Alan Wake

• Don't be afraid to throw down flares. I've found on normal, at least, the game gives you enough of them. use them whenever you feel you need a breather.

• On the Other hand, flash-bangs are worth saving, and flareguns are good for dealing with the bird flocks, i've found.

• Take your time and explore, there's a lot to find, some of it quite off the beaten path.

• Look out for splashes of what looks like glowing yellow paint with your flashlight, it means there's a supply box nearby.

• Tap the flashlight button, don't keep it pressed (except against bosses). You'll save a ton of battery that way and the fights become like 10x easier.

• Don't bother to conserve your ammo / flares / batteries. Not only will you get fairly constant pickups (on Normal mode at least), but the game will empty your inventory at least twice per chapter.

• A lot of big empty forest sections have infinitely respawning enemies that will keep bugging you until you cross the forest and get to a light source. Sprint ahead of the bad guys and drop a flare behind you to keep them back until you hit the light.

• Unless there's a physical obstruction in your way, you generally don't have to kill the enemies that show up before you progress. If a fight is getting annoying, you can probably drop a flare and sprint on past.

• Once the mid-game comes around, the game tones down the endless boring woods in favor of slightly more interesting setpieces. If you're wondering whether the entire game is this dull, you should know that it picks up... somewhat.