Alan Wake 2
Remedy
As we approach the end of the year, I’ve been trying to predict the Game of the Year (GOTY) nominees and potential winners. However, with each passing week, a new competitor emerges, making it a challenging task.
This week, Alan Wake 2 came out and received a score of 89 on Metacritic. Although just below 90, on PC where its visuals can be fully optimized, it achieved a score of 92.
Last week, I compiled a list of potential GOTY nominees based solely on Metascores:
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – 96
- Baldur’s Gate 3 – 96
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder – 93
- Resident Evil 4 – 93
- Street Fighter 6 – 92
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 – 92
This list consists of six games, which is the number of nominees for GOTY at The Game Awards. However, it overlooks numerous high-quality games released this year, such as Final Fantasy XVI, Sea of Stars, Dave the Diver, Diablo 4, Hi-Fi Rush, Armored Core 6, Lies of P, Remnant 2, Starfield, and Hogwarts Legacy, among others.
Alan Wake 2
Remedy
Despite Alan Wake 2 not reaching the 90+ range like many other games this year, it will likely secure one of the nominations after its release. The Game Awards voters consist of journalists, industry developers, and leaders, and I have seen countless rave reviews from them regarding Alan Wake 2 as a masterpiece.
I believe Resident Evil 4 is out of contention due to being a remake. Street Fighter 6 may face bias against fighting games (but it will probably win in its category). As for traditional indie picks like Sea of Stars or Dave the Diver, I am unsure if there will be room for them this year. However, games like Final Fantasy XVI or Armored Core 6 could potentially secure nominations. Two months ago, I would have mentioned Starfield, but not anymore. Although Hogwarts Legacy will likely be one of the best-selling games of the year, this group may not nominate it.
But Alan Wake 2? Based on everything I’ve seen, absolutely. It might even win awards for Best Performance or Best Director. However, in my opinion, Baldur’s Gate 3 remains the game to beat for the GOTY title, and it’s difficult for me to envision anything, not even Zelda or Alan Wake, surpassing it. But who knows.
I’m eager to dive in and experience Alan Wake 2 myself to see what all the fuss is about. Undoubtedly, Remedy has something special with this game after a 13-year hiatus.
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