I first played Alan Wake back in 2014, hard to believe that's eleven years ago. I remember being drawn in by its gripping, story-driven gameplay. Recently, I decided to revisit it, and honestly? It still holds up remarkably well.

Even the graphics, while dated in places, don’t feel jarringly old. There’s a certain charm in how it all comes together, moody lighting, foggy forests, and that eerie, small-town atmosphere.

Alan Wake uses his flashlight a lot.

What really struck me again is the story. It has that classic Stephen King or Dean Koontz vibe: a troubled writer battling both inner demons and literal ones. That blend of psychological horror and supernatural suspense still works, even more so when nostalgia kicks in.

I’m often let down when revisiting older games, either the narrative falls flat or the visuals have aged poorly. But Alan Wake defies that trend. It’s still a great game, and honestly, maybe even more relevant now with how storytelling in games has evolved. I’m glad I gave it another go.