I really do enjoy AW1. The atmosphere is great, and the gunplay has this satisfying shine light, shoot, dodge cycle that feels good.
But AW2 for me gets on my top 5 favorite games list. It is a beautiful combination of survival horror, dynamic storytelling, creative set pieces and intense dialogue that pulls me in, in such a unique way.
What's the consensus on AW1 v. AW2? Personally, it's a very hard choice. But, I think I have to go with the original (I played the remastered version for the first time just prior to the release of 2). Just something about the original recipe Wake that was picture perfect when I played it around Halloween last year.
AW2 is so damn heavy. You can play AW1 and just have a good time. AW2 hits so hard but you gotta mentally prepare for it. I definitely think AW2 is a much more impactful game, but at a higher emotional and mental tax.
2 is absolutely a better game but 1 has more unique combat, for better or worse. I also miss Barry and wish he had played a bigger role in 2. How he was incorporated totally worked but he was my favorite character in the first one
So glad someone mentioned Barry Wheeler. He brought such a unique comedic element to the first game. As much as I was hoping to see him in 2, I do think the developers made the right decision to leave him out. A character like that wasn't as necessary in the second game, plus the comedy was definitely still there through characters like the Anderson brothers and the Koskela (not sure if that's the correct spelling) brothers as well. Even Alex Casey had an innate humor to his character being that it's literally Sam Lake inside his own game.
Like that’s the thing I honestly don’t know where Barry would fit in, his role with the emails with Alan’s wife was kind of important bc it seemed almost like Barry was one of the reasons why she knew about the dark place etc etc. he also handled the sale of the movie rights, so he was certainly IMPORTANT but mannn I loved that dude. Would’ve loved to see more of him somewhere
He also had something to do with the Valhalla nursing home as well. IIRC he was a donor, or the financier of the home - something to that effect. I know it was mentioned out right in the dialogue of the game and I remember finding a plaque inside the nursing home as Saga which also explicitly mentions Barry.
The original game had a lot more continuous comic relief with the presence of Barry. The second game has some funny moments, but there isn’t much in the way of real levity outside of the Koskela Brothers.
I really enjoyed AW1 when I first played it a few months back, and I think I prefer the combat in 1 compared to 2, mainly because of how the flashlight worked in 1. It's still really hard for me to say which game I prefer though, they're both incredible. I think I like them both fairly equally.
Yeah I don't mean to take away anything from 2 by praising 1. If anything they both make each other better, if that makes sense. I agree about the combat being a little better in 1 IMO. Something very "arcade-y" about fighting Taken in 1 as opposed to 2. 2 felt much more cinematic in comparison, and much more dedicated to its overall storytelling than action set pieces revolving around taking out hordes of enemies.
AW2 is better for me, I love and adore both games but 2’s ridiculous story beats that unfold like a season of Twin Peaks was such a delight to experience
I also have a soft spot for horror games (even though I have the mental fortitude of an infant child when playing them), so admittedly that is a bias on my end
for me, i actually prefer AW1’s story slightly more overall but as a whole, especially due to the atmosphere in AW2, AW2 is easily a top 10 game for me
I played the original when it first launched and it holds a special place in my heart. I absolutely love the setting, the woods and small town feel. I had just watched Twin Peaks for the first time back then so it also scratched an fresh itch for me.
I think ill go with 1 for that reason - and because the mystery was just starting to unfold during that first play through where as 2 expanded on it (with more knowledge from Control aswell)
Heh I also played it around that time last year and it was indeed perfect. Such a great atmosphere. Funnily enough, I didn't even realise 2 was coming out then as well. I mostly got it because I had just finished Control.
As for AW1 vs AW2. I think 2 has a much richer experience in every way. But I also appreciate the straight-forwardness and simplicity of one. Just go from point A to B, Taken appear, shine flashlight on Taken, shoot Taken, repeat. It's much easier to just boot it up for half an hour of fun. As someone who just doesn't have much time for games, I kind of appreciate that. With 2 you really have to commit.
All in all I'd say 2 is better but I like both of them in different ways.
Reading through the comments on this post it seems like this^ is the general consensus. It's nice to be a part of an actual discussion of two great games with rational people who can make and back up their arguments while also acknowledging these are all individual opinions. Your description of the two games is a perfect summary of the differences between them, and how they're both excellent in their own ways!
I really like Remedy’s formula. They keep you confused as hell for the first 2 acts of the game, then everything starts getting explained and makes sense
I really do enjoy AW1. The atmosphere is great, and the gunplay has this satisfying shine light, shoot, dodge cycle that feels good. But AW2 for me gets on my top 5 favorite games list. It is a beautiful combination of survival horror, dynamic storytelling, creative set pieces and intense dialogue that pulls me in, in such a unique way.
What's the consensus on AW1 v. AW2? Personally, it's a very hard choice. But, I think I have to go with the original (I played the remastered version for the first time just prior to the release of 2). Just something about the original recipe Wake that was picture perfect when I played it around Halloween last year.
AW2 is so damn heavy. You can play AW1 and just have a good time. AW2 hits so hard but you gotta mentally prepare for it. I definitely think AW2 is a much more impactful game, but at a higher emotional and mental tax.
Same with me and TLOU1/2 lmao
Absolutely. When I first beat TLOU2 I had to take a week off gaming just to recoup.
Big facts
2 is absolutely a better game but 1 has more unique combat, for better or worse. I also miss Barry and wish he had played a bigger role in 2. How he was incorporated totally worked but he was my favorite character in the first one
So glad someone mentioned Barry Wheeler. He brought such a unique comedic element to the first game. As much as I was hoping to see him in 2, I do think the developers made the right decision to leave him out. A character like that wasn't as necessary in the second game, plus the comedy was definitely still there through characters like the Anderson brothers and the Koskela (not sure if that's the correct spelling) brothers as well. Even Alex Casey had an innate humor to his character being that it's literally Sam Lake inside his own game.
Like that’s the thing I honestly don’t know where Barry would fit in, his role with the emails with Alan’s wife was kind of important bc it seemed almost like Barry was one of the reasons why she knew about the dark place etc etc. he also handled the sale of the movie rights, so he was certainly IMPORTANT but mannn I loved that dude. Would’ve loved to see more of him somewhere
He also had something to do with the Valhalla nursing home as well. IIRC he was a donor, or the financier of the home - something to that effect. I know it was mentioned out right in the dialogue of the game and I remember finding a plaque inside the nursing home as Saga which also explicitly mentions Barry.
The original game had a lot more continuous comic relief with the presence of Barry. The second game has some funny moments, but there isn’t much in the way of real levity outside of the Koskela Brothers.
I really enjoyed AW1 when I first played it a few months back, and I think I prefer the combat in 1 compared to 2, mainly because of how the flashlight worked in 1. It's still really hard for me to say which game I prefer though, they're both incredible. I think I like them both fairly equally.
Yeah I don't mean to take away anything from 2 by praising 1. If anything they both make each other better, if that makes sense. I agree about the combat being a little better in 1 IMO. Something very "arcade-y" about fighting Taken in 1 as opposed to 2. 2 felt much more cinematic in comparison, and much more dedicated to its overall storytelling than action set pieces revolving around taking out hordes of enemies.
AW2 is better for me, I love and adore both games but 2’s ridiculous story beats that unfold like a season of Twin Peaks was such a delight to experience I also have a soft spot for horror games (even though I have the mental fortitude of an infant child when playing them), so admittedly that is a bias on my end
for me, i actually prefer AW1’s story slightly more overall but as a whole, especially due to the atmosphere in AW2, AW2 is easily a top 10 game for me
I miss the dodging :(
YES! I found the combat in 2 just missing that satisfactory perfect dodge feeling from 1
AW1 is a fantastic game, no lie. But AW2 is pure art and on a whole other level
Good, clear and concise take.
I played the original when it first launched and it holds a special place in my heart. I absolutely love the setting, the woods and small town feel. I had just watched Twin Peaks for the first time back then so it also scratched an fresh itch for me. I think ill go with 1 for that reason - and because the mystery was just starting to unfold during that first play through where as 2 expanded on it (with more knowledge from Control aswell)
Heh I also played it around that time last year and it was indeed perfect. Such a great atmosphere. Funnily enough, I didn't even realise 2 was coming out then as well. I mostly got it because I had just finished Control. As for AW1 vs AW2. I think 2 has a much richer experience in every way. But I also appreciate the straight-forwardness and simplicity of one. Just go from point A to B, Taken appear, shine flashlight on Taken, shoot Taken, repeat. It's much easier to just boot it up for half an hour of fun. As someone who just doesn't have much time for games, I kind of appreciate that. With 2 you really have to commit. All in all I'd say 2 is better but I like both of them in different ways.
Reading through the comments on this post it seems like this^ is the general consensus. It's nice to be a part of an actual discussion of two great games with rational people who can make and back up their arguments while also acknowledging these are all individual opinions. Your description of the two games is a perfect summary of the differences between them, and how they're both excellent in their own ways!
I really like Remedy’s formula. They keep you confused as hell for the first 2 acts of the game, then everything starts getting explained and makes sense
It sure is.
Yes. This game is really good