‘Alan Wake II: The Lake House’ DLC Mini Review

Developer: Remedy Entertainment | Platform: PS5 | Playtime: 2:20

Much like it’s predecessor, Alan Wake II has seen the release of two DLC content. Unlike the first which followed on from the end of the games story, these are side tales adding to the wider Remedy Connected Universe. Second of the two is The Lake House.

It may not be the case but there’s a vibe that Night Springs was meant to be a smaller hold over DLC reusing the assets before the big DLC in the form of The Lake House, a story and location teased since the base game. In practice unfortunately, the Lake House isn’t that interesting.

Mild to Moderate Story and Gameplay spoilers follow. Reader discretion is advised.

You play as Kiran Estevez, the FBC agent who leads the response team to the arrival of Alan Wake/Scratch from the Dark Place in the base game and helps bridge the gap between Alan Wake and Control (The latter not existing until long after the former). Prior to those events, she was at the Lake House dealing with a different problem. The head scientists at the Lake House base, the Mormonts, were attempting to replicate Alan’s opening of the Dark Place using other artists and art. Using Rudolf Lane and his paintings as well as a healthy dose of scientific overreach and non ethical experimentation, there’s now paint monsters knocking about as well as the usual Taken (or the Shadows as the FBC knows them)

The DLC then is about making your way to the bottom floor of the Lake House to stop the source of the AWE. To this effect you’ll be finding key cards to descend the elevator and fighting enemies with the new Black Rock gun, basically a Grenade launcher. Honestly beyond what I’ve said, there’s not really much to the DLC - no real standout moments/. There’s lore and a hidden teaser for Control 2 but not much beyond that.

The DLC does have a good message about the nature of Art and Creativity which is quite interesting. I don’t want to spoil it and while it’s only ever mentioned in the notes you can find, it’s probably the most interesting part of the DLC.

I wouldn’t necessarily come back for this DLC but it might be worth a playthrough if accessed through the main game or if like me you came back to do both DLC at the same time. It’s not bad at all, it’s just kind of there - easily the worst DLC Remedy has done but it’s in strong company.