Control AWE DLC Review – Alan Wake’s Bureaucratic Nightmare

Alan Wake had a problem. He'd been teased as being a big part of the final DLC expansion of Control, dubbed AWE, and with that came expectations. Fans of Remedy Entertainment's 2010 psychological horror/thriller shooter had been waiting about a decade for the next phase of his tale. Wake worked furiously to make himself part of the AWE story, appearing in twisted cutscenes that captured his fractured mental state. But in the end, it wasn't enough. Though his writing had the power to alter the very nature of reality, not even Wake could make AWE more than an unsatisfying addition to both his story and that of the game he'd invaded.

Control's AWE expansion ultimately is an underwhelming addition and a thin follow-up to the Remedy cult hit it's invoking. Especially following The Foundation, a DLC drop that added a lot of variety to Control with new powers and a new location that felt very different from everything else in the game, AWE comes off as more of a slightly tweaked rehash of the vanilla Control. AWE tries to tap into some of Alan Wake's spooky suspense underpinnings, and while it sometimes succeeds, it can't quite maintain them for very long.

It's a bit of a whimper for a great game to go out on, as AWE feels more like a teaser for another game you'll have to buy at a later date, rather than a satisfying expansion of (or conclusion to) what we've seen in Control so far.

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Anno: Mutationem Shows New Gameplay, Explains Its Gorgeous 2D/3D Mix

2D/3D cyberpunk action-platformer-RPG-hybrid-thing, Anno: Mutationem has shown off new gameplay, and developer ThinkingStars has detailed how the game's many genre elements fit together. Revealed during Gamescom 2020, the gameplay shows off more of Anno: Mutationem's unusual mix of 2D sprites for characters amid a 3D cyberpunk world inspired by Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell. Gameplay includes 3D segments - which allow you explore the city (and othe runrevealed locations) - and 2D-only areas built for combat and platforming. Combat includes light and heavy melee attacks, as well as ranged abilities. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/28/2d-meets-3d-meets-cyberpunk-in-anno-mutationem-gameplay-and-developer-walkthrough"] The game also includes elements of RPGs, including buying and crafting items, talking with NPCs to unlock both primary and sidequests, and more. Anno: Mutationem got its previous biggest showing at this month's Sony State of Play showcase, and will be coming to PC and PS4 "soon". There's much, much more to come from gamescom 2020 on IGN - check out our full gamescom schedule to find out what else is on the way. And be sure to check out the gamescom 2020 highlights so far. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Anno: Mutationem Shows New Gameplay, Explains Its Gorgeous 2D/3D Mix

2D/3D cyberpunk action-platformer-RPG-hybrid-thing, Anno: Mutationem has shown off new gameplay, and developer ThinkingStars has detailed how the game's many genre elements fit together. Revealed during Gamescom 2020, the gameplay shows off more of Anno: Mutationem's unusual mix of 2D sprites for characters amid a 3D cyberpunk world inspired by Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell. Gameplay includes 3D segments - which allow you explore the city (and othe runrevealed locations) - and 2D-only areas built for combat and platforming. Combat includes light and heavy melee attacks, as well as ranged abilities. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/28/2d-meets-3d-meets-cyberpunk-in-anno-mutationem-gameplay-and-developer-walkthrough"] The game also includes elements of RPGs, including buying and crafting items, talking with NPCs to unlock both primary and sidequests, and more. Anno: Mutationem got its previous biggest showing at this month's Sony State of Play showcase, and will be coming to PC and PS4 "soon". There's much, much more to come from gamescom 2020 on IGN - check out our full gamescom schedule to find out what else is on the way. And be sure to check out the gamescom 2020 highlights so far. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

The New Mutants Off to a Decent Box Office Start With Thursday Night Previews

After years of delay, The New Mutants is being released in North American theaters. Now, box office trackers are reporting that the horror-tinged X-Men film has earned $750,000 in Thursday night previews, and is tracking to a $7 to $10 million weekend. The New Mutants opened in 2,412 locations across North America. The preview night gross matches similar movies that have gone on to track between $7 to $10 million, which is decent considering both the long road The New Mutants took to finally reach theaters and the global pandemic affecting theater going. Based on the X-Men comic books of the same name, The New Mutants stars Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Charlie Heaton as mutants accepted into a sinister institution. Directed by Josh Boone, The New Mutants promises a unique spin on the X-Men formula by focusing more on horror-elements around a young adult cast. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/01/06/the-new-mutants-official-trailer-2"] You can expect to see IGN’s review soon on the site, which our reviewers screened in a socially distanced, drive-in experience. IGN serves a global audience, so we will be covering films that may be available theatrically in some countries but not others due to local COVID-19 restrictions. Read more on IGN's policy on movie reviews in light of COVID-19 here. IGN strongly encourages anyone considering going to a movie theater during the COVID-19 pandemic to check their local public health and safety guidelines before buying a ticket. If in doubt, stay home — keep yourself and others safe. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.

The New Mutants Off to a Decent Box Office Start With Thursday Night Previews

After years of delay, The New Mutants is being released in North American theaters. Now, box office trackers are reporting that the horror-tinged X-Men film has earned $750,000 in Thursday night previews, and is tracking to a $7 to $10 million weekend. The New Mutants opened in 2,412 locations across North America. The preview night gross matches similar movies that have gone on to track between $7 to $10 million, which is decent considering both the long road The New Mutants took to finally reach theaters and the global pandemic affecting theater going. Based on the X-Men comic books of the same name, The New Mutants stars Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Charlie Heaton as mutants accepted into a sinister institution. Directed by Josh Boone, The New Mutants promises a unique spin on the X-Men formula by focusing more on horror-elements around a young adult cast. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/01/06/the-new-mutants-official-trailer-2"] You can expect to see IGN’s review soon on the site, which our reviewers screened in a socially distanced, drive-in experience. IGN serves a global audience, so we will be covering films that may be available theatrically in some countries but not others due to local COVID-19 restrictions. Read more on IGN's policy on movie reviews in light of COVID-19 here. IGN strongly encourages anyone considering going to a movie theater during the COVID-19 pandemic to check their local public health and safety guidelines before buying a ticket. If in doubt, stay home — keep yourself and others safe. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time’s Flashback Levels Revealed

Time is the name of the game in Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, and a new feature revealed by developer Toys for Bob is bringing players all the way back in Crash and Coco's history to before the original trilogy. As revealed during Gamescom 2020, Crash 4 will feature tough, throwback levels that players can unlock via discoverable VHS tapes. Check out our interview with TFB's Lou Studdert for a first look at the gameplay from these levels and for more info on what to expect. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/28/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time-offers-punishing-nitro-crate-filled-playgrounds-for-completionists"] In an homage to the Crash Bandicoot death run levels of yesteryear, players can only discover the VHS tapes in levels if they make it to them without dying. When playing these levels, players will have to navigate some particularly challenge test chambers because, well...they actually are tests. These levels are presented as VHS'es with Dr. Cortex's voiceover commenting on Crash and Coco's performance from experiments back before the events of the original Crash Bandicoot. These levels won't be the only new twist on the Crash Bandicoot formula coming in Crash 4 — villains like Dr. Neo Cortex and Dingodile will be playable, and a new N. Verted mode for Crash 4 offers a unique take on mirror mode and an extra incentive to replay its levels. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="legacyId=15399&captions=true"] Be sure to check out our Crash Bandicoot 4 hands-on preview for more on the upcoming sequel, and learn about the developer's stance for no microtransactions in Crash 4. And stay tuned to IGN's full gamescom 2020 schedule for reveals, gameplay, interviews, and more. And be sure to check out the gamescom 2020 highlights so far.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time’s Flashback Levels Revealed

Time is the name of the game in Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, and a new feature revealed by developer Toys for Bob is bringing players all the way back in Crash and Coco's history to before the original trilogy. As revealed during Gamescom 2020, Crash 4 will feature tough, throwback levels that players can unlock via discoverable VHS tapes. Check out our interview with TFB's Lou Studdert for a first look at the gameplay from these levels and for more info on what to expect. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/28/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time-offers-punishing-nitro-crate-filled-playgrounds-for-completionists"] In an homage to the Crash Bandicoot death run levels of yesteryear, players can only discover the VHS tapes in levels if they make it to them without dying. When playing these levels, players will have to navigate some particularly challenge test chambers because, well...they actually are tests. These levels are presented as VHS'es with Dr. Cortex's voiceover commenting on Crash and Coco's performance from experiments back before the events of the original Crash Bandicoot. These levels won't be the only new twist on the Crash Bandicoot formula coming in Crash 4 — villains like Dr. Neo Cortex and Dingodile will be playable, and a new N. Verted mode for Crash 4 offers a unique take on mirror mode and an extra incentive to replay its levels. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="legacyId=15399&captions=true"] Be sure to check out our Crash Bandicoot 4 hands-on preview for more on the upcoming sequel, and learn about the developer's stance for no microtransactions in Crash 4. And stay tuned to IGN's full gamescom 2020 schedule for reveals, gameplay, interviews, and more. And be sure to check out the gamescom 2020 highlights so far.

Video Games Are the ‘Future of Storytelling,’ Says Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Joseph Gordon-Levitt believes that video games are the future of storytelling, not movies. Gordon-Levitt was recently interviewed while eating extremely spicy wings on First We Feast's Hot Ones YouTube interview series. The 25-minute interview broached a number of topics but stayed close to what Gordon-Levitt is best known for: entertainment. When asked by Hot Ones host Sean Evans about storytelling in media, the actor said he sees video games as the future, as spotted by GameSpot. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/06/11/joseph-gordon-levitt-announces-hit-record-in-beyond-good-and-evil-2"] "The future of storytelling, it's going to be video games," Gordon-Levitt said. "I don't think it's going to be filmmakers who figure out how to do that. But (video games) feels like kind of the most groundbreaking storytelling." The actor continued and said the storytelling happening in video games is in a "whole different realm than anything we've seen before." It's what video games are doing differently in the realm of storytelling that makes Gordon-Levitt believe storytelling's future isn't necessary in the "feature film form." While Gordon-Levitt is best known for his work in the film industry, he's not a stranger to games. He's the founder of HitRECord, which is an open online community for creative collaboration, and it's this company that Gordon-Levitt has found himself associated with games like Beyond Good and Evil 2. He was, however, criticized by game developers for utilizing "spec work" in HitRECord's partnership with BG&E2 back in 2018. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=watch-dogs-legion-official-screenshots&captions=true"] HitRECord struck up another deal with Ubisoft to get music created for Watch Dogs: Legion, which was met with similar criticism. The actor has even lent his voice to a couple video games before, namely 2002's Treasure Planet: Battle at Procyon and 2009's G.I.: Rise of Cobra. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN who wishes Gordon-Levitt got to portray Batman after events of The Dark Knight Rises. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.

Video Games Are the ‘Future of Storytelling,’ Says Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Joseph Gordon-Levitt believes that video games are the future of storytelling, not movies. Gordon-Levitt was recently interviewed while eating extremely spicy wings on First We Feast's Hot Ones YouTube interview series. The 25-minute interview broached a number of topics but stayed close to what Gordon-Levitt is best known for: entertainment. When asked by Hot Ones host Sean Evans about storytelling in media, the actor said he sees video games as the future, as spotted by GameSpot. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/06/11/joseph-gordon-levitt-announces-hit-record-in-beyond-good-and-evil-2"] "The future of storytelling, it's going to be video games," Gordon-Levitt said. "I don't think it's going to be filmmakers who figure out how to do that. But (video games) feels like kind of the most groundbreaking storytelling." The actor continued and said the storytelling happening in video games is in a "whole different realm than anything we've seen before." It's what video games are doing differently in the realm of storytelling that makes Gordon-Levitt believe storytelling's future isn't necessary in the "feature film form." While Gordon-Levitt is best known for his work in the film industry, he's not a stranger to games. He's the founder of HitRECord, which is an open online community for creative collaboration, and it's this company that Gordon-Levitt has found himself associated with games like Beyond Good and Evil 2. He was, however, criticized by game developers for utilizing "spec work" in HitRECord's partnership with BG&E2 back in 2018. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=watch-dogs-legion-official-screenshots&captions=true"] HitRECord struck up another deal with Ubisoft to get music created for Watch Dogs: Legion, which was met with similar criticism. The actor has even lent his voice to a couple video games before, namely 2002's Treasure Planet: Battle at Procyon and 2009's G.I.: Rise of Cobra. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN who wishes Gordon-Levitt got to portray Batman after events of The Dark Knight Rises. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.

Drake Hollow Available Today

Drake Hollow, the village-building action game, is available...today! Check out a new launch trailer for the game below, and prepare to jump in with Drake Hollow available on Xbox and PC starting today. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/28/raise-plant-monsters-build-a-base-and-defend-it-with-others-in-drake-hollow"] Following a preview weekend in June, and its reveal at E3 2019, Drake Hollow is now available after a previously planned July release. Players can team up with friends while protecting villages of vegetables, the titular Drakes, from evil beasts in The Hollow. For more on the developer, The Molasses Flood, be sure to read IGN's The Flame in the Flood review. And stay tuned to IGN for more from Gamescom 2020. There's much, much more to come from gamescom 2020 on IGN - check out our full gamescom schedule to find out what else is on the way. And be sure to check out the gamescom 2020 highlights so far. [poilib element="accentDivider"]