Control (video game)

Control (video game)
source
Title	Control
Developer	Remedy Entertainment
Publisher	505 Games
Director	Mikael Kasurinen
Producer	Juha Vainio
Designer	Paul Ehreth
Writer	Sam Lake
Composer	Petri Alanko
Engine	Northlight Engine
Platforms	PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Released	August 27, 2019, Windows, PS4, Xbox One, June 25, 2020, Nintendo Switch, February 2, 2021, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Genre	Action-adventure, third-person shooter
Modes	Single-player

Control (video game). Control is a third-person action-adventure game developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by 505 Games. Set within the enigmatic Federal Bureau of Control, the narrative follows Jesse Faden as she explores the shifting architecture of The Oldest House to uncover supernatural mysteries. The game blends telekinetic combat with a deep, atmospheric story inspired by genres like New Weird and cosmic horror.

Gameplay

Control is a third-person shooter where players assume the role of Jesse Faden, who wields a supernatural firearm called the Service Weapon. The core gameplay revolves around combining gunplay with powerful telekinetic abilities, allowing players to hurl objects at enemies and manipulate the environment. Exploration is a key component, with the game's setting, The Oldest House, featuring a non-linear, ever-changing layout filled with secrets and optional areas. Players can unlock new abilities and weapon forms by discovering Objects of Power and completing missions, enhancing combat and traversal options. The game also incorporates light role-playing game elements through a mod system for the Service Weapon and character upgrades.

Plot

The story begins with Jesse Faden entering the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Control, a secretive government agency, to find her missing brother. She discovers the building, known as The Oldest House, is under siege by a paranormal force called the Hiss. Following the death of the previous director, Jesse becomes the new Director by bonding with the Service Weapon. Guided by a mysterious entity named Polaris, she navigates the brutalist, shifting corridors to contain the Hiss invasion, aided by allies like Ahti the janitor and Emily Pope. The narrative delves into Bureau projects like Prime Candidate Program and Ash Tray Maze, uncovering truths about Jesse's past and the nature of Altered World Events.

Development

Development of Control began after the completion of Remedy Entertainment's previous title, Quantum Break. The team, led by creative director Sam Lake and game director Mikael Kasurinen, sought to create a game with a more open structure and supernatural themes, drawing inspiration from sources like the SCP Foundation and the works of David Lynch. The game was built using Remedy's proprietary Northlight Engine, which allowed for advanced physics and destructible environments crucial for the telekinesis mechanics. Key collaborators included composer Petri Alanko and the band Poets of the Fall, who performed as the in-game band Old Gods of Asgard.

Release

Control was released worldwide on August 27, 2019, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. A cloud-based version for the Nintendo Switch was released on June 25, 2020. Enhanced versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, titled *Control: Ultimate Edition*, launched on February 2, 2021, featuring improved graphics, performance, and including all previously released downloadable content. The post-launch expansions included *The Foundation* and *AWE*, the latter connecting the game's universe to Alan Wake.

Reception

Upon release, Control received widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers praised its compelling atmosphere, innovative combat system, and the striking visual design of The Oldest House. The narrative by Sam Lake and the performance of actor Courtney Hope as Jesse Faden were also highlighted. The game won several awards, including multiple honors at The Game Awards 2019 and BAFTA Games Awards. Some criticism was directed at technical performance issues on base console hardware at launch. Control was also a commercial success, becoming Remedy's fastest-selling game at the time.

Legacy

Control solidified Remedy Entertainment's reputation for crafting narratively rich, atmospheric games and established a connected universe with their other titles, most notably Alan Wake. The success led to the announcement of a sequel, *Control 2*, and a multiplayer spin-off project, *Condor*. The game's distinct aesthetic and lore have inspired extensive analysis from fans and critics, particularly regarding its themes of bureaucracy and the unknown. Its integration of live-action elements and deep world-building has influenced subsequent titles in the action-adventure genre.

Category:2019 video games Category:Action-adventure games Category:Remedy Entertainment games