The story and gameplay mechanics is enough to keep you going. The gamepad controls using XBOX Series Controller are great and movement is easy. Can't comment on keyboard/mouse. The world of Control is confusing but they went a bit too "realistic" and made the game actually confusing. It was hard to enjoy at certain times. There is weak cognitive correlation in the game where it is difficult for the player to identify which action results to what. You are left guessing what to do more than half the time with vague and poorly worded missions. Some items needed to complete a mission are ridiculously hidden beyond the line of sight and there is no natural way for the player to look towards that direction. Whether the game devs thought they were being clever or not, it was unnecessarily frustrating for what's supposed to be a simple side-mission (i.e. Burn the Trash). It wasn't even a "puzzle". The item placement was just simply stupid. The game has very poor navigation aid and the map greatly adds to the confusion with no identifiable legends to mark different floor levels in the same area leading you to go around in circles for a good amount of time. For anyone looking for a game to chill to, this is probably not it. Losing 10% of money every death also makes it a game with lots of grinding. If you're not willing to dedicate the time to it, you will likely be heading to YouTube a lot.
Ignore the salty ones who are probably in their 40s and cannot accept a modernising game. You cannot review a reboot based on the original's merit. It is called a "reboot" for a reason. Graphics is as good as it could get back in 2013. Game looks gorgeous even in 2021 and I still envy whatever hair conditioner Lara is using. Those crying about the "graphical violence" probably never played any new game after 2005. Weapons and combat system are typical of the modern TPP action games with QTEs. 4 main upgradable weapons and 1 melee. Platforming is mostly around jumping, holding onto ledges, and climbing craggy walls with the ice axe. Main game puzzles can be a drab sometimes (particularly the jammed elevator and the hanging cage towards the end) but the tomb puzzles are more creative and fun. They probably overdid it a bit with the collectibles as it felt there were too many different things to collect but all just provide XP in terms of rewards. Story is pretty average but I like how they mixed the realistic elements with the supernatural. Voice acting is superb. The UI for the menus can be clunky which is the -1 star. Played using XBOX Series X|S controller and support is out of the box in Win10. Controls are intuitive and capture the console gameplay. I only play with a gamepad on PC so I cannot comment on mouse/keyboard. Games like these are best experienced on a gamepad anyway. Overall a game that can hold its ground with current/newgen titles. Best to grab during sale.
"Even this stove seems to regret being here." - Edward Carnby Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare gives a sinister atmosphere with its dialogue and unnerving music score. Exploring the Morton Manor unravels the tragedy that befell the Morton family. Their journals tell a tale of their descent to obssession and insanity. The World of Darkness itself is less memorable which is the -1 star but the narrative and puzzles in the Manor make up for it. Definitely worth playing for any survival horror fan. One of the best from Infogrames.
