Alan Wake: Bright Falls Episodes 1-4 Reviewed
As I wait for my Alan Wake Limited Edition set to arrive, I thought I'd watch the first four episodes of the prequel series, Bright Falls (currently available on Xbox Live and brightfalls.com). I can't say how much I've been looking forward to this game ... First announced at E3 almost 5 years ago, Alan Wake has constantly been pushed back and back, to the point where I never thought we'd see it (a bit like Duke Nukem 4Ever). Fortunately I was wrong and Alan Wake is on its way to me as I type - so the Bright Falls prequel only serves as further proof of this.
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From the start of the first episode I was incredibly impressed with the production values and effort put into Bright Falls. Designed as an extended teaser trailer for Alan Wake, Episode 1 introduces our 'hero', Jake Fischer - a reporter who has been sent to Bright Falls to cover a story (presumably something to do with Alan Wake). The series then ventures quite clearly into Twin Peaks and Silent Hill territory, with an element of Lost thrown in for good measure. The result is amazing and keeps you wanting more. The game and its prequel may wear their influences on their sleeve, but in doing so they allow you to settle in and really enjoy them for what they are.
By the end of Episode 4 we see an event tying right back to the start of Episode 1, and I am left waiting with bated breath for Episodes 5 and 6 that will tie up this prequel. Based on the strength of the four episodes I've watched, the game itself has a lot to live up to! Bright Falls sets the bar very high indeed and it's obvious they've invested a lot of time and money to make sure this project is done just right. I guess it makes sense since this is an Xbox 360 exclusive and Microsoft have the deep pockets required to help it along.
.jpg "Bright Falls 1 Chris Forsyth Allison Lange")
The talent behind Bright Falls is top-notch and, even if you have no plans to buy the game, I still recommend watching this excellent series. It's creepy, atmospheric, and engaging. It's everything you wish a lot of full-length films were these days. I'll be quite sad when it finishes as this mini-series really has legs and has been so well cast. Christopher Forsyth (who has been seen in Dirty Sexy Money) plays Jake Fischer so well and is accompanied by a cast of recognisable (if not so easily named) faces. Allison Lange stands out as past love interest Ellen, and Cooper Huckabee (who recently joined the cast of True Blood) also turns in an excellent performance as Sam Smith.
.jpg "Bright Falls 2 Christopher Forsyth Allison Lange")
In short, I highly recommend watching this series of short films ... Director Phillip Van is no stranger to short films, so he knows exactly what he's doing here. If you enjoy film, if you don't mind being a little scared, and if you just want something a bit different, then check out Bright Falls now. You can find more information on Bright Falls at the Alan Wake Wiki, and you can download the episodes directly on Xbox Live or find them at the Bright Falls website. Enjoy ... and remember to leave the light on!
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