Summary
Warning: Spoilers for Alan Wake 2Alan Wakeis a series centering on the turbulent tale of the titular suspense author who, by means of supernatural influences, finds himself in the role of a character in his own works. He becomes trapped both within and outside them, endowed with the ability to affect reality through his writing due to the paranormal setup. As a successful writer, Alan understands the conventions of narrative construction and must use them specifically to thwart aninsidious otherworldly monster. This entity threatens to consume reality itself via manipulating artists, and Alan is placed in a position where his literary talents are the only way to prevent this.
After the original 2010 title ended on a cliffhanger, fans had to wait 13 years for the sequel. It’s agreed that that time has paid off as reflected inAlan Wake 2’s largely positive reception. The second entry delivered on the promise of meaningfully advancing its story and gameplay, resulting in one of the best horror titles of 2023. ThoughAlan Wake 2is a triumph in presentation and design, one thing it fails to do is conclusively end its complex twisting narrative.
In keeping with its internal and external literary roots, there is a clear path forAlan Waketo bring its sprawling story to a satisfying and sensible end.
Why Alan Wake Has To Be A Trilogy To Be Complete
Alan Wake’s Story is a Classic Hero’s Journey
Joseph Campbell’s theory of The Hero’s Journeyapplies wholeheartedly toAlan Wake. For those unfamiliar, this is a respected academic analysis of narratives defining a comprehensive pattern for storytelling of this nature called “the monomyth,” and commonly referred to as The Hero’s Journey. This device can be seen throughout all forms of media, from Marvel to anime, and everything in between.Alan Wakeis no exception. In terms of Campbell’s framework, the established three-stage cycle would be:
There are a myriad of other elementsAlan Wakeincorporates from Campbell, but those are the major ones. Indeed,Alan Wakeuses these exact terms in both games. They are the titles of the trilogy of books Alan is writing as part of his plan, as well as the game’s chapter headings.The entire story fits precisely within the confines of The Hero’s Journey. AmongAlan Wake’s many influences, Campbell’s legacy looms large. It is a vital component ofAlan Wake’s overall themes and illuminates the road to its conclusion.
Alan Wake 3 Must Mark the Series’ Final Entry
Alan Wake’s creative director and lead writer Sam Lakeis clearly familiar with The Hero’s Journey. The series namechecks and utilizes its format while directly commenting on the thesis in multiple meta ways.BothAlan Wakegames –and the character– know exactly what they’re doing, and have followed the formula beat-by-beat thus far. The story has spiraled outward in lockstep, and the last leg of its journey is set to come full circle.
If it is to adhere to the structure set up by both its own internal logic and, by extension, Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, Remedy is “obligated” to continue down the route prescribed by them and finishAlan Wakein a third and final title.
Given its embrace of and commitment to the above ideas, this is essentially demanded. It would tie the story together in a manner befitting both its thematic inspirations and in-universe arc by conforming as required to them.
Once Alan’s tale is complete,the Remedy Connected Universeallows the studio freedom to weave the character into future games, like the in-developmentControl 2. Alan would perhaps then serve as a mentor or guide figure, as also described by Campbell. In any case, a final entry ofAlan Wake 3is necessary to conclude the series definitively and appropriately.
