Alan Wake coming to PC in 'early 2012'

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TheVrolok

Lifer
Dec 11, 2000
24,254
4,092
136
Heh, the game I bought a Q6600 for (when it first came out) because it was going to be part of the min reqs is finally coming to the PC? Ha.
 

ImpulsE69

Lifer
Jan 8, 2010
14,946
1,077
126
I went ahead and got this from GMG. According to Steam, it just says purchase it prior to Feb 23rd and get the DLC free. I will know once it's done downloading if you still get it when purchasing elsewhere.

Also I read this, which is why I decided to get it:

http://electronictheatre.co.uk/pc/pc-news/16160/alan-wake-pc

Short version is that it is not just a straight port. It has graphics/control/hud/camera enhancements as well as 3D.
 
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mindcycle

Golden Member
Jan 9, 2008
1,901
0
76
The regular version ($20 with voucher at GMG) doesn't come with the commentary videos, illustrated PDF book, or soundtrack. If you like extra goodies, buy the collectors edition, otherwise just buy the regular one. It's the same game either way.

I haven't downloaded it yet... I'm at work right now, but I'll download it when I get home.

Edit: Oh, and I think the reason why Steam is only showing the CE version is because it's discounted to $29.99 anyway. So they probably thought "Well, as long as it's on discount, it's the exact same price as the regular version, so there's no point in selling the regular version right now. We'll just sell the CE version." Or something like that. When the discount ends, there will be both versions available to choose from at their respective prices.

Makes sense. Thanks for the reply!
 

mindcycle

Golden Member
Jan 9, 2008
1,901
0
76
I went ahead and got this from GMG. According to Steam, it just says purchase it prior to Feb 23rd and get the DLC free. I will know once it's done downloading if you still get it when purchasing elsewhere.

Yeah, do let us know, thanks. I would only want this for the DLC really since I just played the regular game on the 360 a few months back.
 

Dankk

Diamond Member
Jul 7, 2008
5,558
25
91
This might be obvious already, but in case it isn't, the special DLC episodes of Alan Wake automatically come with both versions. The collectors edition merely contains extra goodies that have no bearing on the game itself. :)
 

mindcycle

Golden Member
Jan 9, 2008
1,901
0
76
This might be obvious already, but in case it isn't, the special DLC episodes of Alan Wake automatically come with both versions. The collectors edition merely contains extra goodies that have no bearing on the game itself. :)

On the Steam page it says the DLC is included for free until the 23rd, which is listed under the collectors edition (the only thing up on Steam right now). That's what was confusing me since there are two different versions on GMG. I read through some forum posts and people are saying it's included with all versions up until then, then after that date it will be separated out I guess.

Kind of a mess IMO, but it could also be that i'm just looking too deep into it, lol.
 

Dankk

Diamond Member
Jul 7, 2008
5,558
25
91
On the Steam page it says the DLC is included for free until the 23rd, which is listed under the collectors edition (the only thing up on Steam right now). That's what was confusing me since there are two different versions on GMG. I read through some forum posts and people are saying it's included with all versions up until then, then after that date it will be separated out I guess.

Kind of a mess IMO, but it could also be that i'm just looking too deep into it, lol.

When Steam says "Recieve the Collector's Edition DLC free until the 23rd!", I think the collector's edition DLC specifically refers to the soundtrack and bookstuffs. The actual in-game content, which are the special episodes "The Signal" and "The Writer", should be included with both versions. On the GMG store pages for each version, they both specifically mention the two episodes, so it shouldn't matter. (please correct me if I'm wrong though)

Edit: An RPS interview released today confirms it:

RPS: The DLC is included, isn’t it?

Häkkinen: Every version that we’re releasing has the DLC bundled.
 
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mindcycle

Golden Member
Jan 9, 2008
1,901
0
76
When Steam says "Recieve the Collector's Edition DLC free until the 23rd!", I think the collector's edition DLC specifically refers to the soundtrack and bookstuffs. The actual in-game content, which are the special episodes "The Signal" and "The Writer", should be included with both versions. On the GMG store pages for each version, they both specifically mention the two episodes, so it shouldn't matter. (please correct me if I'm wrong though)

Edit: An RPS interview released today confirms it:

Cool, thanks for the info. These different versions, and the "free DLC!" text on steam just really confused things for me, lol. I just bought it from GMG myself and plan on downloading it tonight.
 

pugh

Senior member
Sep 8, 2000
733
10
81
I got it from GMG, 33% off is a nice deal. But the email with the purchase confirmation didn't include the activation key for Steam... has the field empty o_O Heh, seems I will need to write to them...... No key on their website on my account either.

EDIT: Nvm, I'm blind. It's there on my account. It's been a long day...

Wow was I shocked to see that as I just woke up from napping haha. I could not believe it when I saw that code. I rushed to input it so I could purchase it. Just got my activation code and downloading it now!
 

StinkyPinky

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2002
6,990
1,284
126
Green Man Gaming are a pretty great site. $20 is a steal! And they use EU keys rather than dodgy russian keys.
 

Skunkwourk

Diamond Member
Dec 9, 2004
4,662
1
81
Been wanting to play this for a while. Glad they ported it, but I wonder how it will run on older hardware (see sig).

After this game, all I want is a port of Shadow Complex, and I'll have basically no regrets for never having bought an Xbox360.
 

StinkyPinky

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2002
6,990
1,284
126
Played for an hour or so. Quite good so far.

Playing at fully maxed settings on my 5850 and runs very well.
 

ibex333

Diamond Member
Mar 26, 2005
4,094
123
106
Heh, the game I bought a Q6600 for (when it first came out) because it was going to be part of the min reqs is finally coming to the PC? Ha.

I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out that now your Q6600 isn't quite fast enough to run this.
I hope i am completely wrong.


Although I am glad this game finally came out on PC, I think it's incredibly lame how the company screwed us in the beginning and after all these years finally decided to port this to PC to milk the title for any possible leftover profit.

Lets not forget how these fuckers were advertizing Alan Wake to pioneer/take advantage of the latest technologies on the PC.. Even a version of 3D Mark was using a scene from Alan Wake. And then they went and screwed us all. I was forced to play it on the Xbox with horrendous resolution, and quit in anger and frustration after a few hours because I just couldn't use the damn controller, and kept turning in wrong directions when the enemies were pounding me mercilessly.

I now finally get to play this game with maxed graphics and ok controls, but it's just not the same anymore. I am more busy, I have no time to play, and I am older and have less interest in general. : (


Watch how Red Dead Redemption will be ported to PC when everyone has already played it and the Xbox 720 will be few months away from release.
 
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lavaheadache

Diamond Member
Jan 28, 2005
6,893
14
81
Although I am glad this game finally came out on PC, I think it's incredibly lame how the company screwed us in the beginning and after all these years finally decided to port this to PC to milk the title for any possible leftover profit.

Lets not forget how these fuckers were advertizing Alan Wake to pioneer/take advantage of the latest technologies on the PC.. Even a version of 3D Mark was using a scene from Alan Wake. And then they went and screwed us all. I was forced to play it on the Xbox with horrendous resolution, and quit and anger and frustration after a few hours because I just couldn't use the damn controller, and kept turning in wrong directions when the enemies were pounding me mercilessly.

I now finally get to play this game with maxed graphics and ok controls, but it's just not the same anymore. I am more busy, I have no time to play, and I am older and have less interest in general. : (


Watch how Red Dead Redemption will be ported to PC when everyone has already played it and the Xbox 720 will be few months away from release.


While I agree with your feelings.

Speaking with your wallet in these kinds of situations only makes them worse and proves that the there is infact no money to be made on our side of the fence. I say buy this game asap and tell all your friends about it so when new High profile games come out we get them too.
 

Rhezuss

Diamond Member
Jan 31, 2006
4,118
34
91
Effing dumb question...Alan Wake is what, an adventure game? Shooter? Mix of both? :p
Is this some horror game? I'd like some horror "Lovecraft" style adventure game/Shooter.
 

ImpulsE69

Lifer
Jan 8, 2010
14,946
1,077
126
So...I'm going to probably get flamed for this but I'm deep into the middle of Episode 2 and here are my initial impressions of this game:

1. For some reason the in game cut-scenes are jittery. I did a search and all the movie scenes are pre-rendered videos..so it's not a graphics card issue. Probably something I can fix..but not sure yet.

1.5 Motion Blur?? ;p

2. Camera angles in this game suck. After all these years you would think game devs would know how to use 3D.

3. My biggest..kind of complaint is this(rant to come):
THIS is what qualifies as a GOOD game these days? I don't get it. It's just a mash of RE/Silent Hill w/o the exploration or puzzles! There is very little original here. It's just run from point A to point B and shoot a few guys in between and explore a little off the track to find items that you really don't even need. I think the combat is horrid, and unless it changes soon (and I don't mean more baddies at once and harder baddies at once) it's just..bad.

Don't get me wrong, there are things I like. The story itself has me intrigued, and the atmosphere is pretty good, but it's not really a game, it's more like a movie script that they didn't think was quite good enough for a movie so they made a game out of it. It definitely comes off as a console port, but I will give them credit for making obvious changes and additions for PC's.

Basically this is a poorly executed game that many people seem to like. I'll be the first to say story is the main thing (and the only thing that will keep me playing this), but gameplay follows a close second, and I just don't get where the love comes from.
 
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sigurros81

Platinum Member
Nov 30, 2010
2,371
0
0
So...I'm going to probably get flamed for this but I'm deep into the middle of Episode 2 and here are my initial impressions of this game:

1. For some reason the in game cut-scenes are jittery. I did a search and all the movie scenes are pre-rendered videos..so it's not a graphics card issue. Probably something I can fix..but not sure yet.

1.5 Motion Blur?? ;p

2. Camera angles in this game suck. After all these years you would think game devs would know how to use 3D.

3. My biggest..kind of complaint is this(rant to come):
THIS is what qualifies as a GOOD game these days? I don't get it. It's just a mash of RE/Silent Hill w/o the exploration or puzzles! There is very little original here. It's just run from point A to point B and shoot a few guys in between and explore a little off the track to find items that you really don't even need. I think the combat is horrid, and unless it changes soon (and I don't mean more baddies at once and harder baddies at once) it's just..bad.

Don't get me wrong, there are things I like. The story itself has me intrigued, and the atmosphere is pretty good, but it's not really a game, it's more like a movie script that they didn't think was quite good enough for a movie so they made a game out of it. It definitely comes off as a console port, but I will give them credit for making obvious changes and additions for PC's.

Basically this is a poorly executed game that many people seem to like. I'll be the first to say story is the main thing (and the only thing that will keep me playing this), but gameplay follows a close second, and I just don't get where the love comes from.

I have not played the game yet but all that you've stated above I was having premonitions that the game would be this way from watching various videos. Maybe I'm getting old and value my time much more, but I am missing how games like this are constituted as being good these days.
 

Whirlwind

Senior member
Nov 4, 2006
540
18
81
The game looks better than I thought it would.

By todays standards, I would say it is a good port over, lots of graphic settings, fov setting, can turn off the hud ect.

I have heard threre is no sli profile, that should change quickly.

Performance is good, I would say it is worth the $20 price tag

Not real sure about the game play yet.

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mindcycle

Golden Member
Jan 9, 2008
1,901
0
76
These guys thumbed their noses at PC gamers not that long ago, oh, how easily some people forget.

Remedy didn't, it was MS that shafted PC gamers back when this was first released by making it a 360 exclusive. They had the publishing rights at the time. Remedy is publishing the PC version themselves on Steam so buying it now means you are supporting them and not M$. That alone was reason enough for me to purchase the PC version even though i've already played it on the 360. But at least now i'll be able to play through the DLC in high res with a KB/M setup.. Yes, please.
 
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Dankk

Diamond Member
Jul 7, 2008
5,558
25
91
I think it's interesting how people are saying that "Remedy thumbed their noses up at PC gamers" back when they changed their target patform, and we should ignore them because of it. As far as I'm concerned that wasn't entirely their fault. They've even stated: "We wanted to make this game happen on PC. We really did." But working under Microsoft Game Studios, Remedy was forced to develop for console rather than PC. Microsoft wanted an exclusive game to promote the Xbox 360 and unfortunately the PC gaming community got the shaft because of this.

But guess what happened? They still went through with it. They obviously have a fondness for PC gaming, and they still held their promise to tool the game specifically for PCs, take advantage of the superior hardware, and put in features that people want.

And it shows. Look at those screenshots posted above me (I was going to post my own screens, but Whirlwind's got it covered). It's a very good-looking game. Cranked up to maximum settings, it's actually one of the best-looking games I have... and it runs very smoothly to boot. I mean, it's not perfect, there are a few graphical glitches: A flickering texture here, a framerate drop there, and the camera wigs out sometimes. But overall I'm extremely impressed.

I'd recommend this game to anyone who enjoys good storytelling in games, combined with creepy atmosphere, intense combat, and intriguing adventure. Alan Wake really does have all of those things. For me, the story is what seals the deal. The entire game is presented like a TV show, in a series of episodes. The characters are interesting, the world is mysterious, the narration is (almost) perfect, and there's drama. Lots of drama. (Which, if that sort of thing appeals to you... play it).

I will say that the storytelling is a little kitschy though. Kitschy and corny. The writing uses a lot of cliches, and some of the plot twists are a little predictable. But the game is still just serious enough for me to really immerse myself in it. It should also be noted that because of Alan Wake's emphasis on storytelling, there are quite a few cutscenes in the game. Fortunately the cinematics don't overstay their welcome, and they last just long enough to get the story across. For example: At the very beginning of the game, you only have to watch a 1-2 minute long movie before you're thrown into the game's universe.

That isn't all though. The combat in this game is very fluid, visceral, and it just feels good. Dodging a shadowy enemy flying through the fog filled trees, as the game seamlessly dips into slow motion just feels exhilarating. Then when you explode the "darkness" off with your flashlight, followed by a few shots from the revolver, your enemies' bodies will go flying backward and disintegrate into the air, which is immensely satisfying.

I was a little worried about this game because of how 'boring and repetitive' people claim it is. "You're just running through the forest the entire time, it's the same thing over and over," etc, etc, etc. While it is somewhat repetitive, I don't think it's nearly as bad as some people make it out to be. My idea of a game that's 'boring and repetitive' would be something like Dead Space, where you're constantly running through the same metal corridors, shooting the same monsters, popping out of the same vents.

Alan Wake is nowhere near that level that level of repetition. Yes, you're moving through the forest a lot, but the locations are different and interesting, the set pieces are cool, the storyline is actually compelling, and it's scarier. I also think of the forest sections as more of a transitional part of the game - a way to get from point A to point B - and not the main content.

Overall I'm very pleased. Alan Wake ranks up there with LA Noire as one of my favorite new games that has great storytelling and characters without skimping on the action. For $20 it was definitely worth it. I'm two episodes in now, and tonight I will undoubtedly be doing some more.