Control

Remedy’s Control is a game of extremes. With some stellar highs, and some frustrating lows, Control kept me engaged for its entire playtime, but not necessarily for the right reasons. With amazing world building and a subtle sense of humor, Remedy has constructed something that feels both astonishing and grounded, and nothing like the funhouse I was expecting. Sadly, some severe technical and balance issues mar what is otherwise a stunning franchise debut.

Control is a third-person action-adventure game combining Remedy's trademark gunplay with supernatural abilities.

Despite the many criticisms lobbed in my original review of Control , I actually really liked the game. The world-building, character development, and sharp right turns into the bizarre corners of The Oldest House have secured Control a place of high standing in my estimation. I also love throwing stuff around, and Control is aces at wanton psychic destruction. But upon release, I did take issue with the punishing checkpoint system and Control’s many technical difficulties – not the least of which was the fact that when you unpause the game, the framerate has to “gear up” from single digits to an acceptable level. While a lot of Control’s issues have been cleaned up with post-release patches (the map is so much better!), these two problems persist. So yes, I enjoy this game, but let’s be real – Control is still Control.

A weird game, with a great, original story which is very refreshing these days, with a bizarre sense of humour and generally mind-bending plotlines. Solid gameplay, solid protagonist, even the side characters are interesting. Progression system is well balanced and you genuinely feel powerful once you start upgrading. Honestly worth full price just for the Threshold Kids (you'll see what I mean). And live-action cutscenes dotted around the place which is, again, refreshing and endearing; it shows the developers really cared about making something good. And boy did they succeed. It's a shame more people aren't talking about this game. It's one of the best I've played in years.

As a long time Remedy fan (loved Max Payne, Alan Wake and Quantum Break), I came into Control already sold. Best part is Control has exceeded my expectations by delivering the best parts of Remedy's previous games and pulled it all together with a crazy story that would be at home on the original seasons of the X-Files. My only negative would be the map is mostly useless so finding your way around can be a chore at times. Otherwise I highly recommend to fans of Remedy and/or mind bending stories.