Control is a third-person action-adventure game set in the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) in New York City. The player controls Jesse Faden, who is on a mission to uncover the truth behind the FBC’s mysterious past and combat the sinister Hiss force that has infiltrated the building. The game combines elements of third-person shooter, exploration, and puzzle-solving, and its standout features include its use of brutalist architecture, surreal elements, and striking character designs. The plot is full of twists and mystery, with revelations and shocking moments that will keep players on the edge of their seats. Overall, Control is an impressive and must-play game for fans of adventure and mystery.
Control – A Mind-Bending Adventure Game with Intriguing Plot Twists
Control is a third-person action-adventure game developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by 505 Games. It was released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC in August 2019, and later released for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in February 2021. The game is set in the fictional Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) in New York City, where the player controls Jesse Faden as she navigates supernatural mysteries and uncovers her own past. Control features an intriguing plot, engaging gameplay, and impressive visuals, making it a must-play for fans of adventure and mystery.
Storyline and Setting
Control’s plot revolves around the FBC, a government agency dedicated to investigating supernatural phenomena and containing paranormal objects. The agency is housed in the Oldest House, a brutalist-style skyscraper that constantly shifts and changes its layout, revealing new rooms and secrets. Jesse Faden arrives at the Oldest House in search of her missing brother Dylan, only to find that she has been chosen by the sentient Object of Power known as the Service Weapon to become the new Director of the FBC. As Jesse gains control of the agency and investigates its mysteries, she discovers a sinister force known as the Hiss has infiltrated the building, possessing its inhabitants and corrupting its reality. With the help of her ally Emily Pope and the enigmatic Former, Jesse must use her supernatural abilities and the power of the Service Weapon to combat the Hiss and uncover the truth behind the FBC’s mysterious past.
Gameplay Mechanics
Control’s gameplay combines elements of third-person shooter, exploration, and puzzle-solving. The player controls Jesse as she navigates the ever-changing environment of the Oldest House, using her powers and the Service Weapon to fight off possessed enemies and uncover clues. Jesse’s powers include telekinesis, which allows her to throw objects and create shields, and levitation, which lets her float above the ground and reach new areas. The Service Weapon has multiple forms, such as a pistol, shotgun, and machine gun, each with its own unique abilities and upgrade paths. The game also features a “Metroidvania” structure, where the player can revisit previously explored areas with new abilities to uncover hidden secrets and optional missions. Control’s combat and traversal mechanics are fluid and satisfying, and the puzzle-solving elements are inventive and challenging without becoming frustrating.
Visuals and Design
Control’s art style and design are some of its standout features. The Oldest House is a stunning example of brutalist architecture, with concrete hallways and surreal elements such as floating geometric shapes and shifting walls. The game’s use of lighting and color creates a dreamlike atmosphere, with vivid reds and blues contrasting with the gray tones of the building. The character designs are also unique and memorable, with figures such as the janitor Ahti and the Former being striking and intriguing in their own right. The game’s sound design is also noteworthy, with the eerie soundscapes and haunting soundtrack adding to the game’s otherworldly feel.
Plot Twists and Revelations
One of the most compelling aspects of Control is its intricate plot, full of twists and mystery. The game slowly unveils the secrets of the FBC and its past through documents and audio recordings scattered throughout the building, as well as through encounters with key characters. The Hiss is a formidable and mysterious enemy, with its true nature and origins being unveiled gradually over the course of the game. The relationship between Jesse and Dylan is also a key part of the story, with their familial bonds and shared traumatic past being explored in depth. The game’s final act in particular is full of revelations and twists that are sure to shock and surprise players.
Final Verdict
Control is an impressive and unique game that stands out in the crowded field of action-adventure titles. Its combination of engaging gameplay mechanics, striking visuals, and intriguing plot make it a must-play for fans of the genre. The game’s emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving adds to its replayability, as there are always new secrets to uncover and theories to explore. Overall, Control is a mind-bending adventure game that will keep players on the edge of their seats from start to finish.