Here are the five things on my Alan Wake II wishlist

Alan Wake is undoubtedly one of the most underrated horror games ever. I remember being obsessed with the game back when it came out in 2010, and why not? With its thrilling episodic format, brilliant story, and clear Stephen King references, it felt like a living horror novel that I couldn't stop playing until I reached the final page. I’d also never seen a game use light and darkness the way Alan Wake did.

It’s no surprise that a cult following developed soon after its release. Over a decade later, we’re finally getting a sequel. Even better, Sam Lake, the writer behind the first game, is taking the wheel as director for the follow-up. With so much hype for Alan Wake II, I can barely wait until October. To help get some of the hype out of my system, here are five things on my wishlist that I’d like to see in Alan Wake II. 

1. More daytime exploration

Gameplay in Alan Wake II is undergoing some big changes, with players swapping between two protagonists, Alan Wake and an FBI agent named Saga Anderson. Alan Wake has always dealt with themes of light and dark, so wouldn’t it be cool if there were a bit of open-world exploration as we investigate and explore the roads and surrounding communities of Bright Falls during the day? I would love side quests and missions that contribute to the lore and even essential aspects of the main story.

2. More Night Springs

I can't be the only one that remembers the in-game TV show Night Springs, which was an amazing parody of The Twilight Zone. I want more episodes and stories! But even more than that, I want more collectibles like the manuscript pages and radios scattered throughout the first game. It would be awesome if gathering evidence of some sort as FBI agent Saga Anderson played a role in unlocking the more profound mysteries in Alan Wake II. 

3. Improved graphics and mechanics

Alan Wake II will be released on Xbox Series S and X, Playstation 5, and PC and will use Remedy’s own Northlight Engine, which was previously used in the Microsoft-exclusive Quantum Break and in 2019’s excellent Control. Not only is this engine better equipped to tell a narrative, but one Remedy developer has claimed that they believe it will be the best-looking game released this year. Sure, that could just be hype. After watching the most recent trailer, though, I’m really looking forward to seeing this game’s creepy atmosphere in action.

4. More evil animals

Being attacked by an endless flock of ravens in the first Alan Wake was a good start, but come on! There are so many other creepy animals the darkness could throw at us to get our hearts pumping! Evil bears? Wolves? I don’t know, maybe Bigfoot exists, and it’s coming after us too! I think there’s a lot of room for many corrupted animal entities to raise all hell in this sequel.

5. An Alan and Barry reunion

Bring back Barry Wheeler! The lovable literary agent traveled to a demonic Pacific Northwest town just to save his friend...and, of course, his biggest moneymaker. Barry served as the comedic relief in Alan Wake and often broke the tension in an otherwise very intense game. He’s not the only character I’d like to see return either. I would love to know what Alan’s wife Alice and Sarah, the sheriff of Bright Falls, have been up to. And while I’m at it...I’d love to see Mr. Scratch, Alan’s evil doppelganger, make an appearance.

Alan Wake II is set for release on October 17, 2023. I plan to replay both Alan Wake and the downloadable content for the first game to refresh myself on the story. Nothing gives me chills quite like that classic opening line: “I’m Alan Wake, and I’m a writer.” Here’s hoping the sequel can hit that same level. 

💬 What are you looking forward to most in Alan Wake II and will you buy it? Let me know in the comment section below!