Alan Wake 2: The Unforgettable Surprise That Has Everyone Talking
Masayoshi Soken, composer of Final Fantasy 14, is a huge admirer of Herald of Darkness
Renowned Final Fantasy composer expresses elation at the most thrilling moment in Alan Wake 2 Wow, that’s impressive!
(Image credit: Remedy)
If you’ve played through Alan Wake 2, you know the scene. It’s a ridiculously amusing, unforgettable surprise from way, way left field during an otherwise generally bleak game, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. For the unfamiliar, turn back and play Alan Wake 2 (it’s worth it) before reading this article, as we will be getting into spoiler territory from here on out.
The Interactive Herald of Darkness Performance
The Alan Wake 2 surprise I’m referring to is the interactive Herald of Darkness performance, performed by the Old Gods of Asgard during one of the talk show segments. It’s such a popular sequence that Remedy’s creative director, Sam Lake, even took to the stage himself during The Game Awards 2023 and danced his little heart out while the real-life Finnish rock band Poets of the Fall played the song live. Talk about dedication!
This unexpected musical number has gained recognition from players, critics, and even renowned composers. Masayoshi Soken, the acclaimed composer behind Final Fantasy 14 and its expansions, as well as Final Fantasy 16, has publicly expressed his admiration for Alan Wake 2’s surprise musical sequence. In fact, in a recent roundup of the best video game music from 2023 by VGC (thanks, PC Gamer), Soken singled out this scene as his top pick.
Soken’s Raving Review
“I usually listen to a lot of music, but lately, I haven’t been listening to game soundtracks on their own,” Soken revealed. “But to bring up some music I heard recently while playing games that surprised me, I would choose the scene where ‘Herald of Darkness’ plays in Alan Wake 2. It’s mind-blowing that a gun goes off while the music video starts playing out of nowhere during gameplay. And on top of that, the music video is interactive. Nothing to say other than, damn – that’s cool!”
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Coming from Soken, himself known for his brilliant and often genre-bending video game soundtracks, this praise is truly significant. It’s one thing to receive accolades from players, critics, and awards show judges, but when a composer of Soken’s caliber recognizes your work, you know you’ve done something truly special.
The Impact of Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2 has become one of the best horror games to play today due to its thrilling storyline and groundbreaking elements like the interactive Herald of Darkness performance. This unexpected surprise has left players in awe and encourages them to appreciate the artistry and innovation that video games can bring. It’s a testament to the creativity and imagination of the developers at Remedy Entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I fully appreciate Alan Wake 2 without experiencing the interactive Herald of Darkness performance?
A: While Alan Wake 2 is an excellent game on its own, the interactive Herald of Darkness performance is an unforgettable and immersive experience that adds a new layer of enjoyment to the game. We highly recommend playing through it to fully appreciate the game’s unique features.
Q: Are there any other surprise moments or Easter eggs in Alan Wake 2?
A: Alan Wake 2 is filled with surprises and Easter eggs throughout its gameplay. Exploring the game world thoroughly and paying attention to details will undoubtedly uncover many hidden gems that enhance the overall experience.
Q: Will there be any future collaborations between game developers and real-life bands?
A: While we cannot predict the future, the success and positive reception of collaborations like the one between Alan Wake 2 and the real-life band Poets of the Fall may inspire other game developers to pursue similar partnerships. Gaming has always been a medium that embraces creativity, and we look forward to more exciting collaborations in the future.
Additional Reading
If you’re interested in exploring more about Alan Wake 2 and other great horror games, here are some recommended articles:
- Bioshock 4: How It Could Benefit From One of Alan Wake 2’s Best Features
- Baldur’s Gate 3: Highlighting Its Big Wins Thanks to Larian Studios’ Game of the Year Title
- 22 Hidden Gems Every 3DS Gamer Needs to Play
- Best Horror Performances of 2023
We hope you enjoy delving further into the world of gaming and discovering even more exciting experiences!
Now, it’s your turn to weigh in! Have you played Alan Wake 2 and experienced the interactive Herald of Darkness performance? What are your thoughts on this unique surprise? Share your experiences in the comments below and don’t forget to spread the word on social media if you found this article enlightening and entertaining!
Note: This article has been inspired by the original content available at the following link: Alan Wake 2: The Surprise Musical Number That Has Everyone Talking. Adaptations and modifications have been made to enhance the overall value and engagement for readers.
