What is Control: AWE?

Control: AWE is a narrative-driven expansion for Remedy Entertainment's Action, Adventure, and Shooter title that expands the developer's interconnected game universe. Released on August 27, 2020, this DLC bridges the gap between the world of Control and the cult classic Alan Wake. Available on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, the expansion tasks players with uncovering the secrets of a breached, sealed-off sector of the Federal Bureau of Control known as the Investigations Sector.

Story and Setting

The narrative of Control: AWE revolves around dangerous Altered World Events that the Bureau once studied and contained. With records sealed and objects abandoned, a breach has occurred, leaving powerful artifacts loose. Players step back into the shoes of Jesse Faden as she explores the dark, eerie Investigations Sector to investigate these paranormal occurrences.

A major highlight is the integration of lore from Alan Wake. The expansion serves as a bridge to Remedy's shared universe, revealing that the character of Alan Wake exists within the world of Control and holds immense importance to the overarching mythos. Jesse's journey involves uncovering the events that transpired in Bright Falls and Cauldron Lake, ultimately crossing paths with the protagonist himself. The story heavily relies on the context of the original Alan Wake; players familiar with the ten-year-old title will gain a richer understanding of Alan's backstory, his relation to the darkness, and the significance of the threats faced. Without this prior knowledge, the narrative may feel less impactful, though the exploration of the Bureau's past responses to these events remains compelling.

Gameplay Mechanics and Features

While the core gameplay of Control: AWE remains familiar to veterans of the base game, the expansion introduces specific challenges and tools that leverage the Alan Wake connection. Although the expansion offers fewer new gameplay features compared to previous DLC like The Foundation, it compensates with focused narrative integration and specialized combat scenarios. The experience focuses on discovering new Altered World Events and engaging with the environment in the previously inaccessible sector.

One of the most notable additions is a new grenade launcher mechanic. This weapon fires ammunition that sticks to enemies and surroundings, offering a fresh tactical approach to combat. Additionally, the expansion introduces a new enemy type designed to keep players on their toes.

The expansion also features a unique boss battle against Dr. Hartman, a psychiatrist from Alan Wake who has been corrupted by the Dark Place's influence. This encounter introduces a distinct mechanic where players must utilize light sources to keep Dr. Hartman at bay, echoing the core survival mechanics of Alan Wake. Jesse's telekinetic abilities must be combined with quick thinking to manage the threat and prevent destruction within the Bureau.

Notable features include:

  • Exploration of the sealed Investigations Sector and its lost records.
  • New story content and side missions tied to the Alan Wake crossover.
  • A new grenade launcher with sticky ammunition mechanics.
  • A unique boss fight against Dr. Hartman requiring light-based strategy.
  • Introduction of a new enemy type to challenge combat proficiency.
  • Expansion of the Remedy Connected Universe lore.

Platforms and Audience

Control: AWE is available for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. This expansion is primarily designed for players who have completed the base game of Control, as it builds directly upon established mechanics and lore. It is particularly appealing to fans of the Remedy Connected Universe who have played Alan Wake and are eager to see how the stories intertwine.

The expansion also appeals to shooter and adventure enthusiasts who enjoy atmospheric exploration, uncovering hidden mysteries, and tackling boss battles with unique mechanics. While new telekinetic powers are not added, the addition of new mods and weapon upgrades ensures that the combat experience remains dynamic. Players who have not played Alan Wake can still enjoy the moment-to-moment discoveries and the exploration of the Investigations Sector, though the experience may feel more surface-level without the necessary context of Alan's story and his connection to the monster pursued throughout the three-hour campaign. For those invested in the Bureau of Control and the broader narrative tapestry of Remedy's games, Control: AWE offers a necessary and intriguing chapter that expands the world while delivering focused, lore-rich gameplay.