Control stands out as a third-person action-adventure game that blends supernatural elements with intense combat and exploration. Developed by Remedy Entertainment, it puts you in the role of Jesse Faden, who becomes the Director of the Federal Bureau of Control after a mysterious invasion. The game unfolds in the Oldest House, a vast, ever-shifting government building filled with secrets and otherworldly threats. With its focus on telekinetic powers and dynamic environments, Control delivers a unique experience for players who enjoy narrative-driven action combined with puzzle-like discovery.
Gameplay
In Control, you navigate through the Federal Bureau of Control's headquarters, using a mix of gunplay and supernatural abilities to combat the Hiss, a hostile force that corrupts agents and objects. The core mechanics revolve around Jesse's Service Weapon, which transforms into different forms like a pistol or shotgun, allowing for versatile combat strategies. Telekinetic powers let you hurl objects at enemies, shield yourself from attacks, or levitate to reach new areas. Exploration plays a big role, as the building's layout changes, revealing hidden rooms and collectibles that provide lore and upgrades. Combat encounters demand quick thinking, combining evasion, power usage, and precise shooting to overcome waves of possessed foes and challenging bosses. Upgrades earned from missions enhance your abilities, such as increasing health or unlocking new mods for your weapon.
The game emphasizes environmental interaction, where everyday items become tools in fights, adding a layer of improvisation to battles. Puzzles often involve using your powers to manipulate the surroundings, like moving platforms or clearing obstacles. This setup creates a fluid loop of fighting, exploring, and upgrading that keeps progression engaging throughout the campaign.
Game Modes
Control is primarily a single-player experience centered on its main story campaign, where you complete missions to progress the narrative and regain control of the bureau. These missions include side quests that expand the lore and offer additional challenges, such as hunting altered items or investigating anomalies.
The game includes two expansions: The Foundation, which delves into the bureau's underbelly with new areas and abilities like shaping the environment, and AWE, which connects to Remedy's Alan Wake universe through crossover elements and new enemy types. These add hours of content beyond the base game, focusing on extended storytelling and tougher encounters without introducing multiplayer or competitive modes.
Story and Setting
The narrative follows Jesse's quest to find her brother while uncovering the bureau's secrets, encountering bizarre events and characters along the way. The Oldest House serves as a labyrinthine hub, with sectors like Research and Containment that hide supernatural phenomena. This setting enhances the sense of mystery, as reality bends with shifting architecture and interdimensional threats.
Is It Worth Playing?
Control remains a strong choice in 2026 for those drawn to story-rich action games with supernatural twists. Players often praise its addictive combat mechanics and atmospheric world-building, making it ideal for fans of titles that mix shooting with exploration. While some find the story cryptic, the core experience holds up well, especially with the expansions included in the Ultimate Edition. If you prefer single-player adventures that reward curiosity and tactical fights, it's a solid pick, though it might not appeal if you seek multiplayer options or straightforward narratives.
