Is Control on PS5 Worth It? A Definitive Answer
Yes, Control on PS5 is absolutely worth it, especially if you haven’t experienced this mind-bending, visually stunning adventure before. The PS5 version, officially titled Control: Ultimate Edition, offers significant enhancements over its PS4 counterpart, including improved performance, crisper graphics, and the inclusion of all previously released DLC. For newcomers, it’s the definitive way to experience Remedy Entertainment’s critically acclaimed masterpiece. Even if you played Control on PS4, the upgrades are compelling enough to warrant a revisit.
What Makes Control So Special?
Control isn’t just another action game; it’s a meticulously crafted experience that blends a captivating narrative with engaging gameplay. You play as Jesse Faden, the new Director of the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC), a secret government agency tasked with containing and studying paranormal phenomena. The FBC headquarters, known as the Oldest House, is a constantly shifting, brutalist structure that’s as much a character as Jesse herself.
The story unfolds as Jesse investigates the Hiss, a mysterious and hostile force that has invaded the Oldest House. Armed with a shapeshifting Service Weapon and a growing array of telekinetic abilities, Jesse must fight to regain control and uncover the secrets hidden within the Bureau.
Compelling Narrative and World-Building
Control’s narrative is its strongest asset. It’s a slow burn, filled with intrigue, mystery, and unexpected twists. The game doesn’t spoon-feed you information; instead, it encourages you to explore, read documents, and listen to audio logs to piece together the full picture. The world-building is equally impressive, drawing inspiration from the SCP Foundation and other sources of paranormal lore. The Oldest House is a character in itself, its constantly changing architecture reflecting the chaotic forces at play.
Satisfying Gameplay and Abilities
Control’s gameplay is a potent mix of third-person shooting and telekinetic powers. Jesse can wield the Service Weapon, which can transform into various forms like a pistol, shotgun, or machine gun. In addition, she gains access to abilities like Launch (telekinesis), Shield, Levitate, and Mind Control. Combining these abilities in combat is incredibly satisfying, allowing for creative and dynamic encounters.
Control: Ultimate Edition on PS5 – A Significant Upgrade
The PS5 version of Control, the Ultimate Edition, brings several significant improvements over the PS4 version, making it the definitive way to play.
Performance and Visual Enhancements
The most noticeable upgrade is the vastly improved performance. Control on PS4 struggled with framerate dips, especially during intense combat sequences. On PS5, the game runs at a much more consistent and smoother framerate. The Ultimate Edition also offers two graphical modes:
- Performance Mode: Targets 60 frames per second with a lower resolution. This mode prioritizes smooth gameplay.
- Graphics Mode: Targets 30 frames per second with ray tracing enabled. This mode prioritizes visual fidelity, adding realistic reflections and lighting.
Both modes represent a significant visual upgrade over the base PS4 version. The textures are sharper, the lighting is more dynamic, and the overall presentation is much more polished.
All DLC Included
The Ultimate Edition includes both of Control’s expansions: The Foundation and AWE. These expansions add new areas to explore, new enemies to fight, and new story elements that expand the lore of the Control universe. The Foundation focuses on the mysteries of the Oldest House’s bedrock, while AWE brings Alan Wake into the Control universe, tying the two Remedy games together in a satisfying way.
Faster Loading Times
Thanks to the PS5’s lightning-fast SSD, loading times are dramatically reduced. Fast travel is nearly instantaneous, and you’ll spend less time waiting and more time playing. This significantly improves the overall flow of the game.
Is it Worth Upgrading from PS4?
This depends. If you already own the base game on PS4, the free upgrade to the PS5 version only applies if you own the Control: Ultimate Edition on PS4. Purchasing the standard edition of Control on PS4 does NOT grant you a free PS5 upgrade.
If you own the Control: Ultimate Edition on PS4, the upgrade is a no-brainer. The performance and visual enhancements alone are worth the upgrade.
If you only own the base version of Control on PS4, it might be worth purchasing the Control: Ultimate Edition on PS5, especially if you enjoyed the game and want to experience it in its best possible form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Control: Ultimate Edition?
Control: Ultimate Edition is the definitive version of the game, including the base game and all previously released DLC (The Foundation and AWE). It also includes visual and performance upgrades on PS5.
2. Does Control on PS5 have ray tracing?
Yes, Control: Ultimate Edition on PS5 offers ray tracing in Graphics Mode, providing more realistic reflections and lighting.
3. What’s the difference between Performance Mode and Graphics Mode on PS5?
Performance Mode prioritizes framerate, targeting 60 fps with a lower resolution. Graphics Mode prioritizes visual fidelity, targeting 30 fps with ray tracing enabled.
4. Is there a free PS5 upgrade for Control if I own it on PS4?
Only if you own the Control: Ultimate Edition on PS4. The standard edition of Control on PS4 does NOT qualify for a free PS5 upgrade.
5. How long does it take to beat Control?
The main story takes around 15-20 hours to complete. Completing all side missions and DLC can add another 10-15 hours.
6. Is Control scary?
Control features a suspenseful atmosphere and unsettling imagery, but it’s not a traditional horror game. It leans more towards psychological thriller than outright horror.
7. What kind of game is Control?
Control is a third-person action-adventure game with elements of Metroidvania and psychological thriller.
8. Who is the developer of Control?
Control was developed by Remedy Entertainment, the studio behind Max Payne, Alan Wake, and Quantum Break.
9. What is the Oldest House?
The Oldest House is the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Control. It’s a constantly shifting, brutalist building that exists outside of normal space and time.
10. What are the powers Jesse Faden has in Control?
Jesse possesses abilities like Launch (telekinesis), Shield, Evade, Mind Control, and Levitate.
11. What is the Service Weapon?
The Service Weapon is Jesse’s shapeshifting firearm that can transform into different weapon types, such as a pistol, shotgun, and machine gun.
12. What is the Hiss?
The Hiss is a mysterious and hostile entity that invades the Oldest House and corrupts its inhabitants.
13. Is Control difficult?
Control can be challenging, especially on higher difficulty settings. Mastering Jesse’s abilities and utilizing strategic combat tactics is key to success.
14. Are the DLCs worth playing?
Yes, both The Foundation and AWE are excellent expansions that add new content, story elements, and gameplay mechanics to the Control universe.
15. Where can I buy Control: Ultimate Edition on PS5?
You can purchase Control: Ultimate Edition digitally on the PlayStation Store or physically from retailers.
Conclusion
Control on PS5, in its Ultimate Edition form, represents the definitive experience of this critically acclaimed title. The enhanced performance, improved visuals, inclusion of all DLC, and faster loading times make it a worthwhile investment for both newcomers and returning players. If you’re looking for a unique, engaging, and visually stunning game on your PS5, Control is an excellent choice.