The intricate narrative of Alan Wake 2, already a complex tale interwoven with story threads and meta references to Remedy Entertainment’s other games, took a further plunge into depth with the release of The Final Draft.
This new game plus mode not only supplements the existing storyline but also introduces a modified conclusion. Here’s a breakdown of the additional insights gained from The Final Draft regarding the world of Alan Wake 2 and the broader Remedy Connected Universe.
Saga and Alan’s Successful Plan:
The Final Draft explicitly confirms the success of Saga and Alan’s plan, a detail that was somewhat ambiguous in the original game. The new ending scene shows Logan answering the phone call, establishing that Scratch has been defeated and the horror story has been undone.
FBC’s Role in Dark Presence’s Escape:
The Final Draft provides more context to existing story beats, hinting at events at the Lake House, the FBC’s laboratory in Bright Falls. Dr. Jean Mormont, an FBC researcher, is implicated in releasing the Dark Presence, potentially serving as the inciting incident for the entire story.
Saga’s Awareness of the Loop:
A new manuscript page reveals that Saga experiences deja vu during her visit to Nightingale’s murder site. While Saga may not be fully conscious of repeating events, the tidbit adds depth to her character and aligns her with Alan as a parautilitarian.
Mr. Door’s Identity:
The evidence in The Final Draft supports the speculation that Mr. Door is Saga’s father. Details about a deal struck between Tor, Odin, and Door, combined with new scenes, indicate that Tor pushed away Saga’s father, who is likely Mr. Door.
Tor and Odin’s Future Involvement:
In the final moments of The Final Draft, Tor and Odin allude to future interactions with Saga, hinting at their role in upcoming DLC additions to the story.
Dr. Casper Darling’s Fate:
Alan Wake 2 explicitly links to Control, revealing that Dr. Casper Darling ended up in the Dark Place, studying Alan’s narration. The fate of Darling, missing since the events of Control, adds a layer of connection between the two games.
Ahti’s Power:
Ahti’s reality-bending abilities are further explored, with a manuscript page suggesting his involvement in the ending cutscene of The Final Draft, where he manipulates the Dark Place using a mop bucket.
Alice’s Influence:
Alice’s role in influencing key events, including saving Alan from Scratch, is highlighted. However, her current status in the Dark Place remains unresolved, leaving a plot thread for future exploration.
Tom Zane’s Agenda:
Tom Zane, confronted by Alan in Initiation 8, appears to have a more antagonistic role in the current story. His involvement with Dr. Casper Darling in the Dark Place raises questions about his agenda.
Alan’s Evolving Abilities:
The conclusion of The Final Draft suggests a transformation in Alan’s abilities, making him a more potent parautilitarian. His newfound mastery over the Dark Place positions him as a significant entity that attracts the attention of the FBC.
Open-Ended Plot Threads:
Despite Scratch’s defeat and Logan’s resurrection being conclusive, The Final Draft leaves numerous plot threads unresolved. Alice’s fate, Saga’s family ties, and other mysteries remain, setting the stage for potential DLC chapters and future Remedy games.
In summary, The Final Draft not only enhances the complexity of Alan Wake 2’s narrative but also introduces intriguing developments and unanswered questions, paving the way for further exploration in upcoming DLC and Remedy’s future releases.
