Control Reviews
Control is another game from Remedy that does exactly what you'd expect from Remedy. It's a little off-kilter, but thoughtful and meticulously written. It's a little janky (sometimes a lot janky), but its mechanics amount to solid junk food when everything is functioning as intended. Control is definitely a step back into "AA" territory after the big ambitions that powered Quantum Break, but frankly this is exactly the sort of space Remedy excels in. While it can be rough at times, Control is like a paperback novel you pick up to kill some time, then unexpectedly find a lot of intrigue and charm.
Control is a mesmerising dive into the warped world of the supernatural that sets a new high bar for world design alongside its bizarre, yet compelling story, and power fantasy combat.
Control thrills with action-packed battles and a mystical setting, but stumbles over his high ambitions.
Review in German | Read full review
Control is Remedy's best game in nearly twenty years, and easily one of the best games of 2019.
If Remedy decides to leave the history of the Bureau "in isolation", or expand it in the future, we still cannot know it: the hope, of course, is that the Old House represents only a first step in this strange, crazy and beautiful universe.
Review in Italian | Read full review
In spite of itself Control still winds up being an enjoyable unique feeling action game that isn’t like anything else on the market right now, and won’t take up a ton of your time.
Remedy Entertainment's latest game, Control, continues to embrace the weirdness that has permeated in the studio's past titles but fails to excel in any one area.
A gripping descent into something between alternate history and fever dream, realised beautifully in audiovisual flair, and lacking just slightly in the combat itself.
Control is one of Remedy Entertainment’s greatest achievements. As a shooter, it’s lovingly satisfying to play, as all of its mechanics mesh to create a slick, supernatural explosion of paranormal powers and eclectic gunplay. Combine that with open-ended exploration and the package is nearing excellence. So it’s a shame the narrative can be needlessly muddled, stewing at a slow pace before rocketing towards a conclusion that sadly doesn’t feel earned in the end.
Control is a worthwhile heir to Remedy's past while forging a bright vision for the future.
Control is a true Remedy experience, with some nervous and satisfying action, fantastic story and narrative elements, and stimulating exploration... And that very wird touch that makes it unique. And very good.
Review in French | Read full review
Control is Remedy at the height of its abilities. Finally, the studio's expert handling of tone and story is met with gameplay that's just as engaging and refined. As an experiment in nonlinear world design, Control doesn't just stick with tried-and-true waypoints and forests. Its Oldest House is a brutalist masterpiece, and the characters inhabiting it are just as unforgettable. All told, it's going to be one of the most memorable games of the year.
With its everything-but-the-kitchen-sink imagination, Control is as much a thrilling paean to human curiosity as it is a warning of its numerous casualties.
Thanks to poor "bigger is better" design choices, technical gaffes, obtuse exploration, a bromidic narrative, and zero atmosphere, Control is soul-crushingly disappointing, and a mere shadow of the studio's far superior Alan Wake.
Control is an intriguing, fascinating experience. The third-person action, while slick and elegant, is perhaps a little pedestrian - but the completely bonkers story and the rewarding sense of exploration and discovery help cement Control as one of Remedy's best games.
Solid action-adventure chops and a super central gameplay gimmick just about smooth over Control's rough edges. If you ignore the story and focus on the combat, you'll have a great time.
Control is a slick and stylish win for Remedy, their best work yet. With strong combat, an engaging story and striking visuals, Control is a masterclass in both style and substance. It's abstract, it's bold, and it's wicked fun.
I like my games well written, their worlds interesting and their game play fun. Control more than accomplishes this.
Flaws and shortcomings in Control are utterly few and far between, while the gameplay is highly satisfying and fun. The world Remedy created is full of intrigue from the get-go and stays enthralling throughout. Barring any major surprises, Control is my personal game of the year for 2019.