Firstly I would like to say....January....What's up with that?
Secondly, I would like to say....2015....What's up with THAT?!
It's always exciting, and a little sad, to leave the old year behind and start over new. 2014 was a good year; Quantum Break was a big title at Gamescom, Agents of Storm was released on iOS and we had a teaser for Remedy's next mobile game. Already 2015 is shaping up to be pretty big for the developers with several anniversaries on the horizon as well as the release of Quantum Break.
This is what you have to look forward to this year:
Remedy's 20th Anniversary
In 1995, Remedy was founded in a small basement of one of the founding members. Their first title was a top down racing game called Death Rally which was published the following year. The success of their first game led to them exploring new territory with a new series originally called Dark Justice, but what later became known as Max Payne. The first title was published in 2001 and two years later, Remedy released the sequel, Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne. Alan Wake followed seven years later, along with Alan Wake's American Nightmare, a spin off arcade game, two years after that. In 2011, Remedy returned to Death Rally and teamed up with Mountain Sheep to deliver the title on Steam, iOS and Android. In 2013, the developers announced during the XBOX One conference that their new AAA title is a science fiction game called Quantum Break which blends gameplay with episodes of a live action television series. And finally last September, in partnership with Flaregames, Remedy released Agents of Storm on iOS devices.The developers have a rich history and over the years have created an incredible selection of games. We'll definitely be celebrating that throughout 2015!
 |
| The Remedy logo from the company's foyer. |
Quantum Break
Of course this had to be on the list! Last year, Remedy announced that their upcoming game, Quantum Break, will be released in 2015. That's pretty exciting! We've already seen gameplay footage, screenshots, teasers, we have an idea of how the ingame levels interact with the television show, and we know the general premise. It's certainly an ambitious project but I'm sure that all the hard work that has gone into the project will be worth it in the end.As of yet, no final release date has been mentioned, only that it will be released this year. I'm looking forward to following this project and learning more about the game as the year goes on.
 |
| Quantum Break, Official Screenshot. |
Agents of Storm will be coming to Android and Windows Phone
Last September, Flaregames announced that Agents of Storm will be coming to Android and Windows Phone in the coming months. As an Android user, I am so excited by this news. I've been looking forward to getting my hands on the title for a while now so getting that confirmation that versions are being made for alternative mobile devices was really great.I want to learn more about this mysterious ingame ostrich that was punched in the face. No final release date for those versions just yet, but stayed tuned!
 |
| Agents of Storm title page. |
Alan Wake's 5th Anniversary
In addition to Remedy turning twenty, Alan Wake will also be celebrating an anniversary, it's fifth anniversary! Five years ago, Alan burst onto our monitors looking very confused and wearing a tweed jacket. We made general subtle indications towards the leather elbow pads, and shared semi-confused glances with those in the room, but no one said anything because THAT MAN HAD A REVOLVER AND A TORCH ARE YOU CRAZY?! And then episode four happened and Tor Bull-In-A-China-Shop Anderson said what many of us were afraid to even think, and in response, Alan burnt the clinic to the ground with inky black darkness, using the Departure manuscript.That's just harsh.
On the plus side, fifth anniversary!
 |
| Early Alan Wake promotional photograph. |
Alan Wake's American Nightmare's 3rd Anniversary
Two years after Alan Wake was released, Remedy released their spin off title, Alan Wake's American Nightmare. There are so many things I love about that title, the soundtrack, the improved looked, and the script for the game. While I love the manuscript pages in Alan Wake, in American Nightmare many of them just make you go "oooooh". Reading them you always discover little phrases that just sound good such as this example (and possible medical problem) "oozing sex.".Plus, major brownie points were won by having a non-playable character called Rachel and not having her die. Rachel is usually the name reserved for redshirts or the character drawing the short straw on a dare during a horror movie.
 |
| Late Alan Wake promotional photograph. |
The Sudden Stop's 3rd Anniversary
In addition to Alan Wake's American Nightmare celebrating it's 3rd anniversary, The Sudden Stop will be doing the same.... just about 18 days before. The site went live 4th February 2012, and I didn't expect it to be anything like this when I was creating it. It's certainly been one of the best decisions I've made and I've had a lot of fun running it. I was absolutely terrified about starting it at first, in fact one of my friends had to push me to get it out there, but the community was (and has always been) really welcoming. Thank you to everyone who has visited and shown support for it over the years. I really appreciate it!And yes, there will be goodies to celebrate three years. :)
 |
| Screenshot from the Quantum Break Gameplay Teaser Trailer. |
New iOS game?
Following the release of Agents of Storm on iOS, Remedy began teasing their new "unannounced title". If you're looking for more of a glimpse into the game, there isn't one, not yet anyway. All we know is that there is a mobile title...and it's unannounced. So why is it on the list? I like Remedy's games, I like mobile games, it works well in my favour. And since they began teasing it late last year, it could be that they're beginning their marketing strategy and building up initial interest, which could mean that we may hear more in the coming months?! |
| Remedy, photograph during their Housewarming Party. |
New Poets of the Fall Music Video
If you've played Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne, Alan Wake or Alan Wake's American Nightmare, chances are that you've heard of Poets of the Fall's music. They're the talented group behind the ingame (AW) band, Old Gods of Asgard. They've had numerous songs appear in Remedy's titles, such as Late Goodbye, War, The Poet and the Muse, Children of the Elder God, Balance Slays the Demon and The Happy Song.Last September, they released their sixth album entitled, Jealous Gods. The album was a success and was not only received positively by fans but also shot up to number one in Finland. A few weeks ago, the band announced that a new music video will be posted online, early 2015.
 |
| Jealous Gods promotional photograph. |
