Introduction
Remedy Entertainment’s “Control” is a third-person action-adventure game that has captivated players since its release in August 2019. The game is known for its intriguing narrative, stylish combat, and the mysterious, ever-shifting environment of the Federal Bureau of Control. Players assume the role of Jesse Faden as she explores the Bureau’s enigmatic headquarters, known as the Oldest House, battling supernatural entities and uncovering secrets about her own past. As with many games in this genre, fans often wonder if “Control” includes a New Game Plus (NG+) mode, a feature that allows players to start a new playthrough while retaining elements from their previous one.
Understanding New Game Plus
Before delving into whether “Control” offers a New Game Plus mode, it’s essential to understand what NG+ entails in the context of video games. NG+ is a popular feature in many action-adventure and role-playing games. It allows players to restart the game after completing it, typically carrying over their character’s abilities, equipment, and sometimes even progress. This mode often includes increased difficulty, new challenges, and sometimes additional content not available in the initial playthrough. NG+ serves to extend a game’s replay value, offering veterans a chance to experience the game anew with the advantages of their prior achievements.
The Absence of New Game Plus in “Control”
As of now, “Control” does not include a traditional New Game Plus mode. When the game launched, and even with subsequent updates, Remedy Entertainment chose not to implement NG+ in the same way other games might. Players cannot restart the game from the beginning while retaining their abilities and collected items from their completed save file. This decision might come as a surprise to some, especially considering the increasing popularity of NG+ in modern gaming.
Reasons Behind the Absence
The absence of NG+ in “Control” could be attributed to several factors. One major reason might be the game’s narrative structure. “Control” is heavily story-driven, and its plot is intricately tied to the player’s progression through the Oldest House. Restarting the game with end-game powers and weapons could disrupt the carefully crafted balance and pacing of the story. Another reason could be technical challenges. The complex, ever-changing environment of the Oldest House and the dynamic nature of the game’s world might pose significant difficulties in implementing NG+ without breaking the experience.
Alternative Replayability Features
While “Control” lacks a conventional New Game Plus mode, it still offers features that encourage replayability. After completing the main story, players can continue exploring the Oldest House. They can complete side missions, search for hidden collectibles, and further upgrade Jesse’s abilities and weapons. These activities provide players with reasons to remain engaged with the game even after finishing the primary narrative. Furthermore, the game’s expansions, “The Foundation” and “AWE,” add substantial content, including new areas, missions, and lore, enriching the post-game experience. These expansions continue the story and offer challenging new encounters, effectively extending the game’s lifespan.
Community Response and Expectations
The absence of a traditional New Game Plus mode in “Control” has sparked a variety of responses from the gaming community. Some players express disappointment, feeling that NG+ would enhance their experience and provide more reasons to revisit the game. They argue that replaying “Control” with Jesse’s fully upgraded abilities could add a new dimension to the gameplay, offering an even greater sense of power and accomplishment. On the other hand, some players appreciate Remedy’s decision to preserve the game’s narrative integrity and pacing. They believe that the current post-game content, coupled with the expansions, offers ample replay value without the need for NG+.
Remedy Entertainment’s Approach to Game Design
Remedy Entertainment has a history of creating narrative-rich games that prioritize story and atmosphere. “Control” is no exception, with its deep lore and unique setting at the forefront of the experience. Remedy’s design philosophy often focuses on delivering a complete, immersive experience in a single playthrough. Games like “Alan Wake” and “Quantum Break” also emphasized a one-time narrative journey rather than replayability through NG+. This approach aligns with Remedy’s broader goals of storytelling and world-building, where the player’s first encounter with the game’s narrative and mechanics is meticulously crafted to maximize impact and engagement.
The Possibility of Future Updates
While “Control” currently lacks a traditional New Game Plus mode, the possibility remains that Remedy could introduce such a feature in future updates. The gaming industry has seen numerous titles receive significant post-launch updates based on player feedback, and “Control” could follow suit. Remedy has demonstrated a willingness to support and expand the game post-release, as evidenced by the two major expansions and various quality-of-life improvements. If there is substantial demand from the player community, it’s plausible that Remedy might consider adding a New Game Plus mode or a similar feature that allows for enhanced replayability.
Comparing “Control” with Other Games
To better understand “Control’s” decision not to include a New Game Plus mode, it’s useful to compare it with other games that feature NG+. Titles like “Dark Souls,” “The Witcher 3,” and “God of War” include robust NG+ modes that significantly alter the second playthrough experience. These games often feature complex character development systems and challenging combat, where starting a new game with enhanced abilities offers both a reward for previous accomplishments and a new level of difficulty. “Control,” while featuring deep mechanics and character progression, focuses more on its narrative and atmospheric exploration. Thus, its lack of NG+ aligns more with its emphasis on story and discovery over replaying with boosted stats and abilities.
Player-Driven Challenges and Community Content
In the absence of New Game Plus, the “Control” community has found alternative ways to keep the game fresh and challenging. Players often create self-imposed challenges or revisit the game with specific restrictions, such as limiting certain abilities or avoiding particular upgrades. These player-driven challenges can add a new layer of difficulty and engagement, encouraging creative approaches to gameplay. Additionally, the game’s photo mode and its visually stunning environments have inspired a vibrant community of content creators who share their in-game photography and artistic interpretations, further enriching the “Control” experience beyond traditional gameplay.
Dynamic Combat System
One of the highlights of “Control” is its dynamic combat system. Players utilize Jesse’s telekinetic powers, such as launching objects at enemies and creating shields, to engage in fast-paced battles against the mysterious Hiss entities. The game encourages experimentation with these abilities, allowing players to develop their combat style and strategy based on their preferences. Each encounter feels unique, thanks to the physics-based interactions and destructible environments that add depth to the combat experience.
Conclusion
“Control” stands out as a game that prioritizes narrative depth and atmospheric exploration over the traditional replayability offered by a New Game Plus mode. While some players might miss the opportunity to re-experience the game with their fully-powered protagonist, the game’s design and storytelling choices support its unique replayability features. Remedy Entertainment has crafted a compelling world in the Oldest House, filled with secrets and challenges that continue to engage players well beyond the main story.
