Control
Jul 27, 2021 5 years ago
Control is a third-person action-adventure game set in the Federal Bureau of Control, a secretive U.S. government agency that studies paranormal phenomena. Players control Jesse Faden, who arrives at the Bureau's headquarters, the Oldest House, to find it invaded by a hostile force called the Hiss. Gameplay combines supernatural abilities with a shape-shifting firearm, and the environment is reactive and destructible.
What it’s like
Control delivers a surreal, bureaucratic supernatural thriller where you assume the role of Jesse Faden, ascending the ranks of the Federal Bureau of Control amidst an alien invasion. The experience is defined by its striking Art Deco aesthetic clashing with impossible geometry and shifting architecture. Narratively, it offers a dense, lore-heavy mystery driven by excellent writing and environmental storytelling that rewards curiosity. Gameplay centers on fluid third-person combat utilizing telekinetic powers and a shape-shifting weapon, emphasizing positional awareness and ability combos over raw reflexes. The world is interconnected and highly reactive, encouraging thorough exploration to uncover secrets and upgrade your arsenal. While the story unfolds through fragmented documents and cryptic dialogue, the tone remains consistently atmospheric and tense. It is a masterclass in audiovisual cohesion, blending cinematic presentation with engaging mechanics to create a unique, memorable journey into the unknown.
Strong in Atmosphere / MoodAudio / MusicPolish / PerformanceStory / NarrativeVisuals / ArtWriting / DialogueCharactersCombatExploration / WorldGameplay / MechanicsPacingProgression / Replayability
Keep in mind Combat can feel somewhat repetitive after mastering abilities, lacking significant build diversity or complex enemy variety. · Stealth mechanics are rudimentary and poorly supported, making non-combat approaches frustrating rather than viable.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from ign.com, metacritic.com, reddit.com, pcworld.com, gamesradar.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Aug 27, 20197 years ago |
| PlayStation 4 | Worldwide | Full release | Aug 27, 20197 years ago |
| Xbox One | Worldwide | Full release | Aug 27, 20197 years ago |
| PlayStation 5 | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 02, 20216 years ago |
| Xbox Series X|S | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 02, 20216 years ago |
| Google Stadia | Worldwide | Full release | Jul 27, 20215 years ago |
