The Multiverse: A Villainous Force in Remedy’s Games

Warning: This article contains minor spoilers for Alan Wake 2, Quantum Break, and Control.

The concept of the multiverse has become increasingly prevalent in popular culture, from superhero movies to TV shows. With its ubiquity, some may argue that the idea has become dull and overused. However, Remedy Entertainment’s approach to the multiverse in their games sets them apart from the rest.

In Alan Wake 2, Remedy’s latest release, they continue to explore their “Remedy Connected Universe.” This narrative connection links their games, including Control, into a shared world, where multiple dimensions and alternate realities exist. Unlike other media that may use the multiverse as a gimmick, Remedy portrays it as an oppressive force, a villain that corrupts and twists characters and traps them in nightmarish realities.

The Uncanny Experiences in Remedy’s Games

Within Remedy’s games, the feeling of the uncanny is exemplified by Warlin Door, a character who first appeared in Control. In Alan Wake 2, Door serves a comedic role as Alan navigates through the Dark Place, an alternate reality. Door is initially seen as a personification of the weird effects of the Dark Place, rather than a meaningful character.

However, the introduction of Sheriff Tim Breaker adds a new layer of dread. Tim, a regular guy who suddenly disappeared in Bright Falls, finds himself stranded in the Dark Place. His encounters with Tim reveal strange feelings of familiarity with other dimensions, potentially connecting to the time-travel story of Quantum Break. Tim’s experiences and references to “a red-haired woman” imply ties to the events and characters of Control.

A Puzzle of Multiversal Connections

While the connections to Quantum Break are intriguing, what sets Remedy’s approach apart is their focus on the characters affected by the multiverse. Tim Breaker is not just a traveler through dimensions; he is afflicted by the multiverse. Some unknown power has attacked him, invading his dreams and altering his perception, leaving him with a loss of identity and control.

Additionally, the character of Door is further explored in Control, where Dylan Faden encounters “Mr. Door” in his dreams. Door explains the existence of the multiverse and his ability to shift between worlds. While Remedy doesn’t own the rights to Quantum Break, the similarities between Door and a character named Martin Hatch suggest a potentially manipulative force operating through the multiverse.

A Growing Cosmic Horror Story

Alan Wake 2 and Control hint at a larger landscape of interconnected stories, with unseen forces and agendas at play. The mysterious characters of Warlin Door and Ahti, the janitor who appears in both games, further add to the cosmic horror elements. As Alan battles the Dark Presence in the Dark Place, Remedy creates a tale that rewrites the rules of reality and unveils unknowable intelligences.

Remedy’s games go beyond mere fan service, instead using these connections to weave a narrative of cosmic horror that threads through their entire universe of games. These forces corrupt, manipulate, and harm the characters within their paths, leaving players questioning their motives and ultimate goals.