Alan Wake 2: The Lake House

“The Lake House is a tightly crafted DLC that bridges Alan Wake 2 with Remedy’s broader universe. Its layered narrative and resourceful gameplay showcase Remedy’s strengths in storytelling and design, while some trial-and-error moments and a shifting layout can occasionally frustrate. Though short, it delivers a memorable experience, leaving you eager for what’s next in the ever-expanding Wake-verse.”

“Alan Wake II's final expansion doesn't necessarily end with a whimper, but it was primed to end with an ear-ringing bang we'll never hear.”

“This is a swan song that really isn't a swan song. Remedy ends Alan Wake 2 with a link to what comes next… kind of. If you love Alan Wake 2 as I do, you'll love this, as The Lake House is more of those stylings with an FBC filter. Agent Estevez is awesome in her starring role, along with themes in the narrative that make you look beyond the paint covered canvas.”

“It's not a complete home run as a package, but with enough standout moments throughout the two packs, the expansion upgrade should be an easy buy for fans.”

“Though not as exciting or inventive as the previous Alan Wake 2 DLC, The Lake House does a solid job of connecting Alan Wake and Control together while offering a fairly creepy if somewhat generic survival horror experience.”

“Alan Wake 2 signs off on a typically strong note with The Lake House, which is a strong expansion that delivers an engaging new survival horror chapter while also setting up the future of the Remedy Connected Universe.”

“This return to Alan Wake's horror roots feels a little lacking compared to the main game, but its examination of AI and art's relationship with science arguably hides its most daring meta commentary yet.”

“After the bizarre variations of Night Springs, The Lake House brings us back to the survival horror genre along with another of the endless faces of the Wakeverse. In less than three hours, the essences of Control and AW2 are condensed, distilled and set aside for the future... which promises to be extremely exciting. However an extra hour or two to give the events more breathing space would not have hurt.”

“With its great atmosphere and tight story pacing, Alan Wake 2: The Lake House retains the same elements that made the base game so engaging. The lack of significant new mechanics and its very short length, however, make it a worthwhile purchase only for the most die-hard fans of Alan Wake 2 and the Remedy Connected Universe.”

“The Lake House expansion offers a thrilling experience and a mysterious story that intriguingly connects the worlds of Remedy. However, despite its rich atmosphere and well-crafted level, it remains a very short side adventure that provides no answers to the lingering questions left after finishing Alan Wake 2.”

“The Lake House DLC is a tightly paced slice of psychological horror that serves as an absorbing addendum to Alan Wake II.”

“Fearless opponents, no major changes in combat mechanics, maybe two puzzles, and less than 2 hours of fun? This is DLC that could have been quietly added to the free post-release content.”

“Overall, The Lake House is a nice expansion, it doesn't offer much of a story of its own, but it's rich with connections and hints of where Control 2 will go. Ultimately, getting players ready for Control 2 is also the goal of the expansion. Don't expect much else from it.”

“Alan Wake 2: The Lake House is another brilliant slice of Remedy goodness. This expansion certainly veers more into Control territory, so if that's your Remedy jam, you're going to have a great time with this one. For us, we'd have liked the game's final DLC to feel a bit more like Alan Wake in its concept and execution, so The Lake House doesn't feel quite as accomplished as the base game or its previous Night Springs expansion. At just $20 / £15 for both DLC packs though, you really can't go wrong in opening up your wallet for some fresh Alan Wake action.”

“The Lake House is a brilliant serving of Remedy horror goodness, acting as a cocktail of two franchise identities, to deliver something that is narratively intriguing and visually distinct. It's a tight-knit experience packed with expanding lore and clever scares, and a keen reminder of Remedy's pedigree. It's an interesting link in the wider world of Remedy games too that leaves us sad to see this chapter end, but ever curious to how it will all continue.”

“The Lake House can be considered a conservative DLC, with a development that is not far from the Survival template. But what makes it special is the way it connects the universe of Remedy games, with a narrative and a story that you can enjoy without knowing the games, and that closes the plot well. Too bad it's so short.”