Should You Play Control in 2025? A Review of Its Worth

Released in 2019, Control quickly became a standout title, praised for its masterful combination of psychological horror elements and supernatural abilities. With its gripping narrative centered on Jesse Faden’s quest to locate her brother, the game immerses players in a world steeped in mystery and intrigue.

Available on platforms like PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, Control was celebrated as one of the year’s most visually striking games. However, as time passes, many games lose their allure. The question arises: does Control remain compelling in 2025? This article delves into the reasons why this game continues to be relevant and engaging.

A Narrative That Endures

The narrative holds up well (Image via Remedy Entertainment)
The narrative holds up well (Image via Remedy Entertainment)

The storyline of Control focuses on Jesse Faden, who becomes the new director of the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC). Her mission to find her long-lost brother, Dylan, draws her into an eerie and ever-shifting building where she encounters cryptic documents, unsettling audio recordings, and bizarre locations that deepen the mystery. This is a prime example of the environmental storytelling for which Remedy Entertainment is renowned.

The game immerses players in a rich narrative filled with elements of psychological horror. The presence of the Hiss—a parasitic entity controlling people’s minds—creates a chilling atmosphere that Jesse must navigate using the unique powers she acquires throughout her journey.

Supernatural Gameplay Experience

Players can enhance their abilities through skill points (Image via Remedy Entertainment)
Players can enhance their abilities through skill points (Image via Remedy Entertainment)

Control combines traditional third-person shooter mechanics with an impressive array of supernatural powers, enhancing combat dynamics. Throughout her expedition in the FBC, Jesse harnesses abilities such as levitation for strategic escapes, telekinesis for offensive maneuvers, and mind control to turn enemies against one another.

This diverse selection of powers ensures that encounters remain dynamic and engaging. The game features an array of foes, from levitating foes to those that explode upon proximity. Such variety contributes to an exhilarating gameplay experience that continues to capture players’ interest years after its release.

Stunning Performance and Visuals

The game still looks amazing (Image via Remedy Entertainment)
The game still looks amazing (Image via Remedy Entertainment)

Upon its release, Control was hailed as one of the most visually captivating titles from the previous console generation. While it initially ran at a consistent 30 FPS at 1080p resolution, players encountered some drawbacks, such as prolonged asset loading times and limited anisotropic filtering due to hardware limitations. However, enhancements for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S brought significant upgrades.

The upgraded versions now support a stable 60 FPS and higher resolution, providing a smoother gaming experience and addressing previous graphical issues, making the game visually stunning on next-gen consoles.

Why You Should Consider Playing in 2025

The game is still worth playing in 2025 (Image via Remedy Entertainment)
The game is still worth playing in 2025 (Image via Remedy Entertainment)

Is Control still a worthwhile experience in 2025? Absolutely! The game’s compelling narrative and intricate environmental storytelling continue to captivate players, drawing them into its enigmatic world. The gameplay, while fundamentally straightforward, remains fresh and exhilarating due to the diverse supernatural abilities that prevent monotony during combats.

Visually, Control maintains its appeal, especially with the upgraded versions available for modern consoles, offering enhanced frame rates and resolution for optimal performance. For those looking to experience the game at its finest, the next-gen release is highly recommended.

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