
Step into the bizarre and captivating world of Control, a third-person action game developed by Remedy Entertainment (the masterminds behind Max Payne and Alan Wake) and published by 505 Games. This isn’t your typical shoot-’em-up; it’s a mind-bending journey through the Oldest House, a clandestine government agency headquarters that exists outside of reality, where paranormal phenomena run rampant.
A Story Steeped in Mystery and Supernatural Intrigue
Control throws you into the shoes (or rather, telekinetic powers) of Jesse Faden, a young woman who arrives at the Oldest House seeking answers about her kidnapped brother. But things quickly spiral out of control (pun intended!). The Bureau’s Director is dead, replaced by a mysterious, otherworldly entity known as The Hiss.
This insidious force corrupts and controls everything in its path, turning ordinary objects and personnel into menacing foes. As Jesse grapples with this newfound power and the secrets buried deep within the Oldest House, she uncovers a tangled web of conspiracies, hidden dimensions, and forgotten rituals tied to her own past.
The narrative unfolds organically through exploration, environmental storytelling, and encounters with the few remaining, sane individuals in the Oldest House.
Embrace the Power of Telekinesis! (And Other Cool Stuff)
Control’s gameplay revolves around Jesse’s mastery over telekinetic powers granted by the Service Weapon – a shape-shifting firearm that can morph into different forms like pistols, shotguns, and rifles, each with unique firing modes. This weapon is truly a game-changer; it allows for dynamic combat strategies and adaptability against diverse enemy types.
Jesse can also manipulate objects with her mind, launching debris at enemies, creating shields, or even levitating herself across vast distances. As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock new abilities like:
Ability | Description |
---|---|
Telekinesis Launch | Throw objects with deadly force |
Shield | Create a protective barrier from incoming attacks |
Levitate | Soar above the ground for new perspectives and traversal |
Kinetic Grip | Grab and manipulate enemies or large objects |
The combination of these abilities creates a fluid and satisfying combat experience, rewarding creativity and improvisation.
Explore a Shifting, Supernatural Environment
The Oldest House is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in itself. Walls shift and change, rooms materialize and disappear, and the very fabric of reality bends and warps around Jesse.
Exploring this labyrinthine structure is an adventure in itself, with hidden pathways, secret areas, and puzzles that challenge your perception. The environment provides clues to the lore and backstory, immersing you deeper into Control’s intriguing world.
A Visual Feast and a Haunting Soundtrack
Control boasts stunning graphics and a distinctive art style that blends Brutalist architecture with ethereal otherworldly elements.
The detailed environments, realistic lighting, and smooth animations create an immersive experience. The soundtrack complements the game’s atmosphere perfectly, featuring atmospheric synths and haunting melodies that heighten the sense of mystery and suspense.
A Thought-Provoking Experience
Beyond the adrenaline-pumping action, Control delves into themes of control (duh!), identity, and the nature of reality.
It poses questions about free will versus predetermination, the consequences of wielding immense power, and the thin line between sanity and madness. The narrative is layered with philosophical nuances that invite reflection long after you’ve put down the controller.
Should You Play Control?
If you’re looking for a game that pushes boundaries, challenges conventions, and delivers a truly unique experience, then Control is absolutely worth playing. It’s a masterclass in world-building, gameplay mechanics, and storytelling, blending action, horror, and mystery into a captivating whole. Prepare to lose yourself in the enigmatic Oldest House; just be warned: reality may never seem quite the same again.