Alan Wake Remastered is an appealing first version for newcomers, but a modest upgrade for many people who already own the original. It packages the main psychological thriller with both story expansions and presentation updates, while leaving the original gameplay largely intact. Whether it is worth buying depends on whether you want the complete story on a modern platform—or are hoping for a redesigned game.
What Alan Wake Remastered includes
Alan Wake is a cinematic action thriller set in Bright Falls, a Pacific Northwest town. Troubled writer Alan Wake arrives with his wife, Alice, who disappears. He finds pages from a horror story he cannot remember writing, and events from those pages begin to unfold. The episodic story mixes mystery, cliffhangers and combat against supernatural darkness; Alan uses a flashlight to expose enemies before attacking them with firearms.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Alan Wake Remastered - PlayStation 5 | $83.29 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The Last of Us Part I – PlayStation 5 | $37.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection - PlayStation 5 | $29.45 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Demon's Souls - PlayStation 5 | $39.45 | Buy on Amazon |
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The remaster includes the main game and both story expansions, The Signal and The Writer. Remedy describes enhanced visuals, updated environments and cutscenes, and an audio commentary track featuring lead writer and creative director Sam Lake. Lake said the aim was to preserve the game’s identity and visual style while elevating its graphics for modern players in a September 2021 PlayStation Blog post.
Pros: why it may be worth playing
A complete story in one package
Both expansions are bundled with the main game, so newcomers can experience the additional story content as part of the same purchase. Remedy confirms the package contents in its Alan Wake Remastered FAQ.
#1 Best Overall
- Complete Package: All DLCs, remastered visuals, new developer commentary.
- Now on PlayStation: A vast new audience that’s been demanding Alan Wake for years.
- Proven Quality: A much-loved cult classic with an 83 Metacritic score and over 5 million copies sold to date.
Stronger presentation, with extra context
The updated visuals, environments and cutscenes refresh the presentation without replacing the original game’s distinct style. Sam Lake’s commentary offers another way to engage with the story’s creation. Remedy’s description of the remaster’s presentation and commentary is available in its official FAQ.
A distinctive mystery and atmosphere
The supernatural premise, episodic structure and flashlight-based combat give the game a recognizable identity. Reviews reproduced on the Epic Games Store reflect that appeal: GameSpot’s Tom Mc Shea gave it 8/10 and praised its atmosphere, storytelling and combat, while Game Informer’s Andrew Reiner also gave it 8/10 and described it as worthwhile to revisit. These are individual critics’ opinions, not a guarantee that every player will respond the same way. Epic’s store page displays the review summaries.
Available on several generations of hardware
Remedy lists PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series consoles, and Nintendo Switch among the supported platforms. That makes the story accessible beyond its original 2010 release, though platform performance and output differ considerably.
Rank #2
- Enhanced visuals: Completely rebuilt from the ground up using Naughty Dog’s latest PS5 engine technology to improve every visual detail, The Last of Us experience has been faithfully enhanced with more realistic lighting and atmosphere, more intricate environments and creative reimaginings of familiar spaces.
- Fast loading: Initial loading times are near instant, and seamless after the first instance thanks to the PS5 console’s SSD – so you can pick up where you left off in the story and load specific encounters and chapters more quickly.
- Haptic feedback: DualSense wireless controller haptic feedback support for every weapon elevates combat encounters, and environments are brought to life through DualSense wireless controller haptic sensations of subtle falling rain, the crunch of stepping on snow and more.
- Adaptive triggers: All The Last of Us iconic weapons, including Joel’s revolver and Ellie’s bow, now deliver dynamic DualSense wireless controller trigger resistance and kickback on firing for deeper combat immersion.
- 3D Audio: Designed to make use of the PS5 console’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, Naughty Dog’s newly upgraded audio engine delivers richer soundscapes, bigger explosive moments and more visceral gameplay through compatible stereo headphones (analogue or USB) or TV speakers.
Cons: what to consider before buying
The gameplay is not redesigned
This is a remaster, not a gameplay remake. Remedy says, “We have not touched the gameplay,” and notes that familiar frustrations such as Alan tiring while running remain. Anyone expecting a modernized combat system or extensive quality-of-life redesign should temper those expectations. The developer explains the decision in its FAQ.
The upgrade may be inessential for original owners
If you already own the original and mainly want a different gameplay experience, the remaster offers limited reason to return: its key changes are presentation, platform availability, commentary and the bundled expansions. IGN’s Tristan Ogilvie gave the remaster 7/10; the Epic storefront’s reproduced review summary characterizes it as a fairly inessential upgrade for existing fans while recommending the mystery to newcomers. That is one critic’s judgment, not a universal verdict. The Epic listing displays the summary.
Console targets vary by model
The figures below are official output or performance targets, not a promise that every scene will hold its target. Epic’s technical details distinguish rendering resolution from output resolution, so a 4K output target does not necessarily mean the game renders every frame at native 4K.
Rank #3
- Seek your fortune and leave your mark on the map in the UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection.
- Uncover the thrilling cinematic storytelling and the largest blockbuster action set pieces in the UNCHARTED franchise
- Delivered by award winning developer Naughty Dog, the UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection includes the two critically-acclaimed UNCHARTED 4: A Thief's End and UNCHARTED: The Lost Legacy.
- Each story is filled with laughs, drama, high octane combat, and a sense of wonder - remastered to be even more immersive.
- Live the adventure like never before with the features and incredible speed of the PlayStation 5 console.
| Platform | Documented target or detail |
|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | 1440p render, 2160p/4K output, 60 fps target, 4x MSAA |
| Xbox Series X | 1440p render, 2160p/4K output, 60 fps target, 4x MSAA |
| Xbox Series S | 1080p render and output, 60 fps target |
| PlayStation 4 | 1080p, 30 fps |
| PlayStation 4 Pro | Performance mode: 1080p/60 fps; Quality mode: 1296p render to 4K output/30 fps |
| Xbox One | 900p, 30 fps |
| Xbox One X | Performance mode: 1080p/60 fps; Quality mode: 1440p render to 4K output/30 fps |
| Nintendo Switch | Supported by Remedy; a resolution and frame-rate target are not stated in the cited technical details |
These console figures come from Epic Games Support’s technical details. They should not be extrapolated to Switch.
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PC version: requirements and current features
Epic’s Windows listing requires an Epic ID. The listed minimum configuration is a Core i5-3340 equivalent, GTX 960 or AMD equivalent with 2 GB VRAM, 8 GB RAM and 64-bit Windows 10. The recommended configuration is a Core i7-3770 equivalent, GTX 1060 or AMD equivalent with 4 GB VRAM, 16 GB RAM and 64-bit Windows 10. Check the live Epic Games Store listing for current requirements.
Epic’s technical page lists DirectX 12-only support, DLSS, 21:9 ultrawide support, adjustable field of view, motion-blur and film-grain options, and an unlocked frame rate. It lists no ray tracing. PC support has changed since launch: Remedy’s version 1.33 notes, dated February 26, 2026, add HDR for the Epic Games Store PC version and raise its frame-rate cap from 200 to 240 fps. Those patch changes apply to that PC release; they are not evidence of a console HDR update.
Rank #4
- Discover where the journey began - Experience the original brutal challenge, completely remade from the ground up. All presented in stunning visual quality with enhanced performance, this is the world of Boletaria as you have never seen it before.
- Become the Slayer of Demons - Venture to the northern kingdom of Boletaria – a once prosperous land of knights, now beset with unspeakable creatures and ravenous demons. Meet strange characters, unhinged and twisted by the world around them, and unravel the unsettling story of Demon’s Souls.
- Face the world’s greatest warriors in ferocious PVP combat - With online invasions adding to the danger of your quest. Or play cooperatively by summoning allies to aid in your fight against the demons. Active PS Plus subscription required for online multiplayer.
Upgrade options if you already own it
Remedy says a PS4 purchase provides access to the PS5 version, and a PS4 disc can qualify for the PS5 digital upgrade. For disc owners, PlayStation’s store page specifies that the disc must be inserted to download or play the digital PS5 version; the route does not work on a PS5 Digital Edition console. Remedy also says Xbox supports Smart Delivery and an Xbox One disc can receive an Xbox Series X|S digital upgrade. Check the terms for your edition and account at the point of purchase.
PlayStation’s upgrade conditions are described on the PlayStation Store listing; Xbox upgrade information appears in Remedy’s FAQ.
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Who should choose the remaster?
- New to Alan Wake: It is the clearest option if you want the original story, both expansions and enhanced presentation together.
- Returning to Bright Falls: Consider it if you want the visual updates, Sam Lake’s commentary or access on a platform that does not support your original copy.
- Already own the original and want new gameplay: The remaster is unlikely to satisfy that goal; Remedy explicitly kept the gameplay intact.
- Choosing a platform: Compare the specific console targets above, or check the current PC requirements and patch details rather than assuming all versions have the same output or features.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
