Control is a game that I really wanted to love.
Let me start with the positive aspects of the game: it is visually and artistically astounding. The slightly supernatural/Lovecraftian horror is amazingly depicted in literally every corner of the game, from the loading screen to the cutscenes. It is possibly one of the most thematically cohesive experiences I have ever witnessed in a videogame.
However, even though it has a stunning presentation and atmosphere, I just don't enjoy actually playing it. 11 hours in and I'm already burned out from the combat and exploration.
The general feeling I have is that the game is too packed all the time. Although the gameplay is pretty solid, I think there are too many encounters. Especially when you're backtracking or exploring an already visited location: enemies spawn all the time and in those situations, you're probably over-leveled and at that point, the combat is just mindless. The collectibles, which when you start the game are fantastic bits of lore, just become overwhelming in terms of quantity as the game progresses.
Control shines on its little details. However, neither the main storyline, characters, gameplay, or exploration makes me want to ride along to watch those little moments of geniosity.
Let me start with the positive aspects of the game: it is visually and artistically astounding. The slightly supernatural/Lovecraftian horror is amazingly depicted in literally every corner of the game, from the loading screen to the cutscenes. It is possibly one of the most thematically cohesive experiences I have ever witnessed in a videogame.
However, even though it has a stunning presentation and atmosphere, I just don't enjoy actually playing it. 11 hours in and I'm already burned out from the combat and exploration.
The general feeling I have is that the game is too packed all the time. Although the gameplay is pretty solid, I think there are too many encounters. Especially when you're backtracking or exploring an already visited location: enemies spawn all the time and in those situations, you're probably over-leveled and at that point, the combat is just mindless. The collectibles, which when you start the game are fantastic bits of lore, just become overwhelming in terms of quantity as the game progresses.
Control shines on its little details. However, neither the main storyline, characters, gameplay, or exploration makes me want to ride along to watch those little moments of geniosity.