Alan Wake 10 Years Later: 10 Moments Worth Revisiting Bright Falls For

From the opening narration from Wake that quotes Stephen King, Alan Wake is a game that gleefully wears its influences on its sleeve for fans to appreciate while still being its own entity.

As well as the many references to Stephen King, especially numerous homages to The Shining, the game also shares a not-so-subtle resemblance to David Lynch’s mind-bending series Twin Peaks with its gorgeous Midwest setting and town of oddball characters. There’s even a handful of Night Springs episodes to find throughout the game that are a clear tribute to the Twilight Zone.

However, arguably the best horror homage comes during the early section of Episode Four where you must navigate the hedge maze of a scenic hospital (that was formerly a hotel). But instead of running from a murderous Jack Nicholson in the snow, you’ll be avoiding running into the Taken in the dark.

Hearing rustling in the hedges that surround you, the dark forces that have been hunting you are never too far away and can surprise you from around any corner. Although this maze is nowhere near as big as the Overlook’s, it’s still easy to lose your bearing in the dark.