Delving Deeper into the Oldest House: Are Control’s DLCs Worth It?
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Absolutely. The DLCs for Control, The Foundation and AWE, are undeniably worth your time and investment, especially if you enjoyed the base game. They expand upon the lore, introduce challenging new gameplay mechanics, and offer compelling stories that enrich the overall Control experience.
Why You Should Dive into Control’s DLC
Control, developed by Remedy Entertainment, is a mind-bending action-adventure game known for its intricate world-building, captivating narrative, and unique gameplay mechanics centered around telekinesis and other supernatural abilities. The two DLC expansions, The Foundation and AWE, build upon these strengths, offering players a deeper dive into the mysteries of the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) and its enigmatic headquarters, the Oldest House.
Expanding the Narrative Universe
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The Foundation: This DLC delves into the history of the Oldest House and the Board, the mysterious entity that guides the FBC. Jesse Faden, as the Director, must restore order to the Foundation, the bedrock upon which the Oldest House is built. Expect to learn more about the origins of the building, the Hiss, and the nature of the Astral Plane.
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AWE (Altered World Event): AWE directly connects Control to Remedy’s previous title, Alan Wake. It explores the Investigations Sector of the Oldest House, where the FBC studies Altered World Events. Players will encounter familiar faces and locations, unraveling a thrilling mystery that bridges the gap between these two distinct yet interconnected universes. This DLC is a must-play for fans of both franchises, providing valuable context for the Remedy Connected Universe.
Enhanced Gameplay and New Abilities
Both DLCs introduce new abilities and challenges that require players to adapt their combat strategies. The Foundation grants Jesse the ability to Shape, allowing her to manipulate the environment to create pathways or launch sharp crystals at enemies. AWE emphasizes a strategic use of light and darkness, pushing players to manage resources and adapt to the unique challenges presented by the Investigations Sector. These additions keep the gameplay fresh and engaging, even for seasoned Control veterans.
A Deeper Dive into the Lore
One of Control’s greatest strengths is its richly detailed lore. The DLCs expand upon this by introducing new characters, locations, and documents that shed light on the inner workings of the FBC and the supernatural phenomena it investigates. The Foundation explores the origins of the Oldest House and the Board, while AWE delves into the history of Altered World Events and their impact on the world. For players invested in the story and world-building, the DLCs offer a wealth of new information to uncover.
Increased Difficulty and Challenging Encounters
The DLCs are designed to challenge players who have mastered the base game. Expect tougher enemies, intricate puzzles, and demanding boss battles that will test your skills and strategic thinking. The Hiss are more aggressive and cunning, and the new enemy types introduced in each DLC require a different approach to combat. This increased difficulty adds replayability and provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment for those who persevere.
Is the Ultimate Edition Worth It?
The Control Ultimate Edition is generally considered to be a worthwhile purchase. It includes the base game, both DLC expansions (The Foundation and AWE), and any game updates and enhancements released post-launch. It’s often the most cost-effective way to experience the complete Control story. Some players had issues with platform upgrades when it was initially released.
FAQs About Control’s DLCs
1. When Should I Play the Control DLC?
It’s generally recommended to complete the main story of Control before diving into the DLCs. This ensures you have a good grasp of the core mechanics, story, and lore. Finishing a number of side missions, like Old Growth, is also advised. Specifically, it’s recommended that you play the DLCs in the order they were released: The Foundation first, followed by AWE. Some players find it easier to wait until they have completed the main storyline and at least The Foundation DLC before starting AWE.
2. How Long Does It Take to Complete the Control DLCs?
- The Foundation: Completing the main objectives of The Foundation typically takes around 4 hours. Achieving 100% completion, including all side missions and collectibles, can take up to 8 hours.
- AWE: AWE is generally shorter, taking around 3-5 hours for the main story and 6-8 hours for 100% completion.
3. What Order Should I Play the Control DLCs In?
Play The Foundation first, followed by AWE. This aligns with the story’s narrative flow and ensures a smoother transition between the two expansions.
4. Do I Need to Play Alan Wake Before AWE?
While not strictly necessary, playing Alan Wake before AWE is highly recommended. AWE contains numerous references and plot points that will be more meaningful and impactful if you’re familiar with Alan Wake’s story and characters. However, Remedy has stated that it is not essential to play Control or Control’s two DLCs before playing Alan Wake 2.
5. What New Abilities Do the DLCs Add?
- The Foundation: Introduces the ability to Shape, allowing Jesse to manipulate the environment.
- AWE: Doesn’t add a new ability per se, but emphasizes the use of light and darkness as a gameplay mechanic.
6. Are the Control DLCs Difficult?
Yes, the DLCs are generally more challenging than the base game. They feature tougher enemies, more complex puzzles, and demanding boss battles.
7. Do the Control DLCs Add New Locations?
Yes, both DLCs introduce new areas to explore within the Oldest House. The Foundation takes you deep beneath the building’s foundations, while AWE explores the previously inaccessible Investigations Sector.
8. Can I Play the Control DLCs After Beating the Main Story?
Yes, you can play the DLCs after completing the main story. In fact, it’s recommended that you do so to fully appreciate the narrative context and challenges they offer. To start The Foundation DLC in Control, you must first complete the main storyline for Control. Once you’ve done so the first mission in The Foundation DLC, called The Foundation, will automatically start.
9. What Is the Story of The Foundation DLC About?
The Foundation focuses on restoring order to the Foundation of the Oldest House, learning more about the Board, and unraveling the mysteries of the Astral Plane.
10. What Is the Story of the AWE DLC About?
AWE connects Control to Alan Wake, exploring Altered World Events and the history of the Investigations Sector. You’ll encounter familiar faces from Alan Wake and delve into the mystery of what happened to Alan Wake.
11. Do the DLCs Include New Enemies?
Yes, both DLCs introduce new enemy types with unique abilities and behaviors.
12. Are the DLCs Included in Control Ultimate Edition?
Yes, the Control Ultimate Edition includes the base game and both DLC expansions.
13. Does Control Have an Easy Mode?
Yes, Control has an Assist Mode that allows you to customize the difficulty with options such as increased damage resistance and aim assist.
14. How Many Missions Are in Control with DLC?
Control has 46 missions in total, including 1 mission exclusive to the PlayStation version. 17 of these missions are added by a free update that introduced Expeditions and by the paid add-ons The Foundation and AWE.
15. What inspired the world of Control?
Control is inspired by paranormal stories about the fictional SCP Foundation created by an online collaborative wiki fiction project, based on the genre of the new weird. As you can see, understanding the Games Learning Society principles might even help one to create such engaging and innovative content.
Final Verdict
The DLCs for Control are a must-have for fans of the base game. They offer compelling stories, new gameplay mechanics, and challenging encounters that enrich the overall experience. Whether you’re drawn to the lore, the combat, or the mind-bending mysteries of the Oldest House, The Foundation and AWE provide a satisfying and worthwhile extension to this unique and captivating game. Dive in and prepare to have your perception of reality challenged! You can find more information about game design and learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.