Alan Wake's American Nightmare is an excellent continuation of Alan Wake, taking place two years after the original game. Alan is still trapped in the Dark Place beneath Cauldron Lake, struggling to escape.

In this installment, the game unfolds like an episode of Night Springs, the fictional TV show from the original game. One night, while Alan's friend and manager, Barry, sleeps, an episode written and starring Alan airs. As you guide Alan through the bizarre events of Night Springs, you'll also confront his doppelganger and worst enemy, Mr. Scratch.

The game is relatively short but packed with fun. It features three main levels to explore that are bound in a time loop, alongside ten Fight Till Dawn arcade-style challenges where you fight waves of The Taken until sunrise. The game is more action-oriented than its predecessor, but fits perfectly as a third special episode of Alan Wake and is an enjoyment to play!

I played and completed Alan Wake's American Nightmare on the Steam Deck, and I highly recommend it to all fans of the Alan Wake series - just be sure to play the original game and its two special episodes first, or it won't make sense!