Control Ultimate Edition for Xbox Series X Review: A Masterclass in Supernatural Action

Control Ultimate Edition for Xbox Series X Review: A Masterclass in Supernatural Action

Introduction

Remedy Entertainment’s Control has been lauded for its inventive gameplay, engrossing narrative, and atmospheric setting since its original release in 2019. The Control Ultimate Edition brings this acclaimed title to the Xbox Series X with enhanced graphics, performance improvements, and all previously released downloadable content. If you’re curious about how this enhanced edition stacks up on the latest Xbox console, read on to discover whether Control Ultimate Edition is worth your time and investment.

Story and Setting

Control Ultimate Edition thrusts players into the heart of the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC), a secretive government agency based in a mysterious skyscraper known as the Oldest House in New York City. The building, an imposing structure of brutalist architecture, serves as the backdrop for the game’s otherworldly events.

You assume the role of Jesse Faden, who arrives at the FBC searching for her missing brother. What follows is a gripping tale of supernatural phenomena, conspiracy, and power struggles. As Jesse, you become the new Director of the FBC, a role that involves not only uncovering the secrets of the Oldest House but also battling a range of paranormal threats.

The narrative is delivered through a combination of direct dialogue, environmental storytelling, and collectible documents. The game’s story is rich in lore and mystery, and the Ultimate Edition includes all the DLC expansions, adding depth and new storylines to the already intricate plot.

Gameplay

The Control Ultimate Edition on Xbox Series X enhances the already innovative gameplay of the original. The core gameplay revolves around Jesse’s telekinetic abilities and the use of the Service Weapon, which transforms into various weapon forms such as a pistol, shotgun, and machine gun. The dynamic combat system is complemented by Jesse’s supernatural powers, allowing for a visually stunning and strategic experience.

On Xbox Series X, Control Ultimate Edition benefits from improved graphics and performance. The game runs at a higher resolution with enhanced textures and smoother frame rates, providing a more immersive and fluid experience. The performance improvements are particularly noticeable in combat sequences and exploration, where the enhanced graphics contribute to a more engaging atmosphere.

The Ultimate Edition also includes the "The Foundation" and "AWE" expansions, which introduce new story elements, missions, and gameplay mechanics. These expansions expand on the core narrative, providing additional context and challenges that enrich the overall experience.

Graphics and Sound

The visual upgrade on Xbox Series X is impressive. Control Ultimate Edition takes full advantage of the console’s capabilities, delivering stunning visuals with detailed environments, improved lighting effects, and smoother animations. The Oldest House’s eerie and atmospheric design is brought to life with greater clarity, enhancing the game’s already haunting and immersive atmosphere.

The sound design remains a strong point, with an atmospheric soundtrack composed by Martin Stig Andersen and excellent voice acting throughout. The audio complements the game’s visual style, creating an engaging and immersive experience. The enhanced performance on Xbox Series X also ensures that sound effects and voice lines are delivered with greater precision and impact.

Narrative and Themes

Control explores themes of power, control, and the unknown. The game delves into the nature of reality and the limits of human understanding through its supernatural setting. Jesse Faden’s journey is central to the narrative, and the Ultimate Edition’s additional content further explores the lore and expands on the game’s intriguing themes.

The character development and story progression are well-executed, with the expansions adding new layers to the narrative. The game’s ability to weave personal and cosmic elements together makes for a compelling and thought-provoking experience.

Challenges and Criticisms

While Control Ultimate Edition is a standout title, it’s not without its minor issues. Some players may find the story’s complexity and the abundance of collectible documents overwhelming. Additionally, while the combat system is engaging, it can become repetitive over time, despite the variety of powers and enemies.

Performance-wise, while Xbox Series X offers a significant improvement, occasional minor bugs and glitches can still occur. However, these issues are generally minimal and do not detract significantly from the overall experience.

Control Ultimate Edition FAQ (Xbox Series X)

Q1: What is Control Ultimate Edition?

• A: Control Ultimate Edition is an enhanced version of the original Control game developed by Remedy Entertainment. It includes the base game along with all downloadable content (DLC) expansions, optimized for Xbox Series X with improved graphics and performance.

Q2: What platforms is Control Ultimate Edition available on?

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

Q3: What additional content is included in the Ultimate Edition?

• A: The Ultimate Edition includes all the DLC expansions released for Control: "The Foundation" and "AWE." These expansions add new storylines, missions, and gameplay elements.

Q4: What improvements does Control Ultimate Edition offer on Xbox Series X?

• A: On Xbox Series X, Control Ultimate Edition features enhanced graphics, higher resolution, improved textures, and smoother frame rates. The game benefits from faster loading times and overall better performance compared to previous console versions.

Q5: What is the main story of Control?

• A: The story follows Jesse Faden, who arrives at the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) to find her missing brother. The FBC’s headquarters, known as the Oldest House, is a mysterious skyscraper in New York City that serves as a backdrop for the game’s supernatural events.

Q6: What are the main gameplay mechanics in Control?

• A: Control features third-person combat combined with telekinetic powers. Players use the Service Weapon, which can transform into various forms (pistol, shotgun, machine gun), and Jesse’s abilities to manipulate objects, create shields, and throw enemies. The game also includes environmental puzzles and exploration.

Q7: How long does it take to complete Control Ultimate Edition?

• A: Completing the main story of Control Ultimate Edition typically takes around 12 to 15 hours. With additional side missions and the content from the DLC expansions, the playtime can extend to 20-30 hours or more.

Q8: Is Control Ultimate Edition a single-player or multiplayer game?

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

Q9: How is the graphics and sound design in Control Ultimate Edition?

• A: On Xbox Series X, Control Ultimate Edition features upgraded graphics with higher resolution and improved textures, making the Oldest House’s eerie design even more immersive. The sound design includes an atmospheric soundtrack by Martin Stig Andersen and high-quality voice acting, which enhances the overall experience.

Q10: Are there any technical issues with Control Ultimate Edition on Xbox Series X?

• A: While the Xbox Series X version offers improved performance, some minor bugs or glitches may still occur. However, these are generally not game-breaking and do not significantly impact the experience.

Q11: Does Control Ultimate Edition have any replay value?

• A: The game offers replay value through its side missions, collectible documents, and the additional content from the DLC expansions. While the core narrative remains the same, these elements provide reasons to return and explore further.

Q12: What are the system requirements for Control Ultimate Edition on Xbox Series X?

• A: As an optimized version for Xbox Series X, Control Ultimate Edition does not have specific system requirements beyond owning the console itself. The game is designed to take full advantage of the Xbox Series X hardware for enhanced performance.

Q13: Is Control Ultimate Edition worth playing?

• A: If you enjoy action-adventure games with a strong narrative, innovative gameplay mechanics, and an atmospheric setting, Control Ultimate Edition is definitely worth playing. The enhancements and additional content make it a compelling experience on Xbox Series X.

Conclusion

Control Ultimate Edition for Xbox Series X is a remarkable upgrade to an already exceptional game. The enhanced graphics and performance improvements, coupled with the inclusion of all DLC content, make this edition a definitive version of the game. With its compelling narrative, innovative gameplay, and atmospheric design, Control Ultimate Edition is a must-play for fans of supernatural action-adventure games and those new to the series alike.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

If you’re looking to experience one of the most intriguing and visually impressive action-adventure games available on the Xbox Series X, Control Ultimate Edition is a compelling choice that delivers both thrilling gameplay and a captivating story.