Overview (2)

Discover the paranatural phenomena, the Federal Bureau of Control, and Jesse Faden's journey in Control. Learn about the Oldest House, the Hiss, and Altered World Events.

In the world of Control, resonances from higher dimensions interact with a Jungian collective unconscious, causing strange occurrences. The Federal Bureau of Control (FBC), a US government agency, studies these _paranatural phenomena_ that arise when these resonances affect Earth and its inhabitants.

Jesse and Dylan Faden were at the center of a significant _Altered World_ _Event_ in Ordinary, Wisconsin. This event led to the disappearance of most residents and altered the lives of the remaining children. Dylan was taken by the FBC, while Jesse escaped, guided by a voice within her head. This voice eventually led her to the Oldest House, the FBC's headquarters, where she becomes the new Director.

The Oldest House is under lockdown due to an invasion by the Hiss, a higher-dimensional resonance. FBC employees are either hostile or chanting mindlessly. As the new Director, Jesse must restore order.

Control excels in atmospheric world-building. The Oldest House, while strange, largely resembles government offices with typical furnishings. Bureaucratic communiqués, _Altered Items_ (items changed by dimensional exposure), and _Objects of Power_ (powerful Altered Items granting abilities) are common.

Gameplay blends action-adventure with RPG and Metroidvania elements. Players start with a gun but soon gain abilities like telekinesis (throwing objects) and later, mind control and aerial combat.

The game incorporates challenging elements from the Soulsborne genre, including sudden-death mechanics and a strict checkpoint system that can be frustrating. Dying results in losing 10% of in-game currency and requires replaying sections. The high, unchangeable difficulty and single, auto-saving file are criticized.

The Ultimate Edition includes two expansions: _Foundation_ (June 2020) and _AWE_ (August 2020). _Foundation_ is a post-game adventure in a sealed area, noted for weaker world-building and a less engaging story. _AWE_ is an improvement, featuring decent world-building and a creepy antagonist, but benefits from prior knowledge of _Alan Wake_.

The Ultimate Edition update added cheat modes to address difficulty concerns. However, the loot system remains mediocre, with many mods being ineffective.