PGC NEWS

Remedy Entertainment, the studio behind narrative-driven experiences like Max Payne and Alan Wake, returns with Control, a game steeped in the supernatural. This ambitious title takes players on a journey through the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC), a secretive agency tasked with containing paranormal phenomena. While Control presents a captivating premise and a visually stunning world, its execution falters in several key areas.

A Narrative Labyrinth: Unraveling the Mysteries of the FBC

As Jesse Faden, you enter the Oldest House, the FBC’s headquarters, searching for your missing brother, Dylan. Thrust into the role of Director after a sudden tragedy, Jesse must combat the Hiss, a corrupting force threatening the bureau. The narrative unfolds slowly, leaving players with numerous questions about Dylan’s disappearance, the nature of the Hiss, and Jesse’s connection to the FBC. While the mystery is intriguing, the answers are drip-fed throughout the game, potentially frustrating players seeking immediate gratification.

Jesse Faden in the Oldest House

Remedy attempts to fill the narrative gaps with Jesse’s internal monologues, but the overuse of this device diminishes the character’s depth. Her constant introspection removes any element of surprise, making her predictable and less engaging. Further hindering the narrative are the other characters, who, despite excellent voice acting, lack emotional depth and expressiveness. Their static faces and limited animations create a disconnect between their dialogue and their visual representation.

The Oldest House Environment

Navigating the Oldest House: A Confusing and Frustrating Experience

The Oldest House, while visually impressive, presents a navigational challenge. The absence of a minimap forces players to rely on environmental cues and character dialogue to find their way. This approach could have been immersive, but the lack of a quest log or a comprehensive map makes it frustrating. Players must meticulously listen to conversations and remember details, as there’s no way to review past instructions.

Navigating the Oldest House

Furthermore, the game’s overuse of bright red lighting creates both visual confusion and discomfort. The Hiss, enemy shields, hazardous areas, and even the low-health indicator all utilize similar red hues, making it difficult to distinguish between threats and harmless elements. This visual overload, compounded by equally jarring particle effects, can be overwhelming and detract from the overall experience.

Red Lighting in Control

Gameplay: A Missed Opportunity for Depth and Variety

Control‘s gameplay initially promises a dynamic blend of supernatural abilities and gunplay. Jesse’s telekinetic powers allow her to hurl objects and enemies, while the Service Weapon offers a variety of firing modes. However, the combat quickly becomes repetitive, with little incentive to experiment with different builds or strategies. Despite the Service Weapon’s transformations, its functionality remains largely unchanged, and the various mods offer minimal impact.

Jesse using her powers

Jesse’s telekinetic powers overshadow the gunplay, becoming the dominant combat strategy. The satisfying ragdoll physics and high damage output make it the most efficient way to deal with enemies. The limited health regeneration system, reliant on dropped Health Elements, adds a layer of challenge but can also be frustrating due to its inconsistent availability. The lack of traditional healing items and the reliance on checkpoints for health recovery further restrict player freedom.

Jesse using Telekinesis

Conclusion: A Captivating World Hampered by Design Flaws

Control presents a compelling world and an intriguing narrative, but its execution falls short of its potential. The confusing navigation, repetitive gameplay, and inconsistent design choices detract from the overall experience. While the game’s atmosphere and visual style are commendable, these strengths are undermined by its flaws. Control remains a fascinating but ultimately flawed exploration of the paranormal.