Alan Wake 2 was my game of the year last year, because it was a true thriller from its tale to its gameplay. It had its hooks well and truly into me. And so, to say I was hungry for the DLC is an understatement. However, if I am honest the first offering was pants. Expansion 1: Night Springs chapters offered up some fun ‘what if’ moments, but really failed to push the tale or the game forward. Ultimately, it was was a wasted opportunity. Subsequently, the second DLC expansion Alan Wake 2: The Lake House has a mountain to climb to win the hardcore fans back over and if anyone was going to do that, you can bet that Remedy are going to do it just in time for Halloween.
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Right off the bat The Lake House is a full fat DLC. None of those 15 min bitty tales that Night Springs gave us. DLC 2 is focused on the Lake House, a clandestine research facility on the shores of Cauldron Lake.
Lake Up
The Lake House is used by the Federal Bureau of Control to study the supernatural effects of the lake and the Dark Presence within. The Lake House DLC is actually set parallel to the events of the main game with you playing as Kiran Estevez an FBC agent, who was in the later half of the core game. No spoilers.
Similar way to how Remedy’s Control used its DLC to bridge the gap between it and the world of Alan Wake, The Lake House bridges the gap between both titles, as well as moving pieces into place for future titles it seems.
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What you ultimately get is a true taste of what a Control x Alan Wake title would feel like. A blend of elements from both craft a thrilling survival horror core. However, there’s maybe one too many jump scares for either series.
Finding Out
Estevez has to find out what’s happened in titular house, and this is where the strength of Remedy’s writing comes to the forefront again, as you uncover experiments gone wrong and rogue agents. There is a lot to uncover here.
As a new lead, Estevez does add a new element to the games roster of characters. She’s more grounded than Wake and not as much a fish out of water as Saga. Estevez is a more controlled hand that takes everything in her stride.
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Though those hardcore Wake fans looking for a hint at where our favourite writer is, may be left a bit cool,. The DLC is more focused on the future of things and doesn’t really answer any lingering questions let’s say.
Littoral Evil
The Lake House itself is interesting blend of Control’s oldest house with the grittiness of Wake‘s world. This blend makes some striking moments, let’s say. No spoilers.
You explore each floor while finding intel and kit, unlocking shortcuts. There is a really strong survival horror vibe to the location itself and its layout. Going off the beaten track will always reward you, but it’s often at great risk.
The Taken are always after you as usual. However, they are joined this time by the ‘painted’, twisted monsters that rip themselves out of walls covered in paint. They have one sole goal, to hunt you down. And their presence helps to not only keep the tension levels high, but also to refresh the gunplay.
Complete Package
Although, Alan Wake 2: The Lake House is certainly a more complete package than Night Springs was, you’ll see the credits roll in three or four hours.
This will, of course, depend on how much time you spend roaming and hunting out every last nugget of info. And while the short run-time doesn’t kill the quality overall, the brevity is noteworthy.
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The second DLC is very much what you want from any add-on. More of what you love, but in a new setting with a new character. On top of that, it’s in keeping with what Wake fans were clamouring for. Changes that not only add to the core gameplay but hints at what the future holds. A seamless meeting of the studio’s two iconic franchises.
As the final piece of the Alan Wake 2 puzzle till we see him again, this is worth the play. If not for its hints at what’s coming, then to spend a few more hours in a skilfully crafted world this spooky season.