PCPowerplay Alan Wake Preview

Another Australian magazine has a Alan Wake preview up and this time it’s PC gaming magazine, PCPowerplay. There’s a tiny bit of new information and a cool little Q&A with Sam and Petri. “We set out to build the first psychological action thriller in games,” says Lake. “We wanted to clearly raise the bar for story telling in video games and set out to build a movie-like atmosphere, compelling situations, and memorable characters.” It’s a sentiment echoed by the game’s creative director Petri Järvilehto. “Alan Wake feels like a logical step forward,” he says, “taking some of the things that worked in our previous games further, such as themes aimed for grownup gamers, cinematic atmosphere, and storytelling. We have a record of creating games with unique cinematic presentation and exceptionally high production values - but felt that we could take this so much further.”

But that doesn’t mean that a decent narrative comes at the cost of sacrificing gameplay. The team is looking to make that aspect just as compelling and as memorable as its previous forays. “Mystery is an important part of a good thriller,” says Lake, “as are tight atmosphere and suspense. But on the other hand we are known for action and there will be plenty of cool and cinematic engagements. We wanted to steer clear of horror and gore, which often means buckets and buckets of blood. The idea is to stay in a more stylised and tasteful area.”

The PC Powerplay magazine is available from all good newsagencies in Australia, issue #133 has the Alan Wake article.