Support NeoGAF

[Mr_Zombie]

espeically from Eurogamer who IMO has the most fair and honest reviews in the business.

To be honest, the Eurogamer's review was shit. I usually criticize people who think they can criticize reviews/other opinions, so I hate myself for doing this, but: that review really sounds as if the author just wanted to complain about anything in the game, be it: many "clichés", Alan not being able to jump over some hip-high walls, many references to movies, collectables ruining "movie-like" atmosphere, Alan's jacket' old-school look, Alan's narration or even car engine's sound. I haven't played the game obviously, so maybe all those things really were worth mentioning, but it looked more like a nitpicking than a honest criticism.

 

[DeadGzuz]

One of my favorite games this gen is an 85/100 (inFamous). In the 80s just means it's a great game with a few flaws. It is pretty hard for a game to break 90 without money hats or being a franchise sweet heart.

 

[lowrider007]

Can't wait for the Edge review.

Also Silent Hill 2 is 89 on Metacritic, AW currently 83.

Resistance 2 is 87 on Metacritic, and your point is ?

This is getting silly now.

The thing a lot of people expected this to be AAA, me included, are the scores and reviews it's getting bad, no, far from it, but they are not living up to my personal hype, I'm still interested in the game though.

 

[plagiarize]

Resistance 2 is 87 on Metacritic, and your point is ?

This is getting silly now.

The thing a lot of people expected this to be AAA, me included, are the scores and reviews it's getting bad, no, far from it, but they are not living up to my personal hype, I'm still interested in the game though.

i think he was responding to me saying Alan Wake was getting the same scores as Silent Hill 2. i was going off gamerankings though cause they seperate out the rerelease with extra stuff... don't know if metacritic do the same thing or not.

 

[BlazingDarkness]

What's your point?

SH2 is still the best of the best

 

[aristotle]

I think I'm going to pull the trigger and preorder the LE edition today. This is my first "new" game for my 360 ever (I've only hadit for 2 months so don't go crazy XDF ). I think it's a good exclusive to jump into. If it's good enough I may even get into the books and whatnot.

This game gives me an extreme feeling "The Dark Half" by King though. I'm kind of afraid to find out how much they aped from that book (which was great btw).

 

[Stillmatic]

I'm surprised by all the SH comparisons. Outside of the atmosphere they don't really sound anything alike, and reading the reviews it sounds as though AW is more of an action/shooter, in the dark. Certainly not a bad thing, just an odd comparison to make.

The reviews have been good, the game looks and sounds like something i'd enjoy. The atmosphere alone makes me want to play it, they nailed that aspect.

 

[sweetvar26]

Nice OP. Can't wait for the game.

 

[Truant]

I'm surprised by all the SH comparisons. Outside of the atmosphere they don't really sound anything alike, and reading the reviews it sounds as though AW is more of an action/shooter, in the dark. Certainly not a bad thing, just an odd comparison to make.

The reviews have been good, the game looks and sounds like something i'd enjoy. The atmosphere alone makes me want to play it, they nailed that aspect.

I think the comparisons stem from the fact that they're both slightly quirky games in which the players appreciation of them don't come from things that reviewers usually look for.

 

[Kintaro]

Well, now that I have a 360 again, I can take this one out for a rent. I was an old school fan of Remedy's and while I never for a moment believed this would be as awesome as Max Payne, I was curious to see their take on this genre.

 

[rhino4evr]

To be honest, the Eurogamer's review was shit. I usually criticize people who think they can criticize reviews/other opinions, so I hate myself for doing this, but: that review really sounds as if the author just wanted to complain about anything in the game, be it: many "clichés", Alan not being able to jump over some hip-high walls, many references to movies, collectables ruining "movie-like" atmosphere, Alan's jacket' old-school look, Alan's narration or even car engine's sound. I haven't played the game obviously, so maybe all those things really were worth mentioning, but it looked more like a nitpicking than a honest criticism.

I don't know, when I read the Eurogamer review a lot of the complaints seemed like things that would annoy me too. When a game is trying really hard to be a movie, and it turns out to be just a bad movie then I can see why this is a complaint. The cliche will most likely make me roll my eyes a few times while playing, espeically that Stephen King line.

Anyway, Im still gonna play it, just not going to buy it at this point. If it blows me away then I will just keep it from Gamefly.

Silent Hill 2 was the bomb by the way. I wish they would re-make it, I would love to experience that again in HD updated glory. It's easily the creepiest game ever made.

 

[plagiarize]

I think the comparisons stem from the fact that they're both slightly quirky games in which the players appreciation of them don't come from things that reviewers usually look for.

they share the same inspirations.

Twin Peaks and Stephen King were both clear inspirations on Silent Hill, and they're clear inspirations on Alan Wake too.

both feature someone looking for a missing person in a picturesque town on a lake surrounded by woods and mountains, haunted by a monster filled darkness.

gameplay wise, yeah, they look totally different, but if the themes and inspirations drew you to Silent Hill, you're probably going to be drawn to Alan Wake too.

 

[Totobeni]

I am very disappointed with the tearing (the amount of tearing in the QL video + Gaint Bomb's Brad comment on it in the podcast ) since tearing is a big problem for me , so just changed my pre order to the standard edition instead of the CE ( well the $10 gift card helped me to jump too ) , still I hope there is a way to reduce the tearing somehow ( is it even possible via patch or something ? )

 

[Combichristoffersen]

Silent Hill 2 was the bomb by the way. I wish they would re-make it, I would love to experience that again in HD updated glory. It's easily the creepiest game ever made.

You might just get what you want

Spoiler

only the rumoured SH2 remake might possibly be an FPS game

 

[shinnn]

yeah i'm suprised with those ratings and comparison with SH, Dead Space.

Gamesradar 8/10

Is it better than…

Silent Hill 2 / Silent Hill: Homecoming? Yes. Alan Wake is survival horror and, as such, is clearly influenced by the Silent Hill games. It's about a man searching a hellish town for his lost wife, for chrissakes. But the formula feels fresher here, and with Hollywood-ready characters and story sequences, more appealing to Western audiences. Plus, the enemies at least make sense and aren't just weird for weird's sake.

Dead Space? No. Isaac Clarke wasn't nearly as compelling a character as Alan Wake – hell, he wasn't even as compelling as his space suit – but at least he had interesting shit to see and do. Dead Space's environments are masterpieces of atmosphere and its enemies are disturbingly diverse. Alan Wake does have a far better story, however.

Max Payne? Maybe. The answer depends on what you're looking for in a game. You'll notice plenty of similarities between Alan Wake and Max Payne, Remedy's previous series – for example, slow-motion dodging has replaced slow-motion bullet time – but one is action and one is horror. In our opinion, the actual gameplay in Max Payne is superior, while the overall impact of Alan Wake will stay with you longer.

http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/a...0050417172985063/g-2005138888000000020702/p-3

 

[rhino4evr]

You might just get what you want

Spoiler

only the rumoured SH2 remake might possibly be an FPS game

no no, burn that idea with fire!

 

[BlazingDarkness]

You might just get what you want

Spoiler

only the rumoured SH2 remake might possibly be an FPS game

oh good god

 

[Valkyr Junkie]

I am very disappointed with the tearing (the amount of tearing in the QL video + Gaint Bomb's Brad comment on it in the podcast ) since tearing is a big problem for me , so just changed my pre order to the standard edition instead of the CE ( well the $10 gift card helped me to jump too ) , still I hope there is a way to reduce the tearing somehow ( is it even possible via patch or something ? )

A patch certainly has the ability to fix tearing, but if they haven't fixed it in the half decade this game has probably been running on 360 hardware, I wouldn't expect that now.

 

[NHale]

IGN UK - 8.0 (http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/108/1087833p1.html)

 

[Yoboman]

yeah i'm suprised with those ratings and comparison with SH, Dead Space.

Gamesradar 8/10

Is it better than…

Silent Hill 2 / Silent Hill: Homecoming? Yes. Alan Wake is survival horror and, as such, is clearly influenced by the Silent Hill games. It's about a man searching a hellish town for his lost wife, for chrissakes. But the formula feels fresher here, and with Hollywood-ready characters and story sequences, more appealing to Western audiences. Plus, the enemies at least make sense and aren't just weird for weird's sake.

Dead Space? No. Isaac Clarke wasn't nearly as compelling a character as Alan Wake – hell, he wasn't even as compelling as his space suit – but at least he had interesting shit to see and do. Dead Space's environments are masterpieces of atmosphere and its enemies are disturbingly diverse. Alan Wake does have a far better story, however.

Max Payne? Maybe. The answer depends on what you're looking for in a game. You'll notice plenty of similarities between Alan Wake and Max Payne, Remedy's previous series – for example, slow-motion dodging has replaced slow-motion bullet time – but one is action and one is horror. In our opinion, the actual gameplay in Max Payne is superior, while the overall impact of Alan Wake will stay with you longer.

http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/a...0050417172985063/g-2005138888000000020702/p-3

Why the heck are they grouping Silent Hill 2 with Homecoming?

 

[Zeouterlimits]

Kotaku review: very positive

I am open to the potential of the year's games, but I still can't imagine that Alan Wake will be topped in 2010. It tells a story that is engaging, and yes, emotional. It makes you care, it delivers scares. But most importantly it redefines interactive storytelling.

 

[Windom Earle]

i think he was responding to me saying Alan Wake was getting the same scores as Silent Hill 2. i was going off gamerankings though cause they seperate out the rerelease with extra stuff... don't know if metacritic do the same thing or not.

Yep. But it's hardly comparable anyway, it was a different time when SH2 was released.

 

[aristotle]

Kotaku review: very positive

Ok I'll probably be burned at the stake for this, but that sounds like fanboy drivel. Heavy Rain had a great interactive storytelling. I'll keep my hopes in check for Alan Wake so I don't get let down.

 

[DangerousDave]

yeah i'm suprised with those ratings and comparison with SH, Dead Space.

Gamesradar 8/10

Is it better than…

So Dead Space > Max Payne = Alan Wake > Silent Hill 2 > Dead Space > Max Payne = Alan Wake > Silent Hill 2 > Dead Space > Max Payne = Alan Wake > Silent Hill 2 > Dead Space > Max Payne = Alan Wake > Silent Hill 2... (insert infinite loop there)?

 

[rhino4evr]

Why the heck are they grouping Silent Hill 2 with Homecoming?

I don't know but I hope they come to their senses. Im sure Alan Wake will be better then Homecoming, but Silent Hill 2? It's going to have to REALLY impress me.

A big part of what made SH2 so great is that it was full of surprises and unexpected twists..but how many years later, and those twists are now considered cliches..so it may hold up better in memory then anything else.

I think the multiple endings always put the SH series a cut above the other survivial horror games, I was hoping Alan Wake would have multiple endings as well. At least then it would have some replayability.

 

[BlazingDarkness]

Ok I'll probably be burned at the stake for this, but that sounds like fanboy drivel. Heavy Rain had a great interactive storytelling. I'll keep my hopes in check for Alan Wake so I don't get let down.

it definitely sounds weird about the redefining interactive story telling after eurogamer claims it brings absolutely nothing new to the table

 

[eznark]

Kotaku review: very positive

Alan Wake Review: Transcending Its Medium

Yeah, I'll pass on reading that one.

 

[tzare]

To be honest, the Eurogamer's review was shit. I usually criticize people who think they can criticize reviews/other opinions, so I hate myself for doing this, but: that review really sounds as if the author just wanted to complain about anything in the game, be it: many "clichés", Alan not being able to jump over some hip-high walls, many references to movies, collectables ruining "movie-like" atmosphere, Alan's jacket' old-school look, Alan's narration or even car engine's sound. I haven't played the game obviously, so maybe all those things really were worth mentioning, but it looked more like a nitpicking than a honest criticism.

to be fair, maybe you noticed that because this game was in your agenda, but this kind of reviews, that seem to focus only on negative aspects of the game, some of them really weird ( i am sick of that 'samey' thing, c'mon, mario jumps, masterchief shoots, and sports games usually have a ball , it is just stupid), instead of the things done right are very common this generation.
I think we are fortunate that many games this generation try to go beyond gaming, AW, Ucharted, HeavyRain, Masseffect, going somewhere in-between games and movies. Sure they are not perfect, but they are all really enjoyable games and some of these reviews just put them amongst party games. Weird to say the least.

 

[whatevermort]

Ok I'll probably be burned at the stake for this, but that sounds like fanboy drivel. Heavy Rain had a great interactive storytelling. I'll keep my hopes in check for Alan Wake so I don't get let down.

Totally disagree. Nobody can argue that Heavy Rain wasn't an interactive story - as that's what it was, and all it was - but actually pushing the narrative forward in an interactive and interesting way? That's a completely different kettle of fish. Alan Wake will, hopefully, tell a great story and tell it in a way that isn't just an series of expositional dialogues or semi-controllable action-led cutscenes. Hopefully.

 

[Windom Earle]

yeah i'm suprised with those ratings and comparison with SH, Dead Space.

Gamesradar 8/10

Is it better than…

Silent Hill 2 / Silent Hill: Homecoming? Yes. Alan Wake is survival horror and, as such, is clearly influenced by the Silent Hill games. It's about a man searching a hellish town for his lost wife, for chrissakes. But the formula feels fresher here, and with Hollywood-ready characters and story sequences, more appealing to Western audiences. Plus, the enemies at least make sense and aren't just weird for weird's sake.

Wow :lol

And yeah, interesting that Homecoming = SH2

Didn't know that Gamesradar sucks so much.

 

[sflufan]

The main problem with the Eurogamer review is the glaring disconnect between the review narrative and the score (7.0).

There is simply no way the narrative could reasonably lead to a 70% score based on its content. From the narrative, the score should be somewhere in the 50% range.

 

[diztrukted]

just read the destructoid review, that, too was very positive. For a game I wasn't interested in a year ago, after watching that 12 minute gameplay video and reading the reviews I'm not only looking forward to this game, I'm going to pre order it today

AND in the event that they decide to release a PC version, I will get that too! color me excited for Alan Wake!

 

[eznark]

Totally disagree. Nobody can argue that Heavy Rain wasn't an interactive story - as that's what it was, and all it was - but actually pushing the narrative forward in an interactive and interesting way? That's a completely different kettle of fish. Alan Wake will, hopefully, tell a great story and tell it in a way that isn't just an series of expositional dialogues or semi-controllable action-led cutscenes. Hopefully.

Eh, Giant Bomb basically characterized it as a linear third person shooter with excellently creepy elements. That seems to be the prevailing opinion, so hearing someone use phrases like "transcends the medium" comes off as total bullshit.

 

[FrankT]

Kotaku review: very positive

Very nice it seems the story has a wide spectrum of opinions on it as well as the actual reviews as well, which is a good thing really. I’m pretty pleased so far with them although obviously not has high as I thought it might be. Still day one to be sure. I think the cliffhanger story can be gamble and always will be. I’m sure I’ll love it. If I had one real complaint it would be the tearing, but I’ve said this for a very long time. If Bioshock early on in this gen can have the option to turn on vsync and off it is an option every game should have and/or lock it at 30 and turn it on. Not sure what is hard about that. I thought they had the tearing down to a min but it seems otherwise. It is a complaint that has been brought up for a very long time so they had time to fix it to be sure. Not game killing, but a real nuisance to be sure.

 

[chubigans]

Yeah, I'll pass on reading that one.

:lol

Reminds me of all that Oscar/GTA talk. Yeesh.

 

[V_Ben]

Ok I'll probably be burned at the stake for this, but that sounds like fanboy drivel. Heavy Rain had a great interactive storytelling. I'll keep my hopes in check for Alan Wake so I don't get let down.

Yeah, it sounds like that to me too. Sounds like vague hyperbole mostly. Still looking forward to actually getting my hands on the game.

Also, this part of the games radar review has me kinda annoyed (not at games radar) There's no spoilers, but it makes me wish that advertising in games would just die. Especially in places that it's certainly not warranted.;

This game brought to you by…

Last gripe: Alan Wake contains a distracting amount of product placement. Energizer brand batteries for your flashlight, we understand, but massive Energizer billboards in a tiny rural town? And an Achievement tied to watching a Verizon commercial on an in-game television? Sorry, Microsoft… we know this game took a long time to develop and you probably want to guarantee some kind of return on investment, but c'mon. This crosses a line.

 

[rudds]

Vinny has commented in QLs before that their capture setup often makes clipping issues that aren't in the game.

It's not our capture setup in this case, the game really does tear that much. But I didn't find it distracting at all, other than when you step into the extremely bright light of the streetlight checkpoints. Great-looking game.

 

[Zeouterlimits]

Ok I'll probably be burned at the stake for this, but that sounds like fanboy drivel. Heavy Rain had a great interactive storytelling. I'll keep my hopes in check for Alan Wake so I don't get let down.

*shrugs*
You're probably right in the end, the review does come across as quite extreme.

 

[TomO]

The Kotaku review is spot on in my opinion. The game has flaws but it'll easily be one of my games of the year. It has left a lasting impression.

 

[rhino4evr]

I havent played Heavy Rain yet...what's the consensus on Gaf?

It's either that or Alan Wake next up on my Gamefly queue.

 

[rudds]

One of my favorite games this gen is an 85/100 (inFamous). In the 80s just means it's a great game with a few flaws. It is pretty hard for a game to break 90 without money hats or being a franchise sweet heart.

Infamous was 100 all the way to me. Pretty much the perfect urban open-world game, the only thing I could have asked for was a better frame rate.

 

[Saty]

Wow, the IGN UK review really rips the game's first half. Very disencouraging.

 

[V_Ben]

I havent played Heavy Rain yet...what's the consensus on Gaf?

It's either that or Alan Wake next up on my Gamefly queue.

Heavy Rain is wonderful. I'd recommend playing it.

 

[Hammer24]

It's not our capture setup in this case, the game really does tear that much. But I didn't find it distracting at all, other than when you step into the extremely bright light of the streetlight checkpoints. Great-looking game.

The question for me is - is the tearing so bad, that it distracts from the story telling and immersion? Thx for clearing that up.

 

[shinnn]

Wow, the IGN UK review really rips the game's first half. Very disencouraging.

you don't look encouraging to get the game at all

 

[BlazingDarkness]

I havent played Heavy Rain yet...what's the consensus on Gaf?

It's either that or Alan Wake next up on my Gamefly queue.

Heavy Rain is great to play through once, imo.

 

[seady]

I usually like games in the 80s than the ones in 90s.
Games in the 90s are usually because they are the ones with the gigantic marketing behind it (you know why).

 

[Mt Heart Attack]

Gamesradar 8/10

Is it better than…

Silent Hill 2 / Silent Hill: Homecoming? Yes. Alan Wake is survival horror and, as such, is clearly influenced by the Silent Hill games. It's about a man searching a hellish town for his lost wife, for chrissakes. But the formula feels fresher here, and with Hollywood-ready characters and story sequences, more appealing to Western audiences. Plus, the enemies at least make sense and aren't just weird for weird's sake.

What is this I don't even-

 

[DangerousDave]

The main problem with the Eurogamer review is the glaring disconnect between the review narrative and the score (7.0).

There is simply no way the narrative could reasonably lead to a 70% score based on its content. From the narrative, the score should be somewhere in the 50% range.

That review screams in each paragraph "This game is worse than Uncharted 2". Even if it didn't mention Uncharted (except in one or two places), the biggest complains of the game (character too serious, animations, not able to climb, lack of variety in the scenarios, etc) seems to be comparing AW with U2.

For example, Dead Space has also a too serious character, not able to climb, and with lack of variety in the scenarios. And most of the horror games. Maybe U2 raised too much the bar for the third-person shooters and some people expect a U2-killer even if it's a action-horror game.

 

[NHale]

The main problem with the Eurogamer review is the glaring disconnect between the review narrative and the score (7.0).

There is simply no way the narrative could reasonably lead to a 70% score based on its content. From the narrative, the score should be somewhere in the 50% range.

The review clearly doesn't read like a 7 but after reading some comments on the review page, I can't imagine what would happen if the score was a 5. Death threats?

I saw comments calling very bad names to the reviewer and the worst of all making arguments about not trusting any review made by a female because of their intelligence... It made me ashamed of having this hobby.

EDIT: At least the mods are pretty active removing all those comments. Right now, the comments page is like 50% of comments deleted.