Step into a world where the boundary between reality and the paranormal has completely dissolved. Control is a surrealist, low-fantasy action-adventure title that plunges players into a high-stakes investigation of the unknown. Set within the unsettling confines of a secret government agency, the game blends intense third-person combat with a deep, atmospheric narrative that explores the mysteries of supernatural phenomena.
A Descent into the Oldest House
The story follows Jesse Faden, a woman possessing superhuman abilities who finds herself thrust into the center of a paranormal crisis. Jesse arrives at the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC), a secretive governmental organization dedicated to researching and neutralizing paranormal threats. However, the Bureau’s headquarters—a massive, shifting skyscraper in Manhattan known as the Oldest House—has been compromised by a malevolent supernatural force called the Hiss.
Following the sudden death of Director Zachariah Trench, Jesse is unexpectedly promoted to lead the Bureau. As she navigates the endless, non-Euclidean corridors of the Oldest House, she must contend with the ghost of her predecessor and the encroaching Hiss. The setting itself is a character in the story; the Oldest House is a space that defies traditional geometry, appearing much larger on the inside than its exterior suggests, with rooms and hallways that shift position based on occult rituals.
Master Supernatural Combat and Abilities
Gameplay in Control revolves around Jesse’s evolving arsenal of psychic powers and weaponry. As players progress through the mission objectives, Jesse's skillset expands, allowing for more complex interactions with the environment and enemies. Key gameplay mechanics include:
- Psychic Abilities: Utilize powerful telekinetic feats, such as levitation and the ability to hurl objects at foes, to dominate the battlefield.
- The Director's Pistol: Wield a unique, shape-shifting sidearm essential for combat against the Hiss.
- Altered Items: Discover and utilize magical artifacts recovered from within the Bureau’s vast collection.
- Metroidvania-inspired Progression: While the world design is focused, certain areas of the Oldest House only become accessible once Jesse acquires specific new powers.
Combat can be intense and demanding. Players must manage multiple waves of enemies that may attack from all directions, requiring careful attention to character builds and positioning to avoid being overwhelmed.
Features and Accessibility
Control is designed for players who value deep environmental storytelling and atmospheric world-building. While the narrative and dialogue are widely regarded as top-tier, the game also offers significant customization for those looking to tailor their experience. For players who find the combat difficulty too punishing, highly detailed difficulty settings allow for a more relaxed approach, turning the focus toward the unfolding mystery.
For fans of Remedy Entertainment's broader universe, the game features notable connections to the Alan Wake series, making it a must-play for enthusiasts of supernatural lore.
Technical Specifications
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Shooter
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Release Date: August 27, 2019
- Mode: Single-player
