Stepping into the world of Control, developed by Remedy Entertainment, is like falling down a rabbit hole lined with flickering fluorescent lights and humming with eldritch energy. This action-adventure masterpiece throws you headfirst into the Oldest House, a brutalist fortress warping reality itself, serving as the headquarters for a secretive government agency called the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC).
You play as Jesse Faden, a young woman searching for her missing brother and drawn into this bizarre world by destiny. After encountering the deceased previous Director, Emily Pope, you inherit her Service Weapon—a shape-shifting pistol capable of morphing into various powerful forms.
Control’s narrative masterfully weaves together elements of science fiction, supernatural thriller, and bureaucratic satire. As Jesse delves deeper into the Oldest House, she encounters a variety of strange beings: The Hiss, corrupted entities consumed by a parasitic force; Board Members, enigmatic figures with cryptic intentions representing different aspects of the Oldest House; and Ahti, the stoic janitor who seems to know more than he lets on.
The gameplay is an intoxicating blend of gunplay, telekinesis, and exploration. Jesse’s Service Weapon allows her to adapt to various combat scenarios: transforming into a shotgun for close encounters, a sniper rifle for long-range engagements, or a grenade launcher for area-of-effect destruction. Telekinesis adds another layer of tactical depth, allowing you to fling objects at enemies, create protective barriers, and manipulate the environment itself.
Exploring the Oldest House is a treat for the senses. The building’s shifting geometry creates an unsettling sense of disorientation, while bizarre artifacts and cryptic messages hidden throughout provide clues to the overarching narrative. The game’s stunning graphics and atmospheric soundtrack contribute to its immersive experience, blurring the lines between reality and the surreal.
Here are some key features that elevate Control beyond a typical action game:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Adaptive Combat System | Jesse’s Service Weapon and telekinetic abilities can be customized and upgraded throughout the game, allowing for diverse playstyles. |
Environmental Storytelling | The Oldest House is teeming with hidden lore, audio logs, and cryptic documents that reveal the FBC’s history and the nature of the Hiss infestation. |
Challenging Encounters | Enemies range from corrupted office workers to grotesque otherworldly entities, requiring strategic use of Jesse’s abilities to overcome. |
Post-Launch Content | Expansions like “The Foundation” and “AWE” expand upon the Control universe with new story content, abilities, and locations. |
Control’s themes delve into complex ideas about power, control (obviously!), and the nature of reality itself. The game questions our perception of the world around us, suggesting that there are forces beyond our comprehension at play. It also explores the ethical implications of wielding extraordinary power and the consequences of tampering with forces we don’t fully understand.
If you’re looking for a truly unique gaming experience that pushes boundaries and challenges your perceptions, then Control is an absolute must-play. It’s a game that will stay with you long after the credits roll, leaving you pondering its mysteries and craving more of its captivating world.