Control: Ultimate Edition – What’s the Difference?
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The core difference between Control and Control: Ultimate Edition boils down to content and accessibility. Essentially, Control: Ultimate Edition is the definitive package, bundling the base game with all of its released expansions. This means you get the complete Control experience, including the base game and both the “The Foundation” and “AWE” DLCs, all in one purchase. This comprehensive approach is the primary selling point of the Ultimate Edition, offering convenience and value for players who want everything that Control has to offer. Furthermore, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the Ultimate Edition also offers enhanced performance and graphics modes, a feature not available for owners of the original base game.
The Content Advantage: Base Game + All DLC
At its heart, the biggest distinction is that the Ultimate Edition comes with the base game of Control as well as all previously released expansions:
- The Base Game: This is the core Control experience, introducing Jesse Faden and her journey into the mysterious Oldest House.
- The Foundation DLC: This expansion takes Jesse deeper into the foundations of the Oldest House, uncovering its secrets and facing new challenges. It adds new locations and missions.
- AWE DLC: The “AWE” expansion delves into the Investigations Sector, connecting the world of Control to the broader Remedy Connected Universe, a shared universe that includes the game Alan Wake.
This single package is designed to provide a more cohesive experience for those who haven’t played the game yet or are looking to revisit it with all content included. Players of the original base game would have to purchase the expansions separately, while Ultimate Edition offers them all together.
Enhanced Performance on Next-Gen Consoles
For those playing on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the Ultimate Edition also comes with the benefit of specific optimizations. Players can choose between two modes:
- Performance Mode: This mode prioritizes a smoother frame rate, aiming for 60 FPS for fluid gameplay.
- Graphics Mode: This mode focuses on visual fidelity, enhancing the game’s graphical details, but often at a lower frame rate.
These next-generation features are only accessible through the Ultimate Edition, and not through the original base game on PS4 and Xbox One, regardless of whether you purchase the DLC separately. This upgrade gives a significant visual and performance edge to those who opt for the Ultimate Edition on these new consoles. This makes it a significantly better experience on these systems than the original game.
Why is the Ultimate Edition the better option?
Beyond content, the Ultimate Edition provides a more straightforward and value-driven way to experience Control. Buying the expansions separately can be more expensive, so the Ultimate Edition allows players to get the full experience at a typically lower combined price. It also offers a streamlined approach to accessing the complete game.
Furthermore, the Ultimate Edition is the gateway to the free next-generation upgrades on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. If you want the best possible version of Control on those platforms, the Ultimate Edition is a necessity, not an option. It represents the most complete and optimized version of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is included in Control: Ultimate Edition?
The Control: Ultimate Edition includes the base Control game and all of the previously released expansions: “The Foundation” and “AWE”. This is the complete experience of the game available in a single package.
2. Is it worth buying Control: Ultimate Edition if I already own the base game?
If you want to play the DLC, the Ultimate Edition usually makes more sense than buying the expansions separately, in terms of cost. Moreover, if you want to play on a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, the Ultimate Edition is the only way to get the free upgrade to the enhanced next-generation version of the game, with better performance and graphical modes. However, for PS4 and Xbox One owners, if you only want to play the base game, then it’s not necessary.
3. Does the Ultimate Edition have all DLC on the disc/download?
Yes, all DLC expansions are installed directly from the disc or download in the Ultimate Edition. However, you need to complete the main story before you can start playing “The Foundation” and “AWE”.
4. How many missions are in Control: Ultimate Edition?
Control has a total of 46 missions, including 1 that is exclusive to the Playstation version. 17 of those missions are added with free updates and the “The Foundation” and “AWE” expansions. All missions except for the PS-exclusive are included in the Ultimate Edition.
5. How long does it take to beat Control: Ultimate Edition?
Focusing on the main story takes about 12.5 hours, but completing everything can take around 39 hours on average.
6. Is Control a difficult game?
Control can be a challenging game, but it now includes an “Assist Mode” that allows you to customize the difficulty settings, with more save points and various other modifications.
7. Is Control Ultimate Edition a horror game?
Control is an action-adventure game with heavy influences from sci-fi, horror, and mystery. It creates a sense of dread rather than providing outright jump scares.
8. Can I get a free upgrade to Control: Ultimate Edition?
Only owners of the Control: Ultimate Edition are eligible for the free next-generation upgrade on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
9. Does Control: Ultimate Edition have all the outfits?
No, the Ultimate Edition does not include the exclusive outfits from the original 2019 release. Those are exclusive to the base game.
10. Can I upgrade my existing purchase of Control to the Ultimate Edition?
No, there is no direct upgrade path. You would have to purchase the Ultimate Edition separately, and there would be no trade in for previously purchasing the base game.
11. How many levels are in Control?
Control has 46 missions in total. These levels and missions are expanded upon in the DLC.
12. How many DLCs does Control have?
Control has two major DLC expansions: “The Foundation” and “AWE”. Both of which are included in the Ultimate Edition.
13. Is Control an underrated game?
Many consider Control to be an underrated title that didn’t receive the acclaim it deserved back in 2019.
14. Why is Control such a demanding game?
Control is graphically demanding, requiring a strong GPU even at lower resolutions due to its high graphical detail and advanced techniques.
15. How do I access the DLC in Control: Ultimate Edition?
To access the DLC content, you must first complete the main storyline of Control. After this, the first mission of each DLC will start automatically.
In conclusion, the Control: Ultimate Edition is the best way to experience the complete game, and it’s a must-have for those on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S looking for the enhanced version. It combines all content, offers improved performance options on new consoles, and is a more cost-effective approach for newcomers to the world of Control. If you’re looking to delve into the depths of the Oldest House, this is the version to choose.