Control: Embracing Supernatural Powers in a Shifting, Secret World!

Control: Embracing Supernatural Powers in a Shifting, Secret World!

Stepping into the realm of Remedy Entertainment’s masterpiece, “Control,” isn’t just about playing a game; it’s about experiencing a meticulously crafted narrative where reality bends and supernatural forces collide. Released in 2019, this action-adventure title thrusts players into the Oldest House, a secretive government agency building housing objects of immense power - Objects of Power - which defy natural laws and exhibit extraordinary abilities.

The story unfolds through the eyes of Jesse Faden, a young woman who arrives at the Oldest House seeking answers about her missing brother, Dylan. Little does she know, she’ll stumble upon a world far stranger and more dangerous than anything imaginable. As Jesse explores the labyrinthine corridors and shifting architecture of the Oldest House, she encounters hostile entities known as Hiss, corrupted by a paranormal force that seeks to control everything within its grasp.

Jesse’s journey is one of self-discovery, uncovering the truth about her brother’s disappearance, and confronting the forces that threaten to consume both her and the world outside the Oldest House. Along the way, she wields an array of supernatural abilities granted by the Service Weapon, a transformable firearm capable of morphing into different forms like a shotgun, pistol, or grenade launcher, each with unique capabilities.

Jesse’s powers extend beyond the Service Weapon. She discovers and masters telekinetic abilities like levitation, debris manipulation, and creating powerful energy shields, allowing for creative combat strategies and exploration. Mastering these abilities is crucial as Jesse faces increasingly challenging encounters against the Hiss-corrupted enemies.

Delving into the Themes of Control

“Control” is more than just an action game; it delves into profound themes that resonate long after the credits roll:

Theme Explanation
Loss and Identity: Jesse’s search for her brother Dylan drives the narrative, exploring the pain of loss and the yearning to reconnect. Her journey becomes a quest for understanding both herself and her past.
Power and Control: The game constantly questions the nature of power and its potential for both good and evil. Jesse must learn to control her newfound abilities while navigating the complexities of wielding such extraordinary force.
Reality and Perception: “Control” plays with reality, blurring the lines between what’s real and imagined. The shifting architecture of the Oldest House reflects this theme, constantly reminding players that perception can be manipulated and unreliable.
Bureaucracy and Secrecy: The Federal Bureau of Control, while protecting humanity from paranormal threats, operates under a veil of secrecy. This raises questions about the ethics of clandestine operations and the balance between security and transparency.

A Technical Marvel: The Strengths of “Control”

Beyond its captivating narrative and thought-provoking themes, “Control” excels in several key technical areas:

  • Atmospheric Environments:

The Oldest House is a marvel of level design. It’s a Brutalist architectural behemoth filled with shifting rooms, secret passages, and unsettling environments that evoke a sense of unease and mystery.

  • Sound Design and Music:

The game utilizes an eerie soundtrack composed by Petri Alanko, perfectly complementing the unsettling atmosphere and amplifying tension during intense encounters.

The voice acting is exceptional, bringing Jesse’s struggle and determination to life while capturing the chilling voices of the Hiss-controlled entities.

  • Visual Fidelity:

“Control” features stunning visuals with detailed textures, realistic lighting effects, and dynamic particle systems that enhance the impact of Jesse’s supernatural powers.

Beyond the Campaign: Extending the Experience

While the main campaign provides a compelling experience spanning approximately 15-20 hours, “Control” offers additional content to extend gameplay:

  • Expansions: Two expansions, “The Foundation” and “AWE,” delve deeper into the lore of the Oldest House, introducing new areas, enemies, and story elements.
  • Challenges and Side Quests: The Oldest House is filled with optional challenges and side quests that reward players with additional resources, upgrades, and lore entries.

Is Control Worth Your Time?

If you’re seeking a game that delivers a unique blend of action-packed combat, compelling narrative storytelling, and thought-provoking themes, then “Control” is undoubtedly worth your time. It’s a title that stays with you long after you put down the controller, leaving you pondering its mysteries and marveling at its technical achievements.

Embrace the chaos, master your powers, and uncover the secrets hidden within “Control.” It’s an experience unlike any other in the gaming landscape.