“We wanted to push the elements of ‘the Remedy game’ as far as our imagination could take us in Alan Wake 2,” says Sam Lake, Remedy’s creative director and lead writer, during our interview.
I specifically asked about the reception to the ‘Ashtray Maze’ from Control, their previous major release, and its instantly iconic reputation. In case you’re unfamiliar, the ‘Ashtray Maze’ is a late game setpiece that serves as both a fantastic gameplay and narrative device – a paranormal security measure designed to prevent unauthorized access to the deepest parts of the Oldest House.
However, it manifests as a non-euclidean and ever-changing space that defies mapping and comprehension. To navigate it, players must use a cassette player given to them by the janitor, Ahti, who I personally believe is one of the best characters in all of fiction. Loaded with the track “Take Control” by Old Gods of Asgard (an in-game pseudonym for Poets of the Fall), this cassette player allows players to freely traverse the ‘Ashtray Maze’, a peculiar supernatural object that has claimed the lives of many curious civilians.
For players, this translates into an exceptional interactive music video experience. It’s considered one of the best setpieces in modern gaming, and Remedy is eager to capture that music-loving energy in their next game.
“We learned that people loved the ‘Ashtray Maze’ in Control, and how we use music in our games,” says Lake. “That idea originated from the original Alan Wake, with the on-stage fight in the middle of the field while Old Gods of Asgard began playing, and Alan Wake and Barry fought the Taken. It’s always been something we’ve been interested in.”
Lake further explains that one of Remedy’s driving forces when developing new games is creatively exploring how music can enhance the storytelling experience, and how they can seamlessly integrate Old Gods of Asgard tracks into the project in unique and memorable ways. Paired with the game’s more impactful, strategic, and desperate tone, the prospect becomes even more tantalizing.
“So it’s been a journey, and while I can’t divulge specifics because we haven’t officially announced anything, we wanted to experiment with music and create custom music of different kinds, more than ever before,” says Lake with a wry smile.
According to Lake, if players enjoyed the ‘Ashtray Maze’ in Control, they’re in for a treat with what’s being concocted in Alan Wake 2. The 10-year wait suddenly feels incredibly worthwhile.
Alan Wake 2 is set to release on October 17 and will be available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
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Eugen Boglaru is an AI aficionado covering the fascinating and rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence. From machine learning breakthroughs to ethical considerations, Eugen provides readers with a deep dive into the world of AI, demystifying complex concepts and exploring the transformative impact of intelligent technologies.
