Video game:Xbox 360 Alan Wake

Published by Microsoft Game Studios in 2010, Alan Wake is a psychological thriller created by Finnish developers Remedy Entertainment for the PC and Xbox 360 console system.

Taking inspiration from pop culture, Alan Wake makes numerous allusions to television shows, like Twin Peaks and the Twilight Zone, and writers like Stephen King to create its tense atmosphere. The story of Alan Wake follows the titular character, an acclaimed novelist, on vacation with his wife Alice in Bright Falls, Washington. After a week-long blackout, Wake regains consciousness only to find his wife has disappeared. In his frantic search to find and rescue Alice, Wake discovers a supernatural element known as "the Dark Presence" is slowly taking over the town. Over the course of the game, Wake must battle his way through shadowy creatures, evade a suspicious police force, and question his own sanity as he starts to believe the stories he writes are coming true.

As a third-person shooter, the game camera in Alan Wake is positioned in a "behind-the-back" perspective, allowing players to view the protagonist in various environments. Like other third-person shooters, Alan Wake uses a number of weapons-such as shotguns and revolvers-to defeat enemies. However, what makes the game different from traditional shooters is Alan's dependence on light. Humans, animals and objects that have been possessed by the Dark Presence are invulnerable to traditional weapons. Therefore, in order to successfully fight against them, Alan must first use light-based weapons-such as flares, flashbangs, searchlights, and his trusty hand-held flashlight-to burn the darkness away. Additionally, well-lit environments are a safe-haven for Alan to rest and regenerate health.

In February 2012, Remedy Entertainment released a follow up game, Alan Wake's American Nightmare. While not considered a direct sequel, American Nightmare takes place two years after the events of the first game and continues Wake's battle against the Dark Presence. Remedy has since announced additional games in the franchise are planned.