Control Review: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Federal Bureau of Control

Control Review: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Federal Bureau of Control

Introduction Released in August 2019 by Remedy Entertainment and published by 505 Games, Control is an action-adventure game that combines supernatural elements with a gripping narrative. Available on PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, and later for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the game has been widely praised for its innovative gameplay, atmospheric setting, and compelling story. In this review, we’ll explore what makes Control stand out and whether it lives up to the hype.

Story and Setting Control places players in the shoes of Jesse Faden, a young woman searching for her missing brother in the enigmatic Federal Bureau of Control (FBC), a secretive government agency investigating paranormal phenomena. The game’s setting is the FBC’s headquarters, known as the Oldest House—a towering, brutalist skyscraper in New York City that is both an office building and a gateway to otherworldly dimensions.

The narrative unfolds through a combination of dialogue, environmental storytelling, and mysterious documents scattered throughout the Oldest House. The story is rich with intrigue and surrealism, drawing players into a web of conspiracies and supernatural events. The blending of everyday office life with cosmic horror creates a unique and immersive experience.

Gameplay At its core, Control is a third-person action-adventure game with a focus on exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. Jesse’s journey through the Oldest House is marked by intense, telekinetic-powered combat and a range of supernatural abilities that evolve over time.

One of the standout features of Control is its dynamic combat system. Jesse can wield the mysterious Service Weapon, which can transform into various forms such as a pistol, shotgun, and machine gun. Combined with her telekinetic powers—allowing her to throw objects, create shields, and manipulate the environment—combat becomes a visually spectacular and strategic experience.

The game also features a range of puzzles that integrate with the environment. These puzzles often require players to use Jesse’s powers creatively, adding depth to both the combat and exploration aspects of the game.

Art and Sound Control excels in creating a visually striking and immersive environment. The Oldest House is a masterclass in architectural design, with its eerie, labyrinthine corridors and otherworldly phenomena. The game’s graphics are impressive, particularly on next-gen consoles, where the detailed textures and dynamic lighting enhance the atmosphere.

The sound design in Control complements its visual style perfectly. The atmospheric soundtrack, composed by Martin Stig Andersen, is haunting and immersive, setting the tone for the game’s eerie and mysterious world. The voice acting is also top-notch, with standout performances that bring the characters and story to life.

Narrative and Themes Control delves into themes of power, control, and the unknown. The narrative explores the nature of reality and the limits of human understanding through the lens of paranormal phenomena. The game’s story is both expansive and enigmatic, inviting players to piece together the mysteries of the Oldest House and the FBC.

The character of Jesse Faden is well-developed, and her personal journey is central to the plot. The game effectively balances the overarching conspiracy with Jesse’s personal quest, providing a rich and engaging narrative experience.

Challenges and Criticisms While Control offers a captivating experience, it’s not without its flaws. The game’s complex story and intricate world-building can sometimes be overwhelming, with players needing to pay close attention to details and environmental clues to fully understand the narrative.

Additionally, some players may find the combat repetitive after extended play sessions, despite the variety of powers and enemies. There are also occasional performance issues, particularly on older hardware, which can impact the overall experience.

Control FAQ

Q1: What is Control?

• A: Control is a third-person action-adventure game developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by 505 Games. It combines supernatural elements with a gripping narrative, set in a mysterious government agency known as the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC).

Q2: What platforms is Control available on?

• A: Control is available on PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Q3: What is the main story of Control?

• A: The story follows Jesse Faden, a young woman searching for her missing brother in the Federal Bureau of Control, a secretive agency investigating paranormal phenomena. The game takes place in the Oldest House, a mysterious skyscraper in New York City, and involves uncovering conspiracies and dealing with supernatural occurrences.

Q4: What is the main gameplay mechanic in Control?

• A: Control features third-person combat combined with telekinetic powers. Players use Jesse’s abilities to manipulate objects, create shields, and throw enemies while exploring the Oldest House and solving environmental puzzles.

Q5: How does the combat system work in Control?

• A: The combat system in Control involves using the Service Weapon, which can transform into various forms (pistol, shotgun, machine gun). Jesse’s telekinetic powers are used to throw objects, create barriers, and manipulate the environment, making combat dynamic and engaging.

Q6: What are the key abilities of Jesse Faden?

• A: Jesse’s key abilities include telekinesis (throwing and manipulating objects), levitation, creating psychic shields, and mind control. These powers can be upgraded throughout the game to enhance combat and puzzle-solving.

Q7: Is Control a single-player or multiplayer game?

• A: Control is a single-player game with no multiplayer modes.

Q8: How long does it take to complete Control?

• A: The main story of Control typically takes around 12 to 15 hours to complete. Additional side missions and exploration can extend the playtime to 20-25 hours or more.

Q9: What kind of art style does Control have?

• A: Control features a visually striking art style with a blend of brutalist architecture and surrealistic elements. The Oldest House is designed with a mix of realistic and otherworldly features, creating a haunting and immersive environment.

Q10: How is the sound design in Control?

• A: The sound design in Control is highly praised, with an atmospheric soundtrack composed by Martin Stig Andersen. The game’s sound design enhances the eerie and mysterious atmosphere, contributing to the overall immersion.

Q11: Are there any performance issues with Control?

• A: Some players have reported performance issues, particularly on older hardware. While Control runs smoothly on newer consoles and PCs, users on older systems may experience occasional frame rate drops or other technical problems.

Q12: Does Control have any DLCs or expansions?

• A: Yes, Control has several DLC expansions, including "The Foundation" and "AWE." These expansions add new story content, missions, and gameplay elements, further exploring the lore and mysteries of the Oldest House.

Q13: Is there any replay value in Control?

• A: While Control has a strong single-player experience, replay value is somewhat limited. However, the game’s side missions, collectibles, and DLC content provide additional reasons to return and explore further.

Q14: What are the system requirements for Control on PC?

• A: Control has moderate system requirements. For optimal performance, it is recommended to have a mid-range gaming PC with a modern processor, sufficient RAM, and a dedicated graphics card. Specific requirements can be checked on the game’s official store page or site.

Q15: Is Control worth playing?

• A: If you enjoy action-adventure games with a strong narrative, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a unique atmosphere, Control is definitely worth playing. Its compelling story and dynamic combat make it a standout title in the genre.

Conclusion Control is a standout title in the action-adventure genre, offering a unique blend of supernatural intrigue, dynamic combat, and atmospheric exploration. Remedy Entertainment’s creative approach to storytelling and game design results in a memorable and engaging experience. Despite some minor flaws, Control is a must-play for fans of paranormal mysteries and action-adventure games.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

If you’re drawn to games that challenge your perception of reality and enjoy exploring intricate, otherworldly environments, Control is a game you won’t want to miss. Its blend of innovative mechanics and compelling narrative makes it a highlight of the genre.