Stamina broke the replay value. But it's still a fun ride in the first run.
The Bad:
The most annoying element in this game is the STAMINA. Wake is out of breath already running only for just about 10 meters. His pants are one of the most frequently heard sound in the whole game.
It seems the developers want to make sure that the player cannot just run past all Takens. But consider this – for so much ground to cover on foot and an achievement for speed-running, wouldn't the stamina be troublesome?
I want to bring up ASSASSIN'S CREED as a bright example of how unlimited stamina works just fine. In AC2 and ACB, the agile guards can catch up with Ezio even if he's FREERUNNING. That solves the "getting away" bullshiiiiiit. Make the Taken more or less faster than Wake so the player cannot bypass all the fights. Unlimited stamina would not harm the gameplay experience anyhow unless you consider the AC series broken because it has unlimited stamina. Stamina is not realism but trouble.
Man, this is a video game, so it's meant to be fun. The first playthrough may keep you guessing so you'd be walking a lot. But once the curtain is lifted and you replay, you'd like to go from point A to point B faster so you can get to the action quicker. Stamina just happens to prevent this. Dammmmmn.
If you like stamina or no checkpoints because that "adds to the realism", you definitely need a psycho doctor.
The dark secret of Alan Wake was revealed in Episode 4. That was not a very global threat to me, more like a local legend. Wake said the Darkness wanted to possess the world but I couldn't feel the intimidation. Once the Sun rises, the Darkness flees. AC has a more horrific background because the Pieces of Eden affect history so much.
The early understanding of the "Truth" in Alan Wake destroys the mystery factor. In Episode 5, the game fails to add any more suspense or horror. It's just "go there and save your wife" for the whole trip back to the lake. Boring.
The Good:
Alan Wake is quite a heavily invested game. On this, I am appreciative. A popular title, namely Left 4 Dead, had some really poor graphics engine and no compelling storyline but folks are just oblivious to it.
Character development is fantastic, especially Barry. At first a clumsy big mouth, he turns into an able fighter but not at the expense of his humor. Love him.
The weapons feel powerful to use. If not Wake do not lose all his armory every 30 minutes.
Conclusion:
Haters are haters. I expect a lot of thumb downs on this review. But that wouldn't change my opinion. Alan Wake is a game close to great.
The value of the game is great. Graphics and voice is great. Story is good. And the cute Barry gets to survive and kick some asses.
The only major letdown is the stamina that slows down the action. If the sequel drops the stamina, the replay value will increase quite a bit.