Users wrote

Reviewers consistently praise Control for its unique world and telekinetic combat set in the Oldest House, with many noting connects to Remedy’s Alan Wake. The visuals and atmosphere are frequently highlighted, including striking art direction and RTX lighting. DLCs like AWE and Foundation are seen as strong additions that expand the Remedy universe, with the Ashtray Maze standing out. Common criticisms focus on PC texture loading and performance issues, a maze-like map with backtracking, and some finding the story too lore-heavy or difficult to follow.

Last updated: 2026-03-05

Most Mentioned Advantages

• Powerful telekinesis and dynamic combat (28 mentions) - Players can throw objects, levitate, and launch enemies, creating a satisfying power fantasy. The powers connect with regular gunplay to produce varied combat sequences. The power curve makes Jesse feel stronger as the game progresses. Many reviews call this the strongest aspect of Control.
• Atmosphere, lore, and Remedy universe connections (25 mentions) - Reviewers praise the Oldest House, its brutalist design, and the mysterious world-building. The game frequently references Remedy’s other works, especially Alan Wake, creating a notable connection for fans. The story and lore reward players who read collectibles and explore. The setting's atmosphere is described as memorable and unique.
• Stunning visuals and art direction (20 mentions) - Visuals are widely praised, with many noting the detailed environments and striking art style. The game uses ray tracing and impressive lighting to achieve a cinematic look. Some reviews call it among the best-looking Remedy titles; others mention uncanny valley in facial animation but the visuals still stand out. The overall aesthetic is described as immersive and distinctive.
• Destructible environments and physics-based gameplay (18 mentions) - Destructible environments and physics empower the player to manipulate surroundings during fights. Telekinesis interacts with the environment to create dynamic, cinematic moments. The interaction with objects is a core part of combat and exploration. Reviewers highlight this as a signature feature that sets Control apart from many shooters.
• DLC content and Ashtray Maze as standout additions (16 mentions) - The AWE and Foundation DLCs add substantial new areas, story threads, and mechanics, and some reviews highlight the Ashtray Maze as a memorable highlight. The DLCs connect to Alan Wake and expand the Remedy-Verse. Players discuss that the DLCs offer meaningful content without overshadowing the base game. The DLCs are cited as a strong reason to revisit or extend playtime.

Most Mentioned Disadvantages

• Texture loading issues and PC performance problems (18 mentions) - Numerous reviews report textures failing to load or loading slowly, which breaks immersion. Some players experience stuttering and low frame rates, especially with ray tracing enabled. Several reviews mention the PC port is poorly optimized and may require tweaks or mods. This is a common drawback cited by many players.
• Backtracking and confusing map/navigation (14 mentions) - Many players complain about frequent backtracking and a maze-like map that is hard to navigate. There are reports of missing or unclear quest markers and floors, making progression slow. The absence of helpful zoom or floor-specific map features compounds this issue. This can disrupt pacing and exploration.
• Story can be confusing or overly lore-heavy (12 mentions) - Several reviews find the story hard to follow without reading all notes and logs, which can be exhausting. Some experience pacing issues due to lore dumps and side missions interrupting flow. A number of players describe the ending as abrupt or unsatisfying. The overall narrative is praised by some but criticized by others for being opaque.
• Repetitive late-game combat and limited enemy variety (11 mentions) - A number of reviews note repeated enemy types and waves that become repetitive. Some say the boss and standard enemy balance can feel tanky or unengaging. The weapon and upgrade system is described as basic or underwhelming by several players. These factors can diminish long-term engagement.
• Bugs and stability issues (9 mentions) - Several reviews mention bugs and stability issues, including occasional crashes or glitches during the campaign. Some players report texture or loading-related problems that persist across patches. These issues contribute to a more uneven experience for some players. The experience varies depending on hardware and settings.

Compared Games

• Alan Wake (15 mentions) - Explicit references to Alan Wake and the shared Remedy-Verse; the Alan Wake DLC is considered an important link.
• Half-Life (4 mentions) - Described as SCP meets Half-Life by some reviewers, noting a mix of environmental storytelling and science-fiction vibes.
• Infamous (4 mentions) - Compared to Infamous for its hero-style powers and action and the sense of a power fantasy.
• Max Payne (2 mentions) - Compared to Remedy’s Max Payne as a benchmark for Remedy’s style and storytelling within a Remedy-Verse context.