"There is a method to our madness, and this structure is a big part of the mystery you are pursuing in the game. We wanted the player to decide in which order they experience these two story threads; they are free to do it in any way they want, and it will still work. There is no wrong or right way. We hope this will also encourage players to replay the experience in a different order. From a design perspective, this means that we do not have twists and cliffhangers across the two threads for the majority of the game, even if we have them inside each thread."
Alan Wake 2 takes some bold swings at revitalizing a cult classic from Remedy's cult favorite. This re-invention of the series retains the self-aware storytelling and tense atmosphere but dips further into a survival horror experience that plays with perspective for its duo protagonist, and that could be just what the series needs for it to hit its mark for its long-awaited return.
Read our interview with series creative director Sam Lake over at Game Developer.