Wake in fright

GAME OF THE WEEK: Alan Wake, 16 cert, Remedy/Microsoft Xbox 360 (exclusive) ****

Stephen King once wrote that nightmares exist outside of logic. Alan Wake would agree. Initially relaxing in the scenic and remote Bright Falls, Alan finds himself confronting demons (both internal and external) in a dizzying search for the truth. Before he’s even put down his bags in a lakeside cabin, his wife has disappeared. Soon afterwards he’s recovering from a car wreck with no recollection of recent events. What gives?

The oddball locals range from aging rock musicians to a cordial radio host to a creepy psychiatrist, but they’re the least of his worries. As Alan wanders through the forests and old buildings of Bright Falls, he’s regularly set upon by shadowy figures, ghostly manifestations of people possessed by a mysterious darkness.

Although this third-person survival horror has elements of Resident Eviland Silent Hill, most of its influences are from popular culture. Stephen King's work is suggested in much of Wake's journey: the possessed vehicles from Christineand Maximum Overdrive, the hedge maze from The Shiningand even the Maine-like setting of Bright Falls. Horror fans will have fun spotting tributes to The Birdsand to the Tobe Hooper classics Poltergeistand The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

Alan Wakeis a lovingly crafted game that invites engagement on a number of levels. For those who just like to run around and shoot, the use of light to combat assailants is inventive and fun. You shine torches in their shadowy faces or blind them with flares and flash bombs, before unloading a revolver or rifle in their direction.

Those seeking a compelling story will also be satisfied. The manuscript pages found throughout give depth to forthcoming and past scenes, as do the radio shows and episodes of the creepy Twilight Zone-style TV show, Night Springs. The playful and funny episode recaps ("previously on Alan Wake") are also a nice touch.

Complimenting the action and narrative are a great music score and wonderfully creepy sound design (all howling winds and distorted voices). The imaginative use of light and shade makes the darkness practically a character in itself.

It seems a little churlish to complain about any flaws, but it should be mentioned that the combat is slightly repetitive and the characters’ faces could be more expressive.

Still, minor reservations aside, Alan Wakeis a tremendous achievement: a great central plot, plenty of atmosphere and inventive gameplay. One of the best games I've played so far this year.