Summary
Remedy Entertainment’sControlmarked a new era for the developer in a number of ways in 2019.After the somewhat uneven reception of its previous release,Quantum Break, and the ensuing IP ownership issues with Microsoft, the studio forged ahead withControl. The title introduced players to an SCP-flavored setting and story that contained many of Remedy’s signature traits. It also was the first game that united the studio’s other properties under a larger shared world labeled the Remedy Connected Universe.Controlconnected to theAlan Wakefranchise though its final DLC, and set the stage for both to carry forward under this united vision.
When Remedy launchedAlan Wake 2last year, it highlighted its switch from the original’s action-adventure design into the survival horror genre. Now, it seems the developer is doing something similar, as it recently announced thatControl 2will be an “action RPG.” While this might sound rather vague on the surface, it nevertheless provides some possible clues as to how Remedy intends toiterate onControl 2, and what it might mean for its gameplay designs.
Remedy is also working on amultiplayerControlentry,FBC: Firebreak, set for release next year. It will be available on Xbox Game Pass and Playstation Plus on day-one.
How Control 2’s Switch to An ‘Action RPG’ Could Impact Its Gameplay
Control Is Mostly a Third-Person Action-Adventure
At its core,Controlis essentially a third-person shooter. Players are armed with the versatile Service Weapon that functions as a variety of standard roles, like pistol, shotgun, and sniper rifle.Protagonist Jesse Fadenalso makes use of a range of supernatural powers like telekinesis and levitation that complement the shooting and impart an excellent sense of power fantasy. Fans unlock a couple of other powers during the course of a plot as well, with these all being doled out in a fairly linear manner.
Control’s level design is also highly reminiscent of aMetroidvania game. Though the Oldest House may not be the most massive of maps, it is densely packed. There are optional encounters and secrets to uncover, many of which require paying close attention to the environment and extensive backtracking.
It should be noted thatControldoes contain some RPG-adajacent elements. Jesse has a set of skill trees through which fans can upgrade the Service Weapon and her powers, choosing to focus on the ones they prefer. Players can also equip personal mods that impart some extra bonuses like damage buffs and improved recharge rates. But these were pretty limited in the grand scheme of things, and not as in-depth as the genre normally goes. IfControl 2embraces RPG aspects more heavily, as Remedy states, it is likely to go much further with these and potentially other areas too.
How Control 2’s Gameplay Might Morph Into a More Rounded RPG Experience
Controlwas already quite action-oriented, but by explicitly invoking the RPG genre, Remedy could be signaling an intent to give fans much more freedom in how they can approach eitherControl 2’s mechanics and story.Control 2could encompass a couple of the genre components that either weren’t present in the original, or have room to be greatly expanded upon. This may include items like:
Though this all remains speculation for the moment, it is intriguing to consider what exactly Remedy means by the sequel being more of an action RPG, and how this choice will alter or expand the first game’s base design. Regardless,Control 2’s future is looking bright, and hopefully Remedy provides more details soon about what this change will actually impact.
Control
WHERE TO PLAY
Winner of over 80 awards, Control is a visually stunning third-person action-adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Blending open-ended environments with the signature world-building and storytelling of renowned developer, Remedy Entertainment, Control presents an expansive and intensely gratifying gameplay experience.A corruptive presence has invaded the Federal Bureau of Control…Only you have the power to stop it. The world is now your weapon in an epic fight to annihilate an ominous enemy through deep and unpredictable environments. Containment has failed, humanity is at stake. Will you regain control?Can you handle the bureau’s dark secrets? Unfold an epic supernatural struggle, filled with unexpected characters and bizarre events, as you search for your missing brother, and discover the truth that has brought you here.
