Alan Wake
Games Like The Last of Us
Possibly the most similar entry on this list in both gameplay and themes, Alan Wake has more of a cult following rather than a massive uproar of fans. Though, this may be for the best as Alan Wake is a psychological thriller unlike anything that’s come before it, more akin to a novel than a video game, yet works so well as amazing hybrid of both worlds. Alan Wake follows the titular character as he searches for his missing wife in fictional Bright Falls, Washington. Much like his name may allude, throughout his misadventure, both Alan and the player are constantly wondering if Alan is indeed awake or in a constant, never-ending nightmarish state. The game takes Alan through a series of trials as he attempts to overcome several scenes from his upcoming thriller novel as they slowly come to life before his eyes.
Much like in The Last of Us, where Alan Wake is at its creepiest is when he’s facing down beasts and shadowy figures while draped in darkness. These unseen forces give the entire experience a chilling, foreboding tone, similar to Joel going face-to-face with a cluster of terrifying Clickers while hindered by buildings’ interior shadows and close quarters.Both games also constantly allow players that one sigh of relief after every close encounter, but with each near-death experience, another danger lurks around the corner. Like Joel, Alan is searching for some unknown source to ease his pain and fill the void that’s been left after a sudden disappearance; however, players will most likely find Alan a bit more complex and layered than the troubled father figure.
