Control (2019): The Review

Score: 8 out of 10

Overview: "Control is a mind-bending action-adventure game that pulls players into a mysterious, surreal world where reality is constantly shifting. Remedy Entertainment delivers a visually stunning experience with a gripping narrative and innovative combat mechanics centered around telekinetic abilities. While its cryptic storytelling and occasional technical issues may frustrate some players, Control is a bold and unforgettable journey into the unknown."

The Positives

• Control excels in crafting a story that is equal parts enigmatic and engaging. The Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) is a fascinating setting, filled with cryptic documents, audio logs, and environmental storytelling that unravel its many mysteries. Jesse’s quest to uncover her past and the truth about the Bureau keeps players invested;
• The game’s brutalist architecture and eerie ambiance are unmatched, blending mundane office spaces with otherworldly distortions. The constantly shifting environment creates a sense of unease and wonder, making exploration a highlight;
• Jesse’s supernatural abilities, such as hurling objects with telekinesis, floating through the air, and creating shields from debris, make combat thrilling and inventive. The blend of traditional gunplay and psychic powers keeps encounters fresh and exciting;
• The Oldest House is a masterclass in level design. Its interconnected areas and hidden secrets encourage exploration, rewarding players with upgrades, lore, and new abilities;
• Powered by the Northlight engine, Control is a visual treat. The detailed lighting, particle effects, and destructible environments create a dynamic and immersive world. Ray tracing, in particular, elevates the experience on capable hardware;
• Optional missions often reveal more about the game’s bizarre lore or introduce memorable encounters, such as the Ashtray Maze, which stands as one of the most creative sequences in modern gaming;
• The game’s soundscape is haunting, with eerie ambient noises, distorted voices, and a haunting soundtrack that enhances its surreal tone.

The Negatives

• While the narrative is compelling, it can be overly abstract and confusing, leaving players piecing together fragmented details. The lack of clarity may alienate those who prefer more straightforward storytelling;
• Despite its creative combat mechanics, Control can feel repetitive in its enemy variety. The Hiss, while menacing, lack the diversity needed to keep encounters consistently engaging;
• At launch, Control suffered from performance problems, particularly on older hardware. While patches have improved stability, frame rate drops and crashes were frequent issues for early players;
• Jesse, while a strong lead, lacks depth in her emotional journey. Supporting characters are intriguing but often underutilized, leaving potential story arcs unexplored;
• Navigation can be frustrating due to the game’s minimalist map design and frequent backtracking, which sometimes disrupts the flow of the experience.

The Experience

Control is a daring and unconventional game that excels in creating a sense of mystery and wonder. Its surreal storytelling, innovative combat, and unique setting make it a standout title that challenges traditional gaming conventions. Despite some repetitive elements and technical flaws, the game’s ambition and creativity shine through, delivering an experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

For those who appreciate the strange and the unexpected, Control is a must-play. It’s a bold exploration of the unknown, offering a world that feels alive, eerie, and utterly captivating.