Control
After a secretive agency in New York is invaded by an otherworldly threat, you become the new Director struggling to regain Control. This supernatural 3rd person action-adventure will challenge you to master the combination of supernatural abilities, modifiable loadouts, and reactive environments while fighting through a deep and unpredictable world. Control is Jesse Faden's story. The main plot focuses on her personal search for answers as she grows into the role of the Director. The world of Control has its own story, as do the allies Jesse meets along the way. Side-quests and Secrets are everywhere. Jesse works with other Bureau agents, decodes cryptic ciphers and discovers strange Bureau experiments. Explore diverse environments and shifting architecture in a deep unpredictable world, set within a sprawling New York building.
Steam User 85
It begins with a place that shouldn’t exist.
A space suspended between silence and static, where the air hums like a distant frequency only half-heard.
Walls shift when you’re not looking. Corridors fold in on themselves like paper, rewriting their own blueprints. Light flickers in staccato bursts, casting shadows that dance in shapes your mind refuses to name.
Here, questions multiply like echoes in an endless chamber. Each one heavier, stranger, more impossible than the last. Desks lie scattered with reports written in languages you half-understand. Files breathe secrets. Objects quiver with invisible purpose.
Reality fractures into shards of crimson light and floating debris. Time stretches thin, elastic, threatening to snap. And you keep moving, because standing still feels like sinking into quicksand woven from secrets and lies.
A voice calls to you—not loud, but certain. Like the center of a labyrinth whispering the way out… or deeper in.
Powers crackle in trembling hands. Forces once unimaginable ripple outward, bending the world to your will. Yet with each new gift comes the creeping dread that you’re not controlling anything at all—but merely being used.
You become the hunter and the hunted, the weapon and the wound. Each room a puzzle. Each object a story. The floor beneath you quakes as if alive, walls pulsing with hidden veins.
Yet even in chaos, there’s elegance.
Geometries align in impossible perfection. Floating concrete slabs hover with quiet grace. Blood-red light spills like velvet across sterile white walls, turning fear into something almost beautiful.
And you learn, piece by piece, that sometimes control is just the illusion we cling to while the unknown remakes us into something we no longer recognize.
Steam User 65
Go into the game blind.
There's not enough good things I can say about this game. If we see a better more inventive game than Control in our lifetime, we'll be lucky. It's basically perfect. Best video game story since Half Life, IMO.
Steam User 48
Every time it gets dull, it gets fun again! Lots of fun powers and an atmosphere just off-putting enough to maintain suspense. Enemy leveling is a tough one though as you never feel invincible, though that also keeps it interesting.
Steam User 35
So, after probably a year, I was finally able to complete Control.
"Control" is a game that demands time and attention. It doesn’t tolerate rushing, but it rewards you for immersing yourself in its world. The game is crafted brilliantly: graphics, gameplay, atmosphere — everything is top-notch.
1) The Main Game
The main campaign is a highlight of the experience. Exploring every corner of the Oldest House feels rewarding, as each location has its own unique style and meaning. One of the standout features is how the game doesn’t hold your hand. There’s always a mission to guide you, but how you approach it is entirely up to you. Sooner or later, by exploring the vast environment, you’ll naturally progress through the story.
The game also introduces mechanics gradually, immersing you deeper into its strange and fascinating world. Boss battles are memorable, and the locations are diverse, encouraging curiosity and exploration.
2) DLC: The Foundation
"The Foundation" is an excellent DLC that expands the story and adds new mechanics. However, be prepared to do a lot of running, as you’ll essentially need to explore the map twice if you’re aiming for achievements or collectibles. Despite the extra effort, this DLC feels like a natural extension of the base game, offering even more depth to the world of Control.
3) DLC: AWE
Unfortunately, "AWE" didn’t resonate with me as much as the rest of the game. This DLC leans heavily into the Alan Wake universe, creating a darker, flashlight-focused experience. While technically well-executed, the constant gloom and reliance on light mechanics felt repetitive to me. That said, it’s a short DLC, so it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Fans of Alan Wake might appreciate the crossover elements more than I did.
Overall Experience
All three parts of the game — the main campaign, "The Foundation," and "AWE" — work together harmoniously to create a cohesive and captivating experience. Visually, the game still looks stunning, though some filters may make certain areas feel slightly dated if you look too closely.
The community around the game is fantastic, with players taking full advantage of the photo mode to capture breathtaking screenshots. This adds another layer of appreciation for the game’s atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, "Control" is a masterclass in storytelling, level design, and atmosphere. While some DLCs may appeal more to specific audiences, the overall package is a must-play for fans of action-adventure games. Whether you’re drawn to its mysterious plot, its satisfying combat, or its eerie yet beautiful world, "Control" offers an unforgettable journey into the unknown.
Steam User 39
The worst thing about this game is that I can only play it for the first time once.
(ive played it on playstation and on epic games and hoping to finish a full replay on steam soon)
Steam User 81
Control presents a carefully crafted visual design and atmosphere. However, the storytelling feels overly complex and rushed, making it difficult for players to form an emotional connection. The constant reliance on mystery is intriguing at first but gradually loses its impact due to repetition. The excessive number of documents frequently interrupts the flow of action, creating a sense of tonal imbalance. Despite the presence of DLSS support, occasional FPS drops still occur, highlighting areas for technical improvement. That said, Remedy’s creative vision and bold approach are commendable. I’d love to see this universe return in a more refined form.
Steam User 36
Hands down one of the best games I've ever played. Don't read up on lore or anything. Just go in blind and you'll have a great time.