This article contains spoilers, so readers should proceed with caution.Alan Wake 2 has proven to be a massive success for Remedy Entertainment. Released only a few weeks ago, the long-awaited followup to the 2010 cult classic has delivered on the promises of furthering its twisted tale along with a shift to a full survival-horror experience. The title has even been announced as a Game of the Year nominee for The Game Awards 2023. With Remedy riding high on this achievement, it's a good bet that a third entry, although not officially confirmed, will eventually be forthcoming.
Aside from changing genres, the biggest shakeup in Alan Wake 2 is the introduction of a completely new playable character - Saga Anderson. While it was initially unclear how (and to what extent) she would feature in the sequel, after seeing it through to the end, Saga is now cemented as a central part of the plot. She is entangled in Alan Wake's story in all senses of the word. As such, Remedy is essentially compelled to include her in its next chapter.
Why Alan Wake 3 Can't Write Off Saga Anderson
Saga's Story In Alan Wake 2
Saga Anderson is the first character players take control of in Alan Wake 2. Before even stepping into the shoes of the troubled writer trapped in the Dark Presence's grip, Alan Wake 2 opens with an investigation into a brutal killing. Saga and her partner Alex Casey are FBI agents called in to assist with unraveling a murder in the town Alan disappeared from. As events unfold and supernatural elements creep in, Saga ends up putting many of the pieces together before she finally meets Alan, who explains exactly what's happening, and why.
Alan wrote Saga into his world-warping meta-novel as the hero required to combat the force imprisoning him and threatening to consume all existence. She isn't a fictional creation, but via the nature of the Dark Place's power and Saga's own semi-paranormal ability, Alan pulled her into his tale by altering their respective realities. As the real-life equivalent to Alan Wake's literary device that he needs to perfect his escape plan, Saga was dragged into his world of horror against her will. She reluctantly agrees to help, with the promise that Alan will return events to normal once they finish the story properly.
Saga Has To Return For Alan Wake 3
Alan Wake 2's dual protagonists are two of the best representations in both story and gameplay, and Saga arguably steals the spotlight from the titular author. Throughout the adventure, she often comes across as more competent and likable than Alan himself. Players spend a lot of time in her mind (sometimes literally) and she is a realistically depicted, multi-faceted, and well-rounded character. Though they eventually cooperate in finding a solution to the nightmare happening around them, Saga never fully trusts Alan. That her mistrust isn't entirely unfounded is proven by the title's conclusion.
Melanie Liburd's portrayal of Saga earned her a nod for Best Performance in The 2023 Game Awards.
Alan Wake 2's ending leaves them on a cliffhanger. Alan's plan didn't exactly work, and they are now both stuck in the Dark Place. Saga and Alan end up equally dependent upon each other to find a permanent method of escape, as their families remain in increasing danger. While the nature of the story would technically allow Remedy to write itself, and Saga, out of any corner it wanted, doing so would betray the entire idea of Alan Wake. One thing it absolutely cannot do at this point is abandon Saga Anderson. She is so firmly entrenched in Alan Wake's opus that her absence would do the character a terrible disservice, as well as go against Remedy's own established rules of Alan Wake itself.
While the nature of the story would technically allow Remedy to write itself, and Saga, out of any corner it wanted, doing so would betray the entire idea of Alan Wake.
Alan Wake 2
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 89 /100 Critics Rec: 93%
- Released
- October 27, 2023
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Remedy Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Epic Games
- Engine
- Northlight Engine
- Franchise
- Alan Wake
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
- How Long To Beat
- 17 Hours
- Metascore
- 90
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
