Control seems to have an odd but undeniably compelling narrative, a la Alan Wake, while boasting intense combat that hearkens back to Remedy's Max Payne roots. The result is an experience that eschews the narrative experiment that was Quantum Break's pauses to watch live-action television and focuses on keeping you rooted in its Brutalist game world at all times. It's an appealing mix, and one that feels very welcome in a gaming landscape lorded over by looter shooters and open worlds. Stay tuned for much more on Control; I'm very keen to learn more.
How do you describe your favourite games to your friends who haven't seen them?
"The new God of War? It's like Thor from the Avengers has roid rage – it's mint." "You've never heard of Sleeping Dogs? It's like John Woo made The Raid 2 – dead underrated."
But with Control – the latest from Remedy Entertainment, the serial mind-melters behind Alan Wake and Quantum Break – you're going to have a lot more explaining on your hands.
Considering how much major publishers whine about the difficulties of creating brand new franchises it's odd how smaller companies never seem to have as much problem with the concept. Following the lukewarm reception to Quantum Break, Finnish developer Remedy would've been excused for playing things safe – making a sequel to Alan Wake or perhaps doing contract work for a big publisher – but instead they've created Control, and it may well be the best thing they've ever done.
Very high praise in the previews, exciting!