Alan Wake Enters the Light
This game has been in development for a very long time, but at long last, the light can be seen at the end of the tunnel. Remedy Entertainment, the same people that brought us Max Payne, are introducing us to a new character named Alan Wake. He’s a best-selling writer who is looking to get his groove back by moving to a pristine location in the Pacific Northwest.
What he soon discovers is that the book he is writing, a psychological action thriller, is starting to manifest itself in real life. Think the same idea as Stranger than Fiction with Will Ferrell, only scarier rather than funnier. When Alan’s wife Alice goes missing, he goes out in search of her. The story is presented like a serial TV show, not unlike 24, Heroes, or Fringe. Check out the video trailer below:
What makes this game so different is that light is a key gameplay element. The enemies who lurk in the shadows cannot be harmed through regular bullets unless Alan shines his bright flashlight at them. Other enemies can be defeated by blinding light alone. You’ll find tools like torches, flares, and generators that power floodlights. The atmosphere is definitely dark and moody, making for a nice story-driven thriller.
Alan Wake is set for release in Spring 2010.
Finishing Another Fight with Halo 3: ODST
So, you thought that you finished the fight with Halo 3. Well, the fight is far from over. You don’t get to take Master Chief on another fragging adventure, however, as Halo 3: ODST places you in control of the Rookie. He’s a new officer who lacks some of the abilities of Master Chief. We knew this game was coming, but it was good to see ODST in action. Speaking of which, here’s a most excellent trailer for you to drool over:
The game will ship as a two-disc set. On one disc is the competitive multiplayer. You get tons of maps to explore and beating the tar out of your buddies has never been more fun. The other disc is comprised of the single-player campaign mode. The story here takes place some time between Halo 2 and Halo 3, so while the specifics will be new and from a different perspective, there will be familiar elements for Halo fans.
Some of newer features include a 3D interactive map tool and the visor mode that lets you see at night. Enemies are outlined in red and points of interest are highlighted in yellow. You can also expect to explore the largest Halo environment to date with a nonlinear approach to the game. During flashbacks, you’ll play as other squad members.
The new Firefight mode is a never-ending co-operative mode which is similar in nature to “Horde” mode in Gears of War 2. A series of randomly generated Covenant waves will come in to attack you and your squad and it’s your job to survive. There are seven lives shared among the entire team, so you will be motivated to help your partners.
There are five waves per round and three rounds per set. Each successive set is progressively more difficult and they will unlock more “skulls” along the left side of the screen. These adjust the abilities of the Covenant, making them more skilled or accurate.
Halo 3: ODST hits store shelves on September 22, 2009. Buyers will be granted access to Halo Reach as an added extra. What’s Halo Reach you say? We’re granting you access to the new Halo Reach Trailer. Check it out:
It looks like Halo fans are going to be going nuts this Fall 2009. Unfortunately, this also coincides with Back to School for many fans so not much work will be getting done this semester.
For more E3 2009 goodness, check out all the great trailers and gameplay demos we’ve filled the Futurelooks YouTube Channel with.