[Intrepid Homoludens]

Now why of all things would Remedy want to do something as stupid as that, Soccsie? Alan Wake is nowhere near a zombie game, much less a Resident Evil wannabe (neither was the Max Payne series for that matter). Remedy didn't come into their own just to end up mimicking the mechanics of other games.

I'll put forth my guess. The gameplay will most likely involve the use of light and darkness as at least one of your main weapons in combat. The combat itself may not require the typical shooting and melee styles of other action/adventures, however it should most likely demand timing, dexterity, and quick wits. On that note, I'm guessing many of the suspenseful moments to have puzzle-like challenges in them - timed sequences, triggering domino effects, heavy environmental interaction, and possibly escorting an NPC from A to B.

That said, I'm expecting the player to have to rely on the physical properties of the gameworld and play very close attention to what can be available to advantage depending on the situation.

I'm also guessing most of the character interactions - acquiring clues, gaining back story, procuring key items - will take place during the day. If the day/night cycles are that strongly utilized as gameplay and story elements, you as the player will probably need to get as much done as possible to fortify yourself....for when the sun goes down and you've nothing but your wits and your light sources for your survival.