Control is a supernatural third-person action-adventure game developed by Remedy Entertainment, where players step into the role of Jesse Faden, who becomes the Director of the Federal Bureau of Control amid an invasion by an otherworldly force known as the Hiss.
Gameplay
In Control, combat revolves around a mix of gunplay and supernatural abilities. Jesse uses a service weapon that can transform into different forms, such as a pistol or shotgun, and she gains powers like telekinesis to hurl objects at enemies, evasion to dodge attacks, and levitation for aerial movement. The game emphasizes environmental destruction, with reactive surroundings that players can manipulate during fights. Exploration plays a key role, as the Oldest House shifts and reveals new areas through puzzles solved with abilities or by finding key items. Upgrades come from ability points earned in combat and exploration, allowing customization of powers and weapon mods.
Mechanics include collecting objects of power to unlock new abilities and engaging in side missions that delve into the bureau's lore. The combat system rewards combining abilities with shooting, creating fluid encounters against Hiss-infected agents and other threats.
Game Modes
Control is a single-player experience focused on its main campaign, with no multiplayer components. The core mode follows Jesse's journey through the story, blending action sequences with exploration and puzzle-solving in the Oldest House.
Expansions add to the gameplay: The Foundation introduces new areas beneath the bureau with mechanics involving altered items and astral phenomena, while AWE connects to Remedy's Alan Wake universe, bringing crossover elements and new enemy types.
Story and World
The narrative centers on Jesse's search for her brother while uncovering the bureau's secrets. The Federal Bureau of Control deals with paranormal events, and the Oldest House serves as a shifting, brutalist headquarters filled with strange experiments. Allies like bureau agents provide context through conversations and documents, revealing a world of altered world events and objects of power.
collectibles such as case files and multimedia logs build the lore, offering insights into the Hiss invasion and the bureau's history.
Is It Worth Playing?
Control remains engaging for fans of story-driven action games with supernatural elements, especially those who enjoy Remedy's style seen in titles like Alan Wake. Player reception highlights strong praise for its combat, world-building, and visuals, with generally positive reviews noting the satisfying progression of abilities.
As of 2026, the game receives ongoing support through Remedy's self-publishing, making it accessible on Xbox platforms. It suits players seeking a solo adventure with challenging fights and deep exploration, though it may not appeal to those preferring multiplayer or linear shooters. If third-person action with paranormal twists interests you, Control delivers a solid experience worth trying.
