Control - Proof of the new title from Remedy Entertainment

Today we were guests in the studios of Digital Bros to experience the long-awaited Control di Remedy Entrateiment. Public expectations for the title are very high, so we couldn't wait to try the work firsthand to get a clearer idea of ​​what awaits us. Here, our test was very long, giving us the opportunity to learn more about what will then be expanded in the main campaign. The title is certainly very ambitious, with a 'claustrophobic atmosphere and a style defined as "brutalist". The whole story, which we will go into further on, will focus on a specific building. Don't be afraid though, since the latter is changeable and able to offer truly surprising views.

Mysterious entities

The incipit of the main plot is as simple as it is effective: a mysterious entity called Elevator in the building took control of the FBC (Federal Bureau of Control), a secret American federal body, whose purpose is to investigate precisely these paranormal activities. Our protagonist is called Jesse Feden, who will see truly gigantic responsibilities fall upon him. The former director of the FBC died under mysterious circumstances, Jesse will suddenly take his chosen post from his place of work. This is certainly a case that intrigues the user, as it is one of the main mysteries within the experience. The Hiss not only took control of the building, controlling floors and changing its corridors and rooms at will, but even the employees themselves have become something of a monster aiming to keep control of the area.

Although the basic storyline will be centered around this, Control has a large number of well-written subplots, intriguing and all to be discovered, as well as a good dose of environmental lore hidden very well but which can be easily understood by a more attentive eye. So, in the corridors of the FBC, the story of Jesse will constantly evolve, but as usual, the closer you get to solving a mystery, the more it thickens, leaving room for an insatiable desire for discovery. Unfortunately, however, we do not know anything else about the story, or rather, nothing that we want to spoil you on purpose, because we can assure you that certain things will be better discovered pad in hand (since they are an integral part of the experience).

One weapon, a thousand resources

As obvious as it is, central element of the experience is the gameplay. While it may seem like a fairly common style of play, we can assure you that Remedy's work in terms of depth is to be commended. In fact, our protagonist, despite the basic weapon being only one, can change its nature thus going to exploit a huge variety of guns, each freely modifiable through specific materials and mods. Unfortunately, however, you can only equip two types of weapons at a time, but this function is really useful for giving a more strategic approach to everything, since situations vary from time to time. The bullets will be infinite: their function is linked to the energy of the weapon, which in turn will go to recharge autonomously also quite quickly.

To all this there are also the powers of Jesse. In our test, which started from chapter 3, we only had the telekinesis it's a'shock wave. We later got one too short shot it's one shield, both unlockable using the relative optional challenges. These skills can also be expanded, through the use of skill points which can also boost the character's normal stats, such as increasing damage, reload speed or health. Control, although it may seem quite linear, I follow a more God of War style, that is a large map that can be explored but which follows very specific tracks. As you go on you will get useful improvements to access areas previously impossible to visit, a function that significantly increases the amount of hours of the game if you want to dedicate yourself to strengthening the protagonist.

Control not only follows the main story, but is also divided between side missions, optional activities and challenges. Each of these tasks will confer specific rewards, which will then be fundamental to exponentially increase your power. In all this, however, there is a wrong note, which a little more than a month after the official release risks being a big weak link: we tried the title on PS4, and we must reluctantly say that it suffers from heavy drops in frame rate that , especially in the most chaotic moments, they heavily slow down the experience, inevitably undermining it. However, we only encountered this problem in these phases; when, on the other hand, the number of enemies on the screen is limited, you still enjoy excellent fluidity (not perfect) and a respectable glance. All surrounded by explosions and particle effects well made and not at all cloying. Beyond this, the graphic quality is indisputable, with great facial animations and very realistic faces.

In conclusion we can say that Control is a title to keep an eye on, given that the release will take place at the end of August (more precisely on the 27th, on PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4), in a launch window that sees him as the undisputed protagonist. For now, net of a frame rate that risks ruining everything, we were very impressed with the game, the test left us with a lot of enthusiasm and controlling the game world is something wonderful. The setting reacts to our stimuli, becoming an integral part of an already rich and fun gameplay. The first impressions are therefore more than good, we hope not to have to think again in the review phase.