Control Ultimate Edition

A disappointing ending to the confusing beginning of a potentially interesting series. Anybody who thinks this story is "great" has no idea what a story even is. This is a disjointed mess of "cool and mysterious" things and events that never go anywhere. The game asks dozens of questions, maybe more, and leaves them hanging. Not because there are answers to be found or to leave things to the player's interpretation, but because there are no answers at all. The elements of this "narrative" are just constructed to evoke a sense of mystery from a person, and that is all. The levitating and other special abilities are cool, but the shooting gameplay never goes anywhere all that amazing. This game is worth a purchase at $15.

I kind of stumbled on Control as I had not heard of it before (shame on me) and had pretty low expectation on enjoyment and engagement. I was totally wrong. Like all good games with certain depth, Control is a game best enjoyed slowly, taking in and savoring the moments. The story builds-up and the first few hours can feel a bit slow and less meaningful before the shooting meshes with the story. There is an interesting sci-fi story layered on top of a very good shooter with a few unique and innovative mechanics and the acting quality is superb. Level design absolutely stands out from other games and size of levels are both detailed while massive to get lost in and vary greatly such as the Rock Quarry and the labyrinth. Fighting is not impossibly difficult or frustrating except a few boss fights in side missions. But it makes one come back for more as the weapons can be tailored and upgraded regularly. The game developers know when to break away the tension with hilarious moments like cleaning up coffee mugs. There are "multimedia" files strewn around the facility which depict Federal Bureau of Control employees giving instructional, educational or singing on camera (Dr. Darling I'm looking at you). Overall, a very enjoyable, engaging, creative and original game elevated by good script, acting and singing (yeah, I'd buy it again just for the Sony Walkman and mix-tape moment). Definitely recommended, even at full price.

The game has an excellent story from beginning to end. Sometimes it has parts and scenarios that are scary. Its graphic section is perfect. the Gunplay is the best I have played in many years. If you want a different experience, this game I recommend it 100%.

TL;DR - It's worth playing the campaign for the experience, but I'm not sure I'll be back for the replay. This is a polished gaming experience. It's immersive until you realize that the enemies are... zombies. Yes, this is another zombie invasion game. The story helps to stave off reality until it becomes a device to further the game's mechanics. I'm giving Control 4 stars largely because the trappings are crafted with such care. The gameplay itself is fun. Levitating and tossing stuff around like a Jedi Knight is undeniably exciting for the first few hundred pitches. But the real value is the game-world itself. The details included in the puzzles and explorable areas--the notes you pick up while trying to figure out what started the cataclysm, the guffaw-worthy video reels playing in the deserted spaces (I'm sure they're deserted so you don't feel embarrassed to spend 3 min watching a guy make a fool of himself spouting trekno-babble)--all combine to keep you moving through the campaign, even as the fights and story wear thin. In spite of the predictable fights, you won't always get what you expect. There are hidden gems of inexplicable mayhem that will delight you. It's got action, adventure, paranormal events, morbid humor, and a touch of horror. It's not a fairy tale, so don't expect it to act like one. Control is enjoyable in it's own way, and it definitely takes it's own route to the finish line.

Graphics: great Gameplay: fun, enough variety to not get old, although most guns suck Story: I typical case of "The king is naked" - people praise it because it is weird and different, but in reality it just does not make any sense. I loved Alan Wake and Quantum Break stories. Value: worth it on sale Personally, I am disappointed, expected way more given the universal praise. I guess I am a sucker for good story with good presentation.