
Shading is also added to objects that didn’t feature any at all. The remaster remedies this with its better shadows combined with a more accurate SSAO implementation that gives objects a more grounded look. Combined with the low resolution shadows, ambient lighting remains one of of the more aged aspects to the original’s presentation. Some objects barely registered pockets of shade whereas in other scenes, the more pronounced ambient shading was much harsher than it should be. The original release also appeared to use a low-quality screen space ambient occlusion setting. Shadows are significantly higher resolution across the board, especially dynamic shadows. In that respect, Alan Wake Remastered is a resounding success. Of course, fog is only one piece of the puzzle comprising Alan Wake’s atmosphere. These integrations slot so seamlessly into the experience that you’d be forgiven for not knowing they weren’t originally there - the true hallmark of a tasteful remaster. There’s even an additional poster in the dining room and extra fixings in the kitchen players can’t enter. The main counter of the diner, for example, is topped with extra condiment bottles, utensils, and a napkin dispenser.

Both outdoor and indoor scenes feature additional objects to provide a more complete setting. Environments are also more filled out with incidental details. Screenshot by GamepurĪs far as remasters are concerned, few offer the kinds of wholesale improvements to assets on offer here without betraying the original artwork’s intent. It’s not using state of the art hair rendering, but it is a generational leap over the original implementation. The remaster, on the other hand, looks more in line with what you’d expect out of the average modern title. Examining Alice’s hair, it’s more polygonal than you remember - almost clay-like in its clumpiness. Hair rendering presents another major improvement.
