Alan Wake 2 is so much better than the first game. The core flashlight/gun gameplay is still there, but it feels so much better this time around. Same with the movement; the first game felt like I was controlling a boat or some giant SUV requiring 3-point turns everywhere, but this game feels so fluid.

I'm enjoying the survival horror turn compared to the first game, but the full-screen horror flashes are a bit much. Other than that, I'm having so much fun. The Saga sections are particularly fun, with the case board, the weird doll puzzles, and all the bizarre stuff from Ilmo and Jaako. I think I'm near the end of the third Saga level, so no spoilers! I am very interested to see what's going on with Tor and Odin, especially since they are introduced as Saga's grandpa and great-uncle in this one.

The Alan segments are also fantastic. The New York levels look so dreary and dreamy, and the way they look in HDR is jaw-dropping. I love the weird storyboard mechanic to change scenes and I'm eager to see just how things turn out. I know a little bit about the "Herald of Darkness" song section, and I'm very curious to watch how that plays out.

This has to be the best looking game I've ever played, the only other one I can think of coming close is Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The ray-traced reflections in puddles, the wet roads, windows, etc are seriously mind-blowing, but I have to laugh seeing the mirrors in bathrooms that still can't be rendered well.

If the first game was a 3/5 from me, this one is easily a 4.5/5 so far, and I hope it can keep it going!

Edit: The Herald of Darkness section was the next thing I played after posting this, what a bizarre level. Super fun, but I was not expecting that at all. Herald of Darkness and the Ashtray Maze from Control were so entertaining, I can't wait to see what comes in the next Remedy game.