Control Reviews Roundup -- What Are The Critics Saying?

Control is Remedy's latest game, following in the footsteps of supernatural thrillers like Quantum Break. This one puts you in the role of Jesse Faden, in her first day as the director of the Department of Control just as the bureau is invaded by a strange, ethereal threat.

Remedy has gained a reputation for its dark tones and cinematic presentations, and Control is no different. But critics appear to agree that Control is an especially good example of what the studio can do. In GameSpot's Control review, Peter Brown says the game is so good it actually makes him want to go back and play past Remedy games.

Many other outlets have published their Control reviews as well. We've gathered a smattering of them below to give a view from around the industry. For an even broader look, check out GameSpot's sister site Metacritic.

• Game: Control
• Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
• Developer: Remedy Entertainment
• Release date: August 27
• Price: $60 / £45 / $84 AUD

If you're planning to pick up Control, the game is already on sale at Amazon, where you can get the PS4 version for $50.94 and the Xbox One version for $49.94. A Labor Day deal at Target, and price-matched at Amazon, can bring it down to $38.

Pre-order Control on Amazon

GameSpot -- 8/10

"It's not often that a game invades my thoughts the way Control has. I'm at the point where I want to consume every last thing it has to offer. And if I'm honest, it also makes me want to go back and replay Remedy's past games, too. Sure, it's a faulty metroidvania in some respects, but there are so many exceptional qualities afoot that Control handily deflects any momentary ire. I can't wait to take part in discussions about the game, to see what others have figured out, and to better understand where it all fits into Jesse's story." -- Peter Brown [Full review]

ScreenRant -- 4.5/5

"Control is both a departure for Remedy Games and a familiar warm blanket for fans of their previous work. It beautifully combines the developer's trademark pillars – deep storytelling and high-adrenaline gun combat – within a whole new shell of exploration-based gameplay and a whole universe of deeply fascinating lore. There are many stories to be told within the realm of the Federal Bureau of Control; Jesse Faden's adventure in The Oldest House is just one of them." -- Zak Wojnar [Full review]

GamesRadar -- 4.5/5

"But, make up your own mind, because no matter what you think of the ending, a game like this is a glorious rarity. Don't do yourself a disservice by reading any more into Control. Go in unaware, revel in its madness, and never take a corridor at face value. That's the best way to serve up - and regaining - Control." -- Sam Loveridge [Full review]

PC Gamer -- 88/100

"Control's thin protagonist and abrupt ending are propped up by an abundance of mystery, wonder, and glorious room-destroying combat." -- James Davenport [Full review]

Critical Hit -- 8.5/10

"Control is an intriguing, fascinating experience. The third-person action, while slick and elegant, is perhaps a little pedestrian - but the completely bonkers story and the rewarding sense of exploration and discovery help cement Control as one of Remedy's best games." -- Geoffrey Tim [Full review]

USGamer -- 4/5

"Control continues the basic formula that Remedy Entertainment has been playing with for all these years—third-person action with a hint of unreality—but it feels like the studio has reached its final form. ... The dialog is still odd, and the mission structure can be obtuse at times, but Control is great. With the Oldest House and Federal Bureau of Control at its back, Remedy Entertainment has fully realized a place where all its game development quirks finally fit." -- Mike Williams [Full review]

Twinfinite -- 3.5/5

"If Remedy just let Control get a little bit weirder, and fully leaned into its Metroidvania inspired gameplay, it could have been something really special. Sadly that never happens, but in spite of itself Control still winds up being an enjoyable unique feeling action game that isn’t like anything else on the market right now, and won’t take up a ton of your time." -- Ed McGlone [Full review]

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