Control vs. Control: Ultimate Edition – What’s the Real Difference?
The primary difference between Control and Control: Ultimate Edition is quite straightforward: Control Ultimate Edition is a complete package that includes the base game along with all of its previously released downloadable content (DLC), specifically “The Foundation” and “AWE” expansions. It also provides the much-sought-after next-generation upgrade for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S owners, boasting improved graphics and performance. Simply put, if you’re looking for the definitive Control experience, the Ultimate Edition is the way to go.
What Does Control: Ultimate Edition Offer?
Control: Ultimate Edition is designed to be the most comprehensive version of the game, providing a seamless and enhanced gameplay experience. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what it includes:
- Base Game: You get the entire narrative-driven action-adventure game where you play as Jesse Faden, exploring the mysterious Oldest House, headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Control.
- The Foundation DLC: This expansion expands on the game’s lore, taking players into the depths of the Oldest House to explore the origins of the Bureau.
- AWE DLC: This DLC is where things get truly exciting for fans of Remedy Entertainment’s other work, as it connects the world of Control to that of Alan Wake. Players venture into the Investigations Sector, facing new enemies and unravelling a suspenseful mystery.
- Next-Generation Enhancements: Owners of the Ultimate Edition on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S receive notable upgrades in terms of graphics, loading times, and overall smoothness. These enhancements include performance and graphics modes, allowing players to prioritize either frame rate or visual fidelity.
Why Should You Choose Control: Ultimate Edition?
The biggest appeal of the Ultimate Edition is convenience and future-proofing. Instead of purchasing the base game and expansions separately, you have everything bundled together at a generally more economical price. Additionally, if you want to experience the game on newer consoles, it’s required as the only way to access the free next-gen upgrade. If you are purchasing for the first time, you would be doing yourself a disservice to not get the Ultimate Edition.
What Are the Downsides?
One notable drawback that sparked controversy amongst early adopters of the base game is the fact that the next-gen upgrade is exclusive to the Ultimate Edition. Players who owned the original version of Control, even with the DLC purchased separately, did not receive a free upgrade to the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S version. This left many feeling compelled to repurchase the game if they wanted to experience its full potential on the new hardware. Another minor downside is that the Ultimate Edition does not include all of the pre-order cosmetics or the PlayStation exclusive side mission that came with the original version of the game. However, this will not impact the quality or the amount of gameplay, as it does not affect any of the actual content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Control: Ultimate Edition a free upgrade?
No, the next-gen upgrade is NOT free for players who own the original Control game on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. The free upgrade is exclusively available for owners of Control: Ultimate Edition.
2. Does Control: Ultimate Edition include all DLC?
Yes, Control: Ultimate Edition includes all released DLCs, namely “The Foundation” and “AWE” expansions.
3. Is Control: Ultimate Edition all on disc?
On Xbox consoles, Control: Ultimate Edition uses Xbox intelligent delivery. This means some content is on the disc, and the remainder is downloaded. The full game, including all expansions, cannot fit entirely on the disc due to its size (over 50GB).
4. Does Control: Ultimate Edition come with all outfits?
No, the Ultimate Edition only includes the base game and the two expansions. It does not include pre-order costumes, crafting materials, themes, or the PS4-exclusive astral dive suit from the standard edition.
5. Can I transfer my saves from Control to Control: Ultimate Edition?
No, save games do not transfer from previous-gen versions of Control to the next-gen versions included in the Ultimate Edition. The engine used is different between these versions making save transfer impossible.
6. What are the Performance and Graphics modes in Control: Ultimate Edition?
On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, Control: Ultimate Edition offers two modes: Performance mode prioritizes higher frame rates for smoother gameplay, while Graphics mode emphasizes enhanced visual fidelity and graphical details.
7. How long does it take to beat Control: Ultimate Edition?
The main storyline of Control: Ultimate Edition takes approximately 12.5 hours to complete. However, players striving for 100% completion may spend up to 39 hours. The average time to complete all achievements ranges between 30 to 35 hours.
8. Is Control: Ultimate Edition a horror game?
While Control has elements of horror and suspense, it is best described as an action-adventure game with sci-fi and mystery themes. It features a haunting atmosphere, but it is not strictly a horror game.
9. What is the last DLC for Control?
The last DLC released for Control is “AWE”, which introduces new story content and side missions in a previously untouched sector of the Oldest House.
10. How many missions are in Control: Ultimate Edition?
Control: Ultimate Edition includes a total of 46 missions. This includes the main storyline, the DLC missions from “The Foundation” and “AWE”, and the free Expeditions update.
11. Is Control based off SCP?
Yes, Control is inspired by paranormal stories about the fictional SCP Foundation. This online collaborative wiki fiction project focuses on the “new weird” genre of fiction.
12. Is Control a hard game?
Control is known for its challenging gameplay, particularly its initial release. It did not have an easy mode initially, and players often found the difficulty spikes and sporadic save points to be challenging.
13. Is Alan Wake connected to Control?
Yes, Alan Wake and Control are connected within the Remedy Connected Universe. There are in-universe references to events and characters from Alan Wake throughout Control, with Alan Wake appearing as a cameo in “AWE.”
14. Can you play Control DLC after completing the main story?
Yes, the DLC in Control, particularly “The Foundation”, is meant to be played after completing the main story. The “AWE” expansion can also be accessed after the main story has been completed.
15. What should I upgrade first in Control?
Focusing on health, energy, and launch ability upgrades is recommended early in the game. Health will increase your survivability, energy is vital for abilities, and the launch ability is a core aspect of combat.
Conclusion
If you’re new to the world of Control, the Ultimate Edition is undoubtedly the best way to experience this unique action-adventure title. Not only does it include all of the additional content, but it also provides a superior experience on the newer generation consoles. For existing owners of the base game, the decision to upgrade becomes more nuanced, especially due to the cost associated with purchasing a new version. However, if you are seeking the best possible version of the game with all the DLC and next-gen enhancements, the Control: Ultimate Edition is an investment that will certainly be worthwhile.