Want to play Silent Hill, but still afraid of horror games? Alan Wake can help you

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It really sucks feeling left out, and it’s not always about missing parties or events. Sometimes it’s about being afraid to jump into something everyone else is enjoying. As someone who’s been a bit of a scaredy-cat my whole life – seriously, I’ve had panic attacks over the years – I avoided horror games for ages. I had a bad experience with *The Grudge* when I was a kid, and I ended up sleeping with the lights on for a week after that! Because of that fear, I missed out on some amazing games like the *Silent Hill* series, *System Shock*, *Resident Evil*, *F.E.A.R.*, and even the original hype around *Dead Space*. I only made exceptions for games that were more goofy, like *The Devil Inside*, or pretty tame, like *Alone In The Dark 4*.

I eventually watched many of those movies and shows after I became a fan of horror. It took me a while to get into the genre, but playing *Alan Wake* was a turning point. It’s a fantastic game for anyone wanting to explore horror, as it eases you in without being childish. And *Alan Wake 2* would be a great addition to that experience.

Risk and reward

I avoid exposing people to horror if they’ve expressed any discomfort with the genre, especially if they struggle with anxiety. I’m not a mental health professional, so I can’t predict how scary content will impact someone with underlying issues. But even people who are generally okay can be genuinely frightened by a truly effective horror story. Many, young and old, still feel uneasy thinking about classics like *The Exorcist* or *Alien*. The human mind holds deep-seated fears that are beyond what we can even imagine.

Horror relies on unsettling imagery – things like gore, frightening creatures, and disturbing visuals – to scare us by playing on our deepest anxieties. Beyond the scares, horror stories often explore difficult themes, including grief and regret (as seen in *Silent Hill 2*), the damaging effects of society (*BioShock*), or the feeling that life is meaningless (common in stories inspired by Lovecraft). These stories tend to be intense and often offer little to no hope or relief. In horror games, the vulnerability of the character – the constant threat of death – adds another layer of fear.

Horror can be challenging, but if you’re healthy and more curious than scared, it offers a lot of benefits and can really fire up your imagination. It’s a diverse genre that often inspires other forms of entertainment – think about how gothic elements shaped games like Diablo, or how cosmic horror made Mass Effect so memorable. While there’s plenty of simple zombie and slasher content, you can also discover incredibly creative and thought-provoking works within the horror genre.

Monsters in stories can represent our own flaws or difficult realities, and a good ending can be deeply satisfying, offering a genuine moment of insight that shifts how we see things. These stories often present fresh and imaginative takes on fantasy, blurring the lines between what’s real and what isn’t. Frequently, these fantastical worlds are actually clever explorations of human psychology, rich with symbolism, or offer insightful social commentary. The fact that they’re also enjoyable is simply an added benefit.

Alan Wake – a guide through horror

It’s understandable to worry about being truly scared – I felt that way for a long time. I used to avoid anything frightening, but I eventually decided to try the game Alan Wake, and I loved it! I did feel uneasy at times, but it was a manageable kind of fear, never too intense. That’s thanks to the game’s creators, Remedy, who drew inspiration from classic shows like *The Twilight Zone*, *The X-Files*, and *Twin Peaks*. Those shows could be pretty creepy, especially when we were kids, but characters like Scully and Mulder or Agent Cooper always stayed calm even when facing strange and unsettling things.

The story also applies to *Alan Wake*. He isn’t a trained fighter, just a regular person who unexpectedly gains resources – thanks to the story and game design – to combat monsters and a difficult fate. He uses standard weapons, flares, and, crucially, a flashlight to fight back the darkness. While the gameplay could have used some refinement due to repetition, it generally made players feel capable and in charge, reducing feelings of helplessness. Importantly, the fact that Alan’s writing directly influenced reality was a key element of the game.

The story begins as a writer and his wife arrive in the town of Bright Falls, hoping to overcome his creative slump. But they quickly discover the town is unsettling, and a sinister force soon threatens to engulf the writer, starting with his wife. This sets off a desperate search for her, and for the truth. Though he’s an out-of-shape, middle-aged man, the writer is incredibly determined and bravely confronts the darkness to find his wife and uncover what’s happening.

The game definitely has its scary moments, filled with tension, disturbing creatures, and unsettling encounters. Remedy could have made it intensely gruesome, but they chose a more atmospheric and subtly playful approach to horror. Think of the unsettling feeling in shows like Twin Peaks or The X-Files. You’ll likely feel uneasy, and maybe even worried about the main character, Alan, but the fear is carefully managed. There are moments designed to thrill and disorient you, but it’s not about being relentlessly terrifying.

This game blends horror with Alan’s dry, often frantic humor, imaginative storytelling, and a fantastic soundtrack by Poets of the Fall. Their rock and metal songs perfectly complement the game’s unsettling mood. There’s a particularly memorable scene at the farm belonging to the Old Gods of Asgard band where you fight off enemies to the rhythm of a powerful metal song – it’s exhilarating! It feels less like playing a game and more like watching a movie, though *Left 4 Dead* had a similar moment. After that incredible sequence, I immediately added Poets of the Fall to my playlist.

Okay, so after that whole crazy interlude, I was back to being Alan and dealing with this seriously creepy enemy. Honestly, even after finishing the game – and I played *all* the DLC and the ‘American Nightmare’ expansion – I was left with way more questions than answers. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was still wrong with Alan, and his fate was still up in the air. That’s just how horror games are, though, right? They give you a big showdown, but then pull the rug out from under you so you’re still on edge.

Despite everything, the result is a film that feels like a thriller or horror movie. This amount of fear is manageable, and while getting involved in the story makes it more intense, it’s still easy to watch. I remember trying it when I was more easily frightened, and it was a surprisingly gentle introduction to the genre. It actually got me interested in watching more horror!

Alan Wake 2 – more, better, scarier

Alan Wake 2 feels like a natural evolution of the original, offering a more immersive and expansive experience. The game introduces engaging new ways to interact with the narrative, such as Alan crafting scenes and Saga Anderson using a mental detective board. You now play as two main characters: Alan Wake, and Saga Anderson, a police officer who’s less familiar with the strange events plaguing Bright Falls. While Alan is used to the supernatural, Saga is armed, trained, and initially better equipped to handle the dangers that arise from investigating his disappearance – a case that quickly spirals into the paranormal.

Additionally, *AW2* takes bigger risks with its storytelling. It includes more self-aware commentary, hidden meanings, references to popular culture, and direct interaction with the audience. While these techniques can often enhance enjoyment by making a story less serious or breaking tension, that isn’t what happens here.

The first game already blurred the line between the story and the player, and now Alan has fallen even further into a disturbing and repeating cycle. We’re left feeling helpless and anxious about what’s happening to Wake, as Remedy is really embracing the horror aspects of the story. The game uses disorienting jump scares, a darker and more decayed visual style—particularly in the city—and generally feels more violent and disturbing. The scenes of possession, and Mr. Scratch’s appearances, are especially shocking and feel more intense and sinister.

The dark humor and musical numbers in this game aren’t just entertaining – they’re a way to relieve tension before things get really difficult. The music creates moments of heroism that offer respite in a bleak and chaotic world. This makes the horror in the second Alan Wake game more effective and emotionally impactful than in the first.

Alan entertains and educates

As a fan, I’ve found that the writer’s stories, which are clearly influenced by classic horror shows and Stephen King, are a fantastic way to get into the genre. They ease you in, but don’t hold back on the scares. What’s really cool is how the atmosphere builds as you play, slowly drawing you deeper into the creepy world and different levels of horror. I honestly think if you finish even one game in the series, you’ll have a good idea of whether horror is something you enjoy. But seriously, don’t force yourself to play if it’s not for you – just because someone recommends it doesn’t mean you have to!

If you’re looking for something truly special, Alan Wake 2 delivers an incredibly unique and impressive experience. It’s rewarding simply to play, offering a clever combination of genre twists and parodies, all woven into a moving story about two characters confronting terrifying, otherworldly forces. The game is incredibly creative, seamlessly blending live-action footage with in-game cutscenes to create a truly immersive and imaginative experience.

If you found *Alan Wake 2* challenging but rewarding, you’re likely ready for games like *Silent Hill 2 Remake* (or the original), *Resident Evil*, and *Dead Space*. After that, you could explore lesser-known titles such as Sanitarium, *Kuon*, *Alien Isolation*, *Signalis*, and *Alien vs Predator 2*, among many others. These games offer intensely frightening experiences, but they’re also full of unique and potentially unforgettable moments – experiences that can be surprisingly positive and even incredibly valuable.

PS While writing this, I totally didn’t wear out the replay button on Herald of Darkness.

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2025-10-17 21:35