Control is a third-person shooter video game developed by Remedy Entertainment, which was released in August 2019 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC. The game allows players to manipulate their environment and win multiple awards, including the Best Art Direction award at The Game Awards 2019. The game takes place in a fictional world where players take on the role of Jesse Faden and uncover the mysteries behind the Federal Bureau of Control. Control’s gameplay is a mixture of third-person shooting and supernatural abilities, with a unique combat system, and rewards exploration and experimentation. Its atmosphere, art direction, and audio design are also exceptional.
Uncovering the Mysteries of Control: A Mind-Bending Action Game
Control is a third-person shooter game that gives players the power to manipulate the environment around them. Developed by Remedy Entertainment, the game was released in August 2019 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC. Control won multiple awards, including the “Best Art Direction” award at The Game Awards 2019. The game takes place in a fictional world where players take on the role of Jesse Faden, who is searching for answers about her past and trying to uncover the mysteries behind the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC).
The Storyline
The game begins with Jesse Faden entering the FBC building in New York City, where she discovers that the bureau has been invaded by an otherworldly force known as the Hiss. The Hiss is a sentient entity that takes over the minds of those it infects, turning them into soulless, zombie-like drones. The Hiss’ arrival also has a strange effect on the FBC building, causing it to shift and change in impossible ways.
As the game progresses, Jesse learns that she has been chosen by a mysterious force called the Board to become the new Director of the FBC. With this position comes great power, as Jesse can harness the energy of the building to gain new abilities and upgrade her weapons.
The Gameplay
Control’s gameplay is a mixture of third-person shooting and supernatural abilities. Jesse can use telekinetic powers to throw objects at enemies or use them as shields. She can also levitate, which makes it easier to navigate the game’s environments, and she can use a “launch” ability to shoot objects at enemies.
The game also has a unique combat system, where players need to use strategy and creativity to defeat enemies. For example, during a boss battle, players might need to use telekinetic powers to throw objects at weak points on the boss’s body, while also avoiding its attacks.
Control also features a Metroidvania-style world, where players must revisit previously explored areas with new abilities to unlock new areas and secrets. The game also has a wide variety of side quests and hidden secrets to uncover, adding to the game’s replayability.
The Atmosphere
One of the strongest aspects of Control is its atmosphere. The game takes place in a constantly shifting, mysterious environment that is both beautiful and unnerving. The FBC building is a maze-like structure, full of secrets and hidden areas to explore. The game’s lighting and sound also contribute to the game’s eerie atmosphere, with flickering lights and unsettling sounds adding to the feeling of unease.
The game’s art direction is also exceptional, with a unique blend of brutalist architecture and surrealistic design. The FBC building is full of strange artifacts and objects, each with their own backstory and lore. The game’s design is both imaginative and visually stunning, making Control one of the most visually impressive games of its time.
The Verdict
Control is a game that rewards exploration and experimentation, with a unique blend of shooting and telekinetic powers. The game’s atmosphere is second to none, with a stunning art direction and immersive audio design. The game’s story and characters are intriguing, with plenty of mysteries to uncover and secrets to discover. Overall, Control is an exceptional game that showcases the best of Remedy Entertainment’s talent and creativity.