Alan Wake-The Signal is an interesting piece to the nightmarish fiction we've seen. Adding in an entirely new sub-story of branching off what's been going on to Alan Wake after so many question were raised during its conclusion and where does he go from here. While it may not answer many questions, it certainly does show that Alan's imagination in the horror genre naturally seems to suprise.
The Signal starts with "Previously on Alan Wake..." and shows what had happened during the main game, so it's recommended that you finish the main game first before playing this. Alan appears in a all too familiar place but it feels like he's in a nightmare. Soon into the game, Alan finds his nightmare has only one escape route and to reach it, he must follow "The Signal". The TV episode side of things is present as a "Special Feature 1" which branches mostly its new storyline but with old elements from the first one such as: characters, places, etc. Overall, the story never concludes anything BUT it certainly sets up for some thought-provoking ideas of what could be coming in the next one.
The gameplay mechanics has been varied a bit and help offer some new ways to destroy The Taken. Written words are thrown throughout the DLC to add as both a way to help you or harm you depending on what's written. The tie-in of how the elements are used is really welcoming and it makes the gameplay feel more rewarding.
When it comes to the length, expect about a similar trip to that of other Alan Wake episodes (1 1/2 hours). You have some new achievements to grab and some collectibles to get along the way; unfortunately, no of the collectibles are tangible or of greater use like the manuscript pages. This is certainly a piece of DLC worth picking up which you've might have already since each new copy of Alan Wake offer the DLC code for "The Signal". *Snaps fingers* Oh right....I forgot to mention that earlier.
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The 90-minute DLC continues immediately after where the main game ends, offering a chance to beef up that abrupt “conclusion”
Whatever happen to Remedy? Are they still an independent developer
Yes, after Alan Wake they moved on to launch Quantum Break, and currently are working on a new game with no systems announced for it.
They went multiplatform so as a PlayStation 4 owner I'm looking forward to what they bring out.
@solidsnake while you are entitled to your opinion, Alan wake was one of the best games of last gen.
Maybe it's just a physical game they play in the studio. Like tag or hide and seek.
The Signal and The Writer don't just offer clarity they are the continuation and true ending of the game. I love that game but I'm not a fan of the practice of DLC conclusions. This game, Dead Space 3, Dead Rising 4 others I can't quite remember.
I think this game was an example of something with a full blown sequel planned but MS dictated that they'd only be willing to fund dlc and a smaller game.
Had the game been more successful I think we'd have seen an Alan Wake 2 by now.
Loved this game... ms had so many great games last gen and gen before that, sadly i could only imagine what it would of been like with the 1x with sequels like this game and perfect dark, brute force, ninja Gaige now would be insane! Crimson skies, kameo...
Damn ms why you gave up on so many great franchises? I’m sure I’m missing many more games!
The two expansion packs for Remedy Entertainment's 2010 Xbox 360 thriller Alan Wake are now free. You can grab The Signal and The Writer on Xbox Live right now at no cost.
I think they do require Alan wake. On the Xbox site it says "This add-on works with Alan wake".
American nightmare is the only one that's independent.
You are correct, Spicelicka, both free episodes are add ons to Alan Wake. American Nightmare is the only stand alone. Interesting thing I noticed while looking the content up though... There's a 6 episode, live action prequel called Bright Falls on the marketplace I didn't know they made. I'm thinking about ckecking it out but I want to read into it a bit more.
Cool does anyone know when they will send codes out for those who preordered quantum break I still havent got mine and want to play american nightmare after I am done with it. Quantum break has been great so far
american nightmare took 2weeks after I preorderd QB and Alan Wake is 7-10 days after release of QB
Did that game do well? I remember playing it at a friends and being so surprised that it doesn't have more recognition.
The Signal and The Writer add to an already rich game: a surreal, poetic journey through a barely sane dreamscape, while giving the story a little more of a conclusion, and providing a stepping stone into a potential sequel. Many will find the ending unsatisfying, though just as many will be delighted at the opportunity to piece together the puzzle themselves. The final moments will either be a contrived cop-out or emotional crescendo depending on the player. Alan Wake is a story to be read on multiple levels, to be dissected and considered. The Signal and The Writer are great value for money, great fun and are essential for Alan Wake fans.
Hope everyone enjoyed this (old) review. So, for context, this is one of my first reviews on here. I'm resubmitting due to my 2 Alan Wake DLC reviews falling under 'Alan Wake' for so long and wanted to rectify that and filter through all the other DLC review that came under such umbrella, for the sake of accuracy.
I'm just putting this, and The Writer review, on a fastrack since they were approved of back in the day. Those old ones will be failed in the process. http://n4g.com/channel/alan...
Hope you're having a good holiday season.
Good review.