I would say do every actual sidequest but don’t bother clearing the map of all question marks. Hunting for Witcher school gear is also just mostly cosmetic and optional, but they’re the coolest armors and swords.
Also, if you’re not playing on the lowest difficulty, read the infos in your journal regarding the creatures and prepare accordingly.
Yep, they also made me want to rewatch X-Files and Twin Peaks, two obvious inspirations (plus Stephen King particularly The Dark Tower, another kind of house that is the linchpin of universes).
I can also recommend The Lost Room mystery series from 2006. It’s use of magical, but mundane objects and a timeless hotel room also seems to have been a direct inspiration.
I never played Alan Wake through to the end until recently when I got the second one.
Then I played through the first one, followed by Control including the DLCs and then Alan Wake 2. I can’t recommend this enough, it’s an incredible ride.
The characters look absolutely boring design-wise too, with muted colors for some reason, giving off strong “We have Guardians of the Galaxy at home” vibes. In a hero shooter.
I mean, Cosmic Ghost Rider is also a thing. Although he’s actually the Punisher with the power of the Ghost Rider and also the power of a herald of Galactus.
Yes, I really like them as well. And I bet the game will be good too. I just worry about the game not selling good enough and with Microsoft’s current track record of shutting studios down, Obsidian being shut down as well.