan Wake 2 is the fact that October is the Halloween season, and horror games released in October tend to do very well. That said, Alan Wake fans have been waiting since 2010 for a sequel to the iconic game, so Alan Wake 2 will have to fulfill its promise of worthwhile psychological horror gaming to satisfy players.
Alan Wake 2 releases on October 27 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
