After its surprise reveal Control has quickly managed to occupy the minds and hearts of gamers around the globe. Many are drawn into its mysterious setting and with details still scarce at this point, many questions are raised. What exactly is the Oldest House? Why is Faden’s pistol changing form? Remedy’s reputation as a developer of great action games with a compelling narrative should put people at ease though. Right after the reveal of the game, the studio has been busy with interviews and behind closed doors demos. A few gaming websites already published their article. Some containing new details I’ve collected for you here.
Control gets compared a lot to Quantum Break and that is fully understandable (as it’s sharing the same technology – the Northlight Engine). But unlike Quantum Break, Control does not feature a TV show component. While not only visually resembling its predecessor, Control also gives the player supernatural abilities. Quantum Break’s Jack Joyce’s powers where focused on time manipulation, Control’s main character seems to be able to grab and move objects scattered in the world. These can be used as a shield to protect yourself from gunfire or as a projectile to shoot towards enemies.
The changing form of the Director pistol is hinting that the weapon can change shape and function. Possibly as the player progresses through the game, new attacks and abilities will open up. Developers demoing the game described the weapon as King Arthur’s Excalibur; Only someone worthy of its power can wield it. Y ou will discover the Service Weapon early in the game and have to overcome a trial to prove that you are the rightful wielder of the gun. Not much else has been said about its capabilities but we might learn more during today’s Playstation Demo.
“The Hiss, a strange force that has invaded our reality and corrupted Bureau workers.” – IGN
The main enemy in the game is a supernatural force called The Hiss. We do not know yet what form it takes or what abilities it has. However, it is capable of taking over objects, persons and deforming the surrounding space. When taken over by The Hiss, enemies (Federal agents of the Bureau) appear to turn into ghouls .
“Gameplay-wise, Remedy describes Control as an “open-ended sandbox experience.” – IGN
The game’s website is stating “Side-quests and Secrets are everywhere.” Many gamers are confused as to how Remedy is planning to incorporate this when The Oldest House is just one building. First things first. The Oldest House is just another name for the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Control located in New York. It’s shifting architecture and its unpredictable nature is creating a world within a singular location. Rooms appear much larger through pulsating and shifting geometry, creating a dreamlike construction (Inception, anyone?). You are able to levitate and venture into new areas of the building. As you go and make your way through the open-world, you can stumble onto challenges and/or side quests. Many of which are said to be very challenging but also rewarding.
It all adds to the mysterious atmosphere and sci-fi narrative Remedy is aiming for. All in all the game is looking superb and has managed to grab the interest of many. We’re expecting even more details to emerge from today’s gameplay presentation at the E3 Colosseum PlayStation demo. So stay frosty!