Alan Wake 2: The Lake House Review (Xbox Series X|S)

As a long-time fan of the Remedy connected universe, this is a bittersweet moment. The release of The Lake House DLC means Alan Wake 2 is over, but thankfully, with Control 2 on the way, this is a great way to say goodbye to Bright Falls by reacquainting existing fans and introducing new fans to Control and teasing what’s to come. This is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Take control

The story follows Agent Kiran Estevez, an investigations agent for the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC), as she first arrives in Bright Falls a few hours before taking over Saga’s investigation in the main game. Following the previous Altered World Event (AWE) that took place in Cauldron Lake during Alan Wake 1, the Lake House was created to study art and its effect on the world, combined with the power of the lake, inspired by the work of Emil Hartman. And that went really well for him, so we can see where this is going.

What was initially supposed to be a quick pit stop to gather intel and back up before heading into the field, inadvertently becomes an investigation into a lake house of horrors, mirroring the invasion of the Oldest House, with a fresh coat of nightmarish paint.

And some say that it loops forever

Players must navigate five claustrophobic sub-levels of the newly “painted” Lake House, often looping through areas, echoing the continuous loop and inevitable spiral of Alan Wake’s story.

Documents and FBC recordings can be found scattered throughout the building, revealing Diana and Jules Mormont’s deteriorating working relationship, and how this negatively affected employees, artists and the art, inevitably spiraling down into an ocean of paranoia, as their research drove them apart.

One sublevel in particular focuses on forcing art, trying to automate the process without an artist, therefore lacking the authentic creativity required to connect with the lake. A little nod to real world issues around art and the use of AI.

Throughout these levels, players will be introduced to a new invulnerable enemy. These new “painted individuals” have a habit of melting themselves off the walls, giving you barely a moments notice to avoid their colorful embrace.

Gave a life to the words the poet used

Petri Alanko’s new score will have players on the edge of their seats, building a tension that refuses to break, accompanied by Poe’s contribution, “Six Deep Breaths”. Poe’s work is a needed reprieve from stress and gives players the time they need to have their own six deep breaths before continuing. 

Estevez’s use of the six breath count exercise as a way to cope, accompanied by her unflinching ability to try to reason with every being, gives her an oddly comforting relatability in this strange world. Her quippy remarks alleviate a bit of tension and add moments of levity, creating a nice respite, very much needed in this type of story.

The DLC provides a lot of exposition for newcomers to the Remedy connected universe. Estevez recaps relevant aspects of Alan Wake 1 and Control, such as the law of three and the interdimensional Oceanview motel, acclimatizing new players to the wonderfully weird FBC and further bridging the gap between the two series.

It’s a late goodbye

The DLC delivers a fantastic end to Alan Wake 2, furthering Estevez’s character, while providing more information on the FBC’s connection to Cauldron Lake. Filled to the brim with fun references and teaser moments for Control 2, Lake House is the perfect experience for Remedy fans.

Alan Wake 2: The Lake House is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC.