I have just picked up my copy of the new game from Remedy Studios (the guys who have given us the Max Paine Series) Alan Wake and first impressions it’s a little strange, which is a good thing.

The game has been set out like a TV series with distinctly defined chapters (or episodes) which have an opening of “previously on Alan Wake” and ending music for each chaptered. If this was a TV series it would be defined as a paranormal thriller and that’s exactly what it is.

You spend your time looking over your back to make sure something isn’t about to get you from behind. While Alan Wake has his voice over telling you what’s happening as if you were sitting there watching TV.

The game play itself can be a little poor at times which normally comes when you are playing a 3^rd person shooter, though although you do have a gun is far from a traditional shooter. The camera seems to have a strange angle movement that at times makes it hard to see around there you want to look. This with the at times blurry outlines of figures may be the planned results of the game designers but one thing that really gets me is poor camera movement in 3^rd person mode. The story is where this game excels due to the fact it’s been written like a TV series with many cliff hangers to keep you interested  with the I’ll just see what happens next style that turns it into a 3 hour sit down without even noticing.

You can’t help but feel the writers have had a laugh when they were writing some of the dialog and small cinematic which helps to keep the flow of the game though the very dark and at times just plan strange.

I would recommend this game to anyone who likes a bit of a thriller and the what was that sound in their games. If you are still a little unsure check out the trailer.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auw3_z9EyRg

As every gamer knows, their setup to play is an important part of a successful gaming experience. Whether you are a console, computer or even a hand held gamer, where you play can make all the difference. As a console gamer my TV setup which is why I’ve gone with the full media setup including; Xbox 360, Media PC, DVD player, 6.1 surround sound and multiple screens to get the best experience possible.

My setup is in a bedroom so the bed and bean bag is used as the seating in front of the TV Unit. In the TV unit I have:

Samsung 32 Inch LCD High Definition TV at 720p/1080i with HD Digital Tuner (LA32R81BD)

Samsung 250GB Hard Disk DVD Recorder (DVDHR755)

Xbox 360 Elite (black)

Media PC just a custom built pc running Windows Media Centre, some interesting points:

• Hauppauge Nova-T-500 MCE Dual DVBT SD/HD Tuner (NOVA500MCE)
• Logitech diNova Mini Palm Sized keyboard with media and ClickPad (920-000900)
• 3 terabytes of storage

BenQ 20.1 Inch Widescreen LCD Monitor (FP202WA)

KENWOOD Amplifier  6.1 Channels Receiver  surround sound Dolby Digital® • DTS® • DTS ES® • Dolby Pro Logic II • DTS Neo:6 • THX® (KRF-V6090D)

All connections are done through digital means allowing for the best possible picture and sound. The input devices (Xbox, PC, DVD player) to the TV run through HDMI cables and the TV is connected to the amp through a fibre optic sound cable. Also the monitor is connected to the Media PC directly allowing for multiply items accross both screens. Below is a diagram of the layout.

Although not part of the media setup what I believe to be another important part of my setup is the in cupboard bar, including a bar fridge, area for mixing drinks, a shelf for the good stuff and independent lighting.

Because drinking is always a good addition to a fun gaming session with friends and something that should always be considered.