Oh Alan Wake, what an interesting game you were. After numerous delays, developments shifts, and game changes, you finally shipped. The end result was a flawed, but enjoyable, tense experience that fans of Twin Peaks, The Twilight Zone, and Stephen King would devour. I really enjoyed the game. It had problems, but I think the writing, narrative, and atmosphere made up for any shortcomings. I rather enjoyed the light based combat too! Maybe I am in the minority, but I think this gem of a game is severely underrated. However, we would not be here unless there was some good music right? And boy is there some good stuff here!
I had a hard time deciding which moment deserves the spotlight. “Welcome to Bright Falls” is a great track that plays when you are introduced to the gorgeous Northwest scenery.
“The Poet and the Muse” is a great song that delves into the lore, but does not really have a memorable scene. But then I remembered, how could I ever forget, THE concert. If you have played the game, a broad smile has probably crossed your face remembering the concert. Remedy has never really taken their games too seriously. Max Payne 1 & 2 were both poking fun at ridiculous action games, but Alan Wake is a pretty straight-faced game all things considered. But of course Remedy had to let you know they like to have fun and be outrageous, and thus we have THE concert.
So let me set the scene. While on the run from the Taken, towns people possessed by a malevolent dark spirit, Alan and his sidekick Barry stumble across a farm owned by the Anderson brothers. In their younger years, the Anderson brothers, named Odin and Tor, were members of a rock group called Old Gods of Asgard. What else would Alan and Barry stumble upon their way through the farm but a conveniently placed stage stocked with fireworks, stage lights, and music? What follows is a ridiculously over the top and completely AWESOME sequence involving Taken rushing the stage and fending them off with said pyrotechnics and lights. And what else would play in the background but a thumping, fist-pumping hard rock anthem to get your blood rushing. The song is actually attributed to Old Gods of Asgard, but is actually performed by Poets of the Fall, a Finnish hard rock band. And remember that song I mentioned earlier “The Poet and the Muse?” Yep, same band. (Skip to 2:55)
Yes, the developers made a fake band, but used a real band to give the fake band music. It is ludicrous and it is AWESOME!!!!!! How can you not love Remedy for this? This scene is so gratuitous, it shouldn’t work; but the tongue-in-cheek Remedy pulls it off to much effect. The concert showdown is one of the most memorable moments in the entire game. And it is just d*** awesome fun. What more can you really ask from something so preposterous?