Introduction to Control Game
Released by Remedy Entertainment in 2019, Control is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game that pushes the boundaries of narrative storytelling and supernatural phenomena. Set within the mysterious Federal Bureau of Control (FBC), players assume the role of Jesse Faden, a young woman searching for answers about her past while facing otherworldly forces and wielding extraordinary abilities. Known for its unique atmosphere, mind-bending story, and innovative gameplay, Control has captivated players with its supernatural mysteries and engaging combat mechanics.
The Setting: Federal Bureau of Control
The Oldest House
At the heart of Control is the Oldest House, a massive, ever-shifting building that serves as the headquarters of the FBC. The environment is designed with brutalist architecture, making it an eerie and unsettling location. As players navigate its halls, rooms, and hidden pathways, they encounter strange occurrences, hostile entities, and hidden secrets.
The Oldest House itself is a living character, shifting and rearranging its structure as Jesse progresses through the game. This dynamic environment challenges players to think critically and explore every corner of this mysterious building.
The Paranormal Bureau
The FBC is a clandestine government organization responsible for studying and containing paranormal phenomena. Throughout the game, players come across documents, audio logs, and artifacts that reveal the organization’s history and its involvement with supernatural entities known as “Altered Items” and “Objects of Power.” The FBC’s research into these anomalies forms the core of the game’s narrative.
Jesse Faden: The Protagonist
Jesse’s Journey
Jesse Faden, the game’s protagonist, arrives at the Oldest House in search of her missing brother, Dylan. As the game progresses, Jesse learns that she has a deeper connection to the FBC and the supernatural events surrounding it. She quickly becomes the new Director of the FBC, thrust into a role of leadership and responsibility.
Throughout the game, Jesse struggles with her own personal questions while uncovering the mysteries of the Bureau. Her journey is not only one of exploration and combat but also one of self-discovery as she confronts her past and the strange powers she possesses.
Telekinetic Abilities
One of the most compelling aspects of Jesse’s character is her ability to wield supernatural powers. From telekinesis to levitation, Jesse can manipulate the environment and use objects as weapons against enemies. Her abilities grow stronger as players unlock upgrades and new powers, making her a formidable force in combat.
The dynamic use of powers, such as launching objects at enemies or creating protective barriers, adds a layer of strategy and excitement to the gameplay. Players can experiment with different combinations of abilities, making each encounter unique.
Gameplay Mechanics
Third-Person Action
Control features third-person action gameplay with a focus on exploration and combat. The game combines traditional shooting mechanics with supernatural powers, allowing players to engage enemies in creative ways. The fast-paced combat system encourages players to use both their weapons and powers to defeat enemies, leading to a fluid and immersive experience.
The Service Weapon
Jesse’s primary weapon is the Service Weapon, a unique, shape-shifting gun that can transform into different forms, including a pistol, shotgun, and sniper rifle. Players can customize the Service Weapon with upgrades and modifications, tailoring it to their playstyle. The weapon’s versatility, combined with Jesse’s abilities, creates a balanced and engaging combat system.
Puzzle Solving and Exploration
In addition to combat, Control emphasizes puzzle-solving and exploration. The Oldest House is filled with hidden paths, secret rooms, and challenging puzzles that require players to think outside the box. Jesse’s powers play a critical role in solving these puzzles, adding depth to the gameplay.
Exploration is key to uncovering the game’s hidden lore and backstory. Players are encouraged to explore every nook and cranny of the Oldest House to find collectibles and clues that help unravel the game’s complex narrative.
The Enemies: The Hiss
A Mysterious Threat
The primary antagonists in Control are the Hiss, a malevolent force that invades the Oldest House and takes control of its inhabitants. The Hiss is an unseen, corruptive presence that turns ordinary people into mindless, violent entities. As Jesse, players must battle these Hiss-infected enemies to restore order within the FBC.
The game introduces a variety of Hiss enemies, each with unique abilities and challenges. From foot soldiers to flying enemies, players must adapt their strategies to defeat the Hiss and overcome increasingly difficult encounters.
Boss Fights and Unique Challenges
Throughout the game, players face off against powerful bosses, each of which presents unique challenges. These encounters often require quick thinking, mastery of powers, and careful use of the environment. The boss fights are some of the most intense moments in the game, blending combat and narrative elements seamlessly.
Story and Narrative
Unraveling the Mystery
The story of Control is complex, filled with layers of mystery and intrigue. As players progress, they uncover the dark secrets of the FBC, the origins of the Hiss, and Jesse’s connection to the supernatural. The game’s narrative is delivered through a combination of dialogue, documents, and environmental storytelling, encouraging players to piece together the larger story on their own.
One of the most fascinating elements of Control is its non-linear storytelling. Players can tackle missions in various orders, and optional side content provides further insight into the game’s world. This narrative structure keeps players engaged, as they are constantly uncovering new pieces of the puzzle.
The Influence of the Paranormal
Control is heavily influenced by paranormal fiction and themes of government secrecy. The game draws inspiration from SCP Foundation stories and other fictional accounts of supernatural organizations. These influences are evident in the game’s tone, as players explore the strange and otherworldly phenomena studied by the FBC.
Visuals and Audio
Stunning Graphics
Control is renowned for its stunning visual design. The game’s use of light, shadows, and particle effects creates a surreal and immersive atmosphere. The destructible environments enhance the gameplay experience, as players can manipulate objects and structures during combat, adding to the sense of power and chaos.
The game’s architecture and visual style are deeply rooted in brutalist design, which gives the Oldest House a cold, imposing feel. This design choice reinforces the theme of government secrecy and control.
Atmospheric Soundtrack
The game’s soundtrack, composed by Petri Alanko and Martin Stig Andersen, is atmospheric and eerie, perfectly complementing the game’s supernatural themes. The audio design plays a critical role in building tension and immersion, with subtle sound cues alerting players to nearby dangers or hidden secrets.
The voice acting is also top-notch, with Courtney Hope delivering a compelling performance as Jesse Faden. Her voice acting brings depth and emotion to the character, making Jesse’s journey all the more engaging.
Reception and Awards
Critical Acclaim
Control received widespread critical acclaim upon release. Critics praised its innovative gameplay mechanics, gripping narrative, and stunning visual design. The game was lauded for its originality and its ability to blend supernatural elements with a grounded, relatable protagonist.
Industry Recognition
The game won several prestigious awards, including “Best Game Direction” and “Best Art Direction” at The Game Awards 2019. It was also nominated for “Game of the Year,” cementing its place as one of the standout titles of the year.
Conclusion
Control is a remarkable game that pushes the boundaries of the action-adventure genre with its unique blend of supernatural elements, innovative gameplay mechanics, and engaging narrative. The game’s combination of telekinetic powers, dynamic combat, and environmental exploration makes for a thrilling experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats.
The compelling story of Jesse Faden’s search for answers, set against the backdrop of the mysterious Federal Bureau of Control, is both thought-provoking and immersive. With its stunning visuals, atmospheric sound design, and critical acclaim, Control stands as a shining example of modern game design and storytelling.
Whether you’re a fan of paranormal fiction, action-adventure games, or simply looking for a unique gaming experience, Control is a must-play title that leaves a lasting impression.
