Alan Wake's American Nightmare

''Alan Wake : American nightmare'' is a nice spin off (or sequel, whatever) that gives more insight to what happens to the protagonist of the first entry of the saga (at this point, let's call it ''expanded universe''). The game manages tires to nail the establish mysterious theme by focusing on the fictional in-verse night spring television show , but it does that with mixed results. Indeed, the story, in same part, it seems stale and clichè and other times is quite enjoyable. Speaking of the technical parts of the game itself, it is way more action oriented, shorter and there a massive usage of the same areas through a plot device always in theme with the mysterious that does give annoyance in the end. However, still it is an Alan Wake game, with features that give reason to buy and enjoy this game not only as a piece of the saga but even as a stand-alone. So, One more mystery episode to uncover.... in Night Springs.

Original Alan Wake has an incredible atmosphere, especially thanks to the storytelling, music, and characters. Gameplay, not so much. What AW lacks, AW:AN does have. Combat is significantly improved, thus it is a fun to play it instead of endure it until you discover the next piece of story. Enemies don't re-spawn and they aren't so quick, so you don't have to constantly dodging and running around. And if you have to, dodging is smoother this time. Were you also frustrated by one-time safe havens as me? Well, not anymore. After using a save spot, they are unavailable for short time and then you can use them again. Each territory has also an ammo box which works same way as havens. Which in my case meant that I felt encouraged to discover a surrounding area unlike AW. Atmosphere is basically same except the fact there is a bigger emphasis on action. Music is as superb as it's usual for Remedy's games. You still meet and chat with interesting characters (with great one-liners like "It's like someone vomited into my brain"). And that brings me to the one thing - women. I will always have a soft spot for Remedy because of how they're able to create believable women who aren't there only waiting for you to woo them. They can be cynical, witty and take care of themselves. AW:AN isn't an exception. American Nightmare shows that authors grew confident about AW world and expect the same from a player. That allowed the game to be more playful. I look forward to the sequel or the next episode.

Better gameplay, better feel, better graphics, and thats not all... After the original game, trying to set a horror mood that felt reminiscent of the early Silent Hill games, American Nightmare tries something new, not being focused on the horror and yes on the feel of a Twilight Zone type of story. The biggest improvement in the game no doubt is the villain, Mr. Scratch, a doppelganger of Alan, hellbent on destroying the world and sending it to eternal darkness, he is charming, he's funny and most of all he is insane, delivering a way more charismatic personality than Alan. American Nightmare is set 2 years after the original game, so if you've been dealing with all those things for 2 years you gotta be more bad-ass, and thats what the game feels, Alan isn't just a writer anymore, he knows how to deal with the darkness, and most of all he knows what's at stake.

A brilliant game. More of a spin-off than a sequel to the original, but truly great regardless. It lacks the terrifying and oppresive atmosphere of the first Alan Wake, but it makes it up with the grotesque violence of Mr. Scratch. Tons of fun and quite a few scares.

If you looking for challenging shooter, perhaps this is not what you will pick, however, if you like good story and fine artistic work based on all time classic - you'll greatly enjoy this one, as I did. It is just a few games out there that give you sense of watching good movie when you finish them. 5/5 rating based on my opinion for this category. Love "The twilight zone".