control | Players are frequently lured to titles in the ever-expanding world of video games that have complex mechanics, captivating storylines, and immersive gameplay. Even when their gameplay doesn’t exactly stand out, games that excel in world-building are becoming increasingly appreciated. These are the games that craft distinctive, colorful worlds that enthrall players and entice them to explore every nook and cranny, discover every hidden passage, and become fully immersed in the local customs and folklore.
Remedy Entertainment’s “Control” is one such title that is particularly deserving of recognition.
“CONTROL: A World Like No Other”
Remedy Entertainment is the developer.
Date of Release: August 27, 2019
Platforms: Nintendo Switch (Cloud Version), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/SType: Action-Adventure; Third Person; Single-player
The third-person action-adventure game Control was released in 2019 and has since acquired popularity due to its setting, the mysterious Federal Bureau of Control (FBC), rather than merely its gameplay. The FBC, a shadowy government organization based in New York’s Oldest House, a skyscraper that defies reality and physics, is charged with looking into paranormal activity and items of power.
The Ancient Home: An Alive, Breathing Being
The Oldest House itself is without a doubt Control’s main attraction. Not only does this brutalist architectural wonder serve as a background for the game’s events, but it also has personality of its own. The structure is always moving, exposing secret passageways, odd oddities, and areas that appear to exist outside of space and time. The Oldest House is an experience that is both unnerving and interesting, pushing players to consider the nature of reality.
The creation of the world in Every room, office, and corridor tells a tale, and control is exacting. The landscape serves as a vehicle for the game’s story in addition to conversation and cutscenes. There are documents strewn all throughout the Oldest House that provide light on the FBC’s past, its experiments, and the supernatural occurrences it aims to control. Even while the gameplay isn’t often ground-breaking, this storytelling technique is a masterpiece in environmental narrative, making exploration seem worthwhile.
The Wisdom of Control: Broadening the Cosmos
The rich and intricate backstory of Control is what makes it so captivating. The intricate storyline that Remedy Entertainment has weaved into Alan Wake, the studio’s earlier release, has resulted in a shared universe that enthusiasts have called the “Remedy Connected Universe.” By adding layers to the game’s universe, intertextuality entices players to explore the links and histories between the games.
Furthermore, the incorporation of “Altered Items” and “Objects of Power” into the game adds even more mystery to the world-building. These seemingly little things have amazing abilities, sometimes to disastrous results. Every object has a history, which is frequently revealed to players through eerie, cryptic case files. Fans of intricate, well-thought-out universes are drawn in by this sense of wonder and the unknown.
Critical Appearance
Control was praised for its distinct world-building, mood, and location in addition to its creative story delivery. Although the gameplay was generally favorably reviewed, the Oldest House’s hauntingly gorgeous design, the game’s environment, and the tale all made a lasting effect on both players and critics.
Why Gameplay Is Not as Important as World-Building?
The gameplay of Control, which combines telekinetic fighting with exploration, is good, but it’s not what sets the game apart from the others. Control’s true power is found in the way it allows users to immerse themselves in its virtual environment. The Oldest House has an energy that is living, ever-evolving, and teeming with mysteries just waiting to be unlocked. Control provides a unique gaming experience for those who value atmosphere, deep storytelling, and the excitement of discovery. Few other games can compare.
Control stands out for its slower, more methodical approach to world-building and storytelling in a genre where many games prioritize quick action and instant reward. It’s a game that encourages inquiry and patience, which makes it a great option for those who prefer a deep and engaging universe over intricate gaming mechanics.
Final Thoughts
Consider Control the best game if you’re looking for one with an original world-building. Its eerily lovely surroundings, complex legend, and the enigmatic Oldest House provide an immersive and thought-provoking experience. The universe of Control will stick with you long after the credits have rolled, even if the gameplay doesn’t really speak to you.
Ultimately, Control serves as an example of the impact that video game world-building may have. It demonstrates how a well-designed environment may take a game from passable to outstanding by giving players a setting that feels vibrant, enigmatic, and utterly engrossing.