Alan Wake: Examining a Flawed Hero

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  • Опубліковано 20 жов 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 101

  • @modelmajorpita
    @modelmajorpita Рік тому +12

    Alan's flaws led to one of my favorite scenes in the game: a flashback to New York and an argument with Alice after he stayed out drinking. Alice leaves and goes to the kitchen telling Alan he should go back to sleep. Narrator Alan says he wishes he followed her advice to go to bed because he regrets what he said to her next, leading the player to think when they go into the kitchen the argument will escalate and Alan will shout at Alice like he did at the start of the game - but instead he apologizes, admits he's been feeling stressed and acting badly as a result, and suggests going on vacation together. His regret is because what he said led to them going to Bright Falls and Alice being abducted, not because he treated Alice badly. It's his flaw of running from his problems rather than his anger and alcoholism.

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  Рік тому +5

      I find it so much more interesting to have a protagonist who has real world problems and imperfections. This type of relationship is far more common that we'd like to admit. As Alan grows we get to self reflect on ourselves. Much better story.

  • @hod2024
    @hod2024 2 роки тому +47

    I love Alan's character, flawed, but realistic and likeable, i especially love how we see his character change from Alan Wake, to American Nightmare, to AWE, and now AW2

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +14

      He struggles with very real things that many of us can relate to. In American Nightmare he has a page calling himself out for all his BS. It is great to see him become self-aware and work on himself.

    • @hod2024
      @hod2024 2 роки тому +6

      @@GamingUniversityUoG Exactly, i loved seeing him change throughout the games, i cant wait to see what remedy does with Alan Wake 2

  • @majajajajajaty
    @majajajajajaty 2 роки тому +64

    Just the knowledge that we're going to get more Alan Wake content in the future makes me so happy, great video as always dude, can't wait to see you grow more as we build up to Alan wake 2!

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +16

      I'm looking forward to working on more AW content too! This road to the sequel is going to be long but I'll do my part to keep the light at the end of the tunnel burning!

  • @NemoTheShark
    @NemoTheShark 5 місяців тому +1

    Great video and analysis! Being an aspiring writer with anxiety myself, I immediately fell in love with Alan Wake upon playing the first game, and American Nightmare and now AW2 only deepened that. He is without a doubt the video game character I identity most with, and these games and their stories will always be extra special to me, especially because, as you mention, Alan's redemption offers us the hope of overcoming our own flaws.

  • @liquidrufus
    @liquidrufus 2 роки тому +27

    Beyond the shadow you settle for, there is a miracle illuminated. Always appreciate your insight!

  • @SantaCruzJokerProductions
    @SantaCruzJokerProductions 2 роки тому +8

    Your opening description of Alan's problems are probably why I relate so much with him

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +4

      It is sadly normal to try and drown out our issues in one form or another. I like that they try to show that his behavior is a self defense mechanism of some sorts.

  • @DJTagz09
    @DJTagz09 7 місяців тому +1

    I feel like this conversation always comes up when people look at me funny when I say I like flawed characters because they're more interesting. The whole point of watching them go on this journey is to see them overcome those personal hurdles, it's why it's known as a "character arc". I just wanna show this vid to everyone who gives the character Alan Wake a hard time simply because he's an a-hole (and no doubt, he is) and never stop to think that there's an (arguably good) reason he's like this.

  • @blazlock7285
    @blazlock7285 2 роки тому +16

    Well yes, Alan Wake IS a flawed hero, not because he is incompetent or weak.
    It just happens that he is psycologically being attacked by the Otherside as well as the Otherside attempting to break the barrier from where Alan is himself (and all his flaws) and the place that changes him (challenging him).
    Now, considering how Alan 'knows' the end of the story, and his attempt to escape the otherside, WHILE the otherisde is basically the most in control.
    So the point that he chooses to NOT recall his story, yet it is the same storymaking skill he has to use to fight back, he is his own enemy, as he can recognize how stressful and pushing his mind to do it, but he hears the 'doubt' because he finds himself unable to make his next major story, and the events of where he is now is now using the flaw itself to not only make Alan as the Key, but also the SOURCE of the way through to the world where Alan is from.
    Considering Alan is trapped in the Otherside, he is forced to attempt to push forward, but breaking his own barriers from what he has/experience from the normal world.
    In the end, he became the 'best' choice the Otherside uses to open the gate and open.
    But Alan even with all of it, know that he is 'the protagonist' to attempt to resist. But he is back to square one, because all the stressed 'changed' similarly to what the Otherside is doing to him.
    Only in Alan Wake 2 will we know... is it 'him' or the last fragment of him before the Otherside opens the door, but in the end, a Major event is happening and Jesse Faden will be coming in that one.

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +7

      To put it simply, he was thrown into an ocean that he fears. It is sink or swim time. No option to run anymore.
      I think the reason he loses his memories is because a 'character' in a story doesn't know how the story ends. Even though he is the author, he is a character first and therefore can't have any advanced knowledge.

  • @InvisibleRain
    @InvisibleRain Рік тому +2

    you're a legend. All of your Alan Wake related videos are so on point and extremely well sort out and presented! Thank you so much for doing them! They made my day

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  Рік тому +1

      You can bet there will be a ton of AW2 content once we get there. Seriously I'm so hyped!

  • @cregerbot8217
    @cregerbot8217 2 роки тому +32

    Ah man, it feels like just yesterday when your first video came out.... You've gone so far! Love your work GU, one of the few creators to go in depth on Remedy's work and share such insightful stuff of a rich game universe.

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +5

      Thank you so much! It is crazy to think it has been over two years since we got this started. Cheers for being here since the beginning.

  • @ZwiekszoneRyzyko
    @ZwiekszoneRyzyko 2 роки тому +2

    You just explained to people why Strong Independent Rey Skywalker-type characters are so disliked. They are "perfect" from the start and never change for the better.

  • @wrixyr7834
    @wrixyr7834 2 роки тому +5

    Thank you for a wonderful video. As a former musician, it is easy to relate to what Alan Wake goes through. Impostor syndrome, the fear of being revealed as a fraud, is a tangible physical and mental discomfort, sometimes bordering on outright dread.

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +3

      Same here. I studied music in college. Being in a orchestra or larger group makes it easy to hide amongst the crowd.

  • @johnbrennan4863
    @johnbrennan4863 2 роки тому +3

    Love the Alan Wake and Control content bud. Like that it's a short form deep dive. Appreciate all the work you put into these. Perfect viewing for a contemplative coffee! Great work pal, keep it up!

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you so much! And I agree. There is way too much in these games to do a full deep dive. It would be like 10 hours long lol

  • @jonathonpolk3592
    @jonathonpolk3592 2 роки тому +4

    Good insight here! I never really connected the dots that the Darkness was forcing Alan to confront his fears solely by making him write and finish Departure. It's interesting to see that, in doing so, the Darkness inadvertently made AW strong enough to defeat it (because he had to overcome his deepest fears, which made all other trials seem trivial in comparison).

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +3

      Any trials that the hero or us as people go through make us stronger. I doubt the dark presence intended it since most will break under the strain. Sad to say most are always too afraid to enter the cave.

  • @ryansheffield1759
    @ryansheffield1759 2 роки тому +1

    I would argue that Alan's response was also greater given the implication of decision fatigue (as one's day goes on and they are forced to make choices, their willpower drains). We saw in your livestreams that Alan first had to deal with Pat, Barry (the agent for Alan) and then Rose so by the end of the day, the third reminder, he had to have been feeling the effects, especially if Alan was really feeling the headache after talking with Rose for so long.
    On the other hand, another potential reason for the response to be so violent (in a sense) against Alice is that Wake felt safe around his wife. She had probably told him over and over that this was a time to relax, to take it easy and (in his mind) forget about writing for a brief time. It came as a more severe shock than from strangers and fans or even his agent. This was his wife, who wouldn't let him forget.
    Another point to bring up is the idea of Newton's Third Law of Motion mixing with psychology. I feel like you described it well here, but it's important to note that the analogy should be viewed with caution if one were to attempt to apply the same to other mediums (including if they try to use this in everyday life). The "force" that is mentioned is certainly not the same for both parties involved (I think a case that everyone can relate to is someone saying a cheerful "Good Morning" and the person who hears it interpretting it as "Go away" or "I hate you"). The contention then is from which viewpoint do you admire the analogy from: the speaker or the reciever? After all, if someone were to view it from the reciever's view in the previous example, they would understand if they were to respond in kind with an aggressive response, but if someone were to view this through the eyes of the original speaker, they would be similarly outraged or provoked due to the reciever having seemingly responded harshly with no appropriate stressor.

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +1

      I can definitely see your points on fatigue and being lulled into a false sense of security. Going from 0 to 100mph is a jerk to the system for sure.
      I see your point entirely on my analogy as well. In my head it is focused on someone being defensive about something and less an equal opposite perceived response to innocent things. I agree it wouldnt apply in all cases. One example is someone with a secret. They will get defensive of it and push back when someone probes or gets close to uncovering it. But in other interpersonal encounters the analogy wouldnt work at all I agree.

    • @ryansheffield1759
      @ryansheffield1759 2 роки тому

      @@GamingUniversityUoG Thats an excellent counterpoint with secrets and I agree that there the analogy works perfectly:)
      Ready for the stream in about an hour? Ive got popcorn ready for the movie section

  • @shafayadtazim9446
    @shafayadtazim9446 2 роки тому +1

    This is really a university lecture indeed. So precise and so good! Plz make more!!

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому

      Thank you so much! There is plenty more of stuff like this on the channel if you're interested.

  • @ScaricoOleoso
    @ScaricoOleoso 2 роки тому +4

    Alan Wake wrote the entirety of Control into existence. I wouldn't be surprised if every AWE they learn about was also written into existence by him. Maybe he needs a superhero to bust him out of the Dark Place, so he wrote one--origin story and all.

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +4

      The QR code visions and the rules of the Dark Place are very explicit saying Alan did NOT write Control from nothing. Basically, he manipulated events to give Jesse a crisis to fight. It is implied he was behind the Hiss invasion and all of AWE but that's it. I do think though that some of the AWEs were his doing trying to escape.

    • @joshuajones7733
      @joshuajones7733 2 роки тому +3

      Influenced, certainly, but the established rules of the artist and the dark place is that the artist cannot create something for nothing and cannot make someone do something they wouldnt normally do.

  • @willfanofmanyii3751
    @willfanofmanyii3751 2 роки тому +2

    Timeline-wise: One could say Alan giving up the Clicker began his downward spiral writer's block.

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому

      One could argue that yes. Probably more thematically connected instead of a direct cause and effect.

  • @zombiehippo9477
    @zombiehippo9477 2 роки тому +6

    I can't wait to see what Remedy does with the new genre with this IP and the content they can secretly pack into it. Plus the event in Quantum Break and more in Control. Are we trying more universes? Is Jesse gonna make an appearance?

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +4

      If jesse shows up it will likely be a cameo. I expect to see Agent Estevez for sure and possibly Frank Breaker and Ahti.

  • @CtheIronblooded
    @CtheIronblooded 2 роки тому +3

    Great analysis as always! Your Remedy videos still remain to be some of the best and most detailed ones I've seen about the games. Happy you still keep putting out new Alan Wake and Control content especially even after over 2 years now. Crazy to see how far this channel has come and I'm very happy and proud of you!
    Anyways Alan is one of my all time fave video game protagonists. Such a well written, realistic and relatable character. He's flawed and he is a bit of an asshole and kinda unlikable at the beginning, but honestly that's exactly what makes him so relatable and human, plus he has had a lot development over the years although not all of it is good development as shown by his psyche in Control after being trapped in the Dark Place for over 10 years. Still love the guy and can't wait to see what Remedy have in store for him in the sequel.

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you so much! Yeah it has been crazy to see how far the channel has come in the last couple years.
      This particular video is my defense of the character in some ways. I've seen far too many people play it and conclude he is just an irredeemable ass. Some cen refusing to finish he game because of it. Alan is flawed absolutely. But there is a sad reason for it.

  • @Voltaic_Fire
    @Voltaic_Fire 2 роки тому +1

    One of my friends pointed out that he looks like Rasputin in the new trailer and I simply can not stop seeing it now.

  • @theoakty9242
    @theoakty9242 2 роки тому +1

    Good video bro hope we have Alan Wake before 2024

  • @willisrose9756
    @willisrose9756 2 роки тому

    Glad that your still making Alan Wake videos!

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +1

      I didn't even realize it has been so long. I'm kicking myself for ignoring it for this long.

  • @berndonplspng9978
    @berndonplspng9978 2 роки тому +1

    Keeping me held over until 2023.

  • @sayborgoussawa4424
    @sayborgoussawa4424 2 роки тому

    This is the detailed analysis and explanation... thank you for this great video

  • @CrystalWings12
    @CrystalWings12 2 роки тому +6

    This video made me to understand more about Alan's real struggles against his anxiety and dark thoughts, just like me.
    Can't wait to see more Alan's action on the sequel!

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому

      I love how he is a relatable character. The every man struggling with normal stuff. I hope we see more of his psyche in the sequel. I imagine it will focus more in his trauma of isolation.

  • @BobberTmediaDeadThug
    @BobberTmediaDeadThug 2 роки тому +1

    You, sir, are a genius!

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому

      I'm glad ou enjoyed it! Thanks

    • @BobberTmediaDeadThug
      @BobberTmediaDeadThug 2 роки тому

      @@GamingUniversityUoG You earned it!
      Question: Is the lighthouse outside Bright Falls also called Rain Cove Point? Or is that just in Alans dream?
      Want to create a board game (mostly for my own amusement) that featuring the lighthouse and want to have the facts straight...

  • @thebigstinky6438
    @thebigstinky6438 2 роки тому +1

    What solidified my excitement for the sequel was when Sam Lake said it would be a full on survival-horror game. HYPED!!!
    I'm a little worried that this then means development for Control 2 will be delayed :(

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +1

      I'm happy just to get more Remedy games in general. One thing to keep in mind is Crossfire X will be released in February of 2022 do the team working on the story will be freed up to help on other projects.

    • @joshuajones7733
      @joshuajones7733 2 роки тому

      Unlikely, they're making AW2 with Epic and Control 2 with 505 Games. I know they're small studio, but they most likely still have seperate teams working on both games.

  • @NervXT
    @NervXT 2 роки тому

    That scene where Alice and Alan are arguing in the cabin and the lights go out, she calls out for him and is darting her head around as if looking for him, almost like she had completely forgotten that he is right in front of her. We then see a brief flash of Barbara Jagger and suddenly the lights come back on and Alice shows a bit of surprise/confusion when she looks at Alan. This scene seems to suggest that Alan briefly disappeared and then reappeared. Maybe I'm missing something, but this happens before either have entered the Dark Place, so I'm wondering what your thoughts are on that. It's always been a scene that I've had trouble understanding.

  • @geraltofrivia4936
    @geraltofrivia4936 2 роки тому +1

    Loved the video, however youtube did not send me the notification for some reason, Classic youtube.

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks! I haven't made this one public yet so YT wouldn't have notified you. Perk of discord is getting these a bit early.

    • @geraltofrivia4936
      @geraltofrivia4936 2 роки тому

      @@GamingUniversityUoG oh, I did not know. Thanks for the clarification 👍

  • @Nico18_
    @Nico18_ 2 роки тому +1

    Great video!🔥

  • @JustADankRaven
    @JustADankRaven 2 роки тому

    Yes brother! We are now one step away from the sequel!

  • @DerAykac
    @DerAykac 2 роки тому +1

    Bruh, what have you done to me? Though i would not call it "horror", it´s kind of haunting me.
    House of Leaves - Best. Book. Tip. Ever.

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +1

      Haha glad you're enjoying it! And yeah that book will dig into your psyche and leave an imprint.

  • @twinchenzotezzuo5150
    @twinchenzotezzuo5150 2 роки тому +2

    Thank you for illuminating layer after layer of this game. It is a joy to experience it again and again, even after all these years.
    Is the novelization any good? Should fans read it?

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +2

      My absolute pleasure. It is a lot of fun to peel back the layers of this franchise.
      The novelization is a decent enough read. Not a lot of new stuff but it does a good job of covering the main story.

  • @lautaromedina9056
    @lautaromedina9056 2 роки тому +2

    Loved this. Will we get more of these for the other remedy protagonist??

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому

      Honestly didn't think about doing a psych video for each protagonist. I may. Depends on if I can find a creative way to address it.

    • @lautaromedina9056
      @lautaromedina9056 2 роки тому

      @@GamingUniversityUoG oh well, I hope you find it then. I love the remedy protagonists they have very distinct voices and character

  • @itsroyalbeast5775
    @itsroyalbeast5775 2 роки тому +1

    your video concepts are amazing can you suggest a channel teaching since stuff only just like you do would appreciate that

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому

      Thank you so much! And yes if you're interested in more of this style of content I'd recommend the channels, 'Max Derrat' and 'Re-Install Paul'

  • @Xehanort10
    @Xehanort10 4 місяці тому

    As far as Alan's flaws go Mr Scratch is basically an exaggerated embodiment of them. Before and in the first game Alan had a bit of an ego but Scratch is that times ten based on people's perception that Alan was a narcissist who thought his books were the best ever. Where Alan had anger issues Scratch is mostly in a psychotic rage. And people used Alan's fights with reporters to spread rumours he was a serial killer.

  • @Marck250491
    @Marck250491 2 роки тому +1

    Greatly exposed as always, people can get that far when loved ones are in extreme danger even if you have disorder within yourself. One of the reasons that love is the base of life and creation. By the way, do you have any intention on doing a exposition video about Vision 1, 2 and 3? A lot to dissect from those. See yaa in next stream, peace in you too.

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +2

      I do plan to touch upon it. Won't be just that but I'm thinking of a, "everything we know before Alan Wake 2" type of thing.

    • @metteor8
      @metteor8 2 роки тому

      @@GamingUniversityUoG Ooh, I'm really looking forward to that video! I have my own little theory about the meaning of those visions, and I'm eager to hear your interpretation!

  • @moneypits
    @moneypits 2 роки тому

    Brilliant as usual :)

  • @jonaz7312
    @jonaz7312 2 роки тому

    Good analysis. Now i wonder what he is fighting in Alan Wake 2

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +2

      Probably still a version of scratch. Most likely a representation of his own madness. Isolation does crazy things to the mind.

  • @meimei8718
    @meimei8718 2 роки тому

    You go hero!

  • @brandonbaka1375
    @brandonbaka1375 2 роки тому +2

    Everyone here. We all have come a long way. We haven't escaped The Dark Place just yet.

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому

      Alan Wake 2 will be a long hard road to get him out of the Dark Place. I'm just concerned about his sanity by the time it happens.

  • @Fragmentsinfractals488
    @Fragmentsinfractals488 2 роки тому

    It figures Alan's Dark Unconscious would facilitate the Dark Presence and Mr. Scra~ch. A World Ender and an Imposter Serial Killer.

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +1

      He certainly has self-destructive tendencies reflected in the dark presence. His inner world and outer world are undergoing the same threat and have the same solution.

  • @relafen66
    @relafen66 2 роки тому +1

    Does a character driven story necessarily need to convey hope in the end?

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +2

      It really depends on what type of story you're looking to tell.

  • @lostdeeply397
    @lostdeeply397 2 роки тому

    Cyberprunk director is the director of alan wake 2 I think this game will be very ambitious maybe open world??? So excited it is sam lake dream game 🤩

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +1

      I didn't know that! Interesting. I know the original game was supposed to be open world. Maybe they will finally so it with modern tech.

    • @ronnickels5193
      @ronnickels5193 2 роки тому

      Personally I'm a little skeptical of open world games. Even at their best they can be buggy and require a lot of post release work. See the Elder Scrolls series and Cyberpunk 2077

  • @taimao2
    @taimao2 2 роки тому

    Great video

  • @dannyg4383
    @dannyg4383 2 роки тому

    Hey, Mr. Gaming University! Did you read the novelization of Alan Wake? Would you recommend it? Im interested in this book, but I dont know if I should buy it. I need more Alan Wake stuff to consume till Alan Wake 2 comes out. Nice video, good job! Greetings from Germany.

    • @GamingUniversityUoG
      @GamingUniversityUoG  2 роки тому +1

      Greetings from America! I have read the book. It is essentially a retelling for the game. Definitely worth a read for the fun of it but there is not a lot of new information in it.

    • @dannyg4383
      @dannyg4383 2 роки тому

      @@GamingUniversityUoG Thanks for your response! As a fan of Remedys work, are you aware of any works of fiction that are similar to Alan Wake or Control? Like books? I'm a huge reader!

    • @joshuajones7733
      @joshuajones7733 2 роки тому

      @@dannyg4383 If you've played Quantum Break, I highly recommend the novelization to that. While overall it is the same story, it is quite different and more detailed as well, and there are different pathways and locations utilized that didn't make it into the game for one reason or another. I really enjoyed it.

  • @mitchellalexander9162
    @mitchellalexander9162 2 роки тому +1

    Hey did you ever get this Weird Feeling kinda like...deja vu like you've done this before?
    Eh. Probably nothing.