Summary
Last October, Remedy Entertainment’sAlan Wake 2was released after a 13-year hiatus since the first title.Alan Wake 2quickly proved popular, being highly received by the community and beyond, notably being nominated for a number of 2023 Game Awards, and winning three, including Best Narrative. Before that, the studio producedControlin 2019, which garnered wide acclaim as well with its SCP conspiracy-laden story and intuitive, engaging mechanics.Controlmarked something of a new era for the developer, and it has been capitalizing on this ever since.
A big factor in this is the studio’s vision for itsRemedy Connected Universethat unites all its IPs within a greater shared world. This approach is likely set to accelerate now that most of the building blocks are in place, andAlan Wake 2has set the stage for the next phase of the RCU.Control 2was officially confirmed in 2022, andwithAW2finding success in embracing survival horror, it might prove beneficial if the sequel also leans more into more outright terrifying territory, as there are already plenty of elements withinControlthat would be well-suited to doing so.
Remedy is currently working on a handful of projects in addition to the sequel, including theMax Payneremakes.
Control 2 Should Share Alan Wake 2’s Scarier Sensibilities
Alan Wake 2’s Pivot to Full Survival Horror Elevated Its Existing Elements
The originalAlan Wake, while clearly inspired by iconic genre works of notable figures like Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft, was described by Remedy itself as more of an “action-adventure surrounded by horror elements.” For the follow-up, though, the studio was also not shy about its change in direction via leaning much more into survival horror stylings in the vein of themodernResident Evilremakesand similar contemporary games. While possibly risky, the gamble seems to have paid off, with the sequel being praised for its effective use of these, especially compared to the first.
How Control 2 Could Channel Alan Wake 2’s Heavy Horror Direction and Design
Controlstill has numerous mysteries and character threads to delve into, and many of them are primed for taking the path down a more horror-minded presentation alaAW2. Even the main antagonists of both series, The Dark Presence and The Hiss, share similar aspects, particularly in their otherworldly origins that go well beyond the realm of natural or scientific explanation. With the existing components contained in its characters and story,Control 2could make great use ofAlan Wake 2’s horror stylings, and apply them to the next leg of the adventure.
Controlhas previously dipped intoAlan Wake’s world with the AWE DLC, bringing a touch more horror to its setting, and hinting that it might do so in the future.Alan Wake 2’s upcoming DLC, The Lake House, is heavily implied to be potentially crossing over or otherwise featuring major aspects fromControl. The FBC organization at the heart ofControlappeared in the course ofAW2, connecting the two in no uncertain terms as part of the aforementioned RCU endeavor.
Though unconfirmed currently, it’s possible thatControlprotagonist Jesse Fadenmay appear in this DLC, bringing her again into Alan’s world of nightmares, and subsequently paving the path forControl 2to incorporate this to a greater degree.
Though even if the above turns out not to be exactly the case,Control’s overall vibes and mechanics still would translate quite well intoAlan Wake 2’s survival horror stylings. There are many avenues for Remedy to run with in this area, and seeing how positively they worked inAW2might be a good indicator ofhowControl 2aims to expand the settingand iterate on its gameplay as it also continues to add layers to the RCU.
Control
WHERE TO PLAY
Winner of over 80 awards, Control is a visually stunning third-person action-adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Blending open-ended environments with the signature world-building and storytelling of renowned developer, Remedy Entertainment, Control presents an expansive and intensely gratifying gameplay experience.A corruptive presence has invaded the Federal Bureau of Control…Only you have the power to stop it. The world is now your weapon in an epic fight to annihilate an ominous enemy through deep and unpredictable environments. Containment has failed, humanity is at stake. Will you regain control?Can you handle the bureau’s dark secrets? Unfold an epic supernatural struggle, filled with unexpected characters and bizarre events, as you search for your missing brother, and discover the truth that has brought you here.
