Press Start’s 2019 GOTY #1 – Control

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It’s no surprise that in a year of strong contenders that Remedy Games would produce the absolute highlight of 2019. Having gone from strength to strength in recent releases and with a back catalogue that boasts all-time classics like Max Payne, Alan Wake and the uniquely delivered episodic sci-fi Quantum Break, Control launched a critical darling. Obscure in narrative and brutalist in its art design, Control is a veritable treasury of great ideas handpicked from their existing toolshed, resulting in their most daring, ambitious and technically astounding game to date.

While it was amazing to see an entire cast of Remedy alumni trot out incredible turns in this Lynchian masterpiece, it was Courtney Hope’s award-nominated role as Jesse Faden that stole the show for most. Without being a horror game, the supernatural events that constantly shape and shift the bureau’s walls cast a certain unease, creating an atmosphere like no other.

In his review, James wrote“Control is a slick and stylish win for Remedy, their best work yet. With strong combat, an engaging story and striking visuals, Control is a masterclass in both style and substance. It’s abstract, it’s bold, and it’s wicked fun.”

Press Start Australia gave Control a 9.5 out of 10, while it currently holds an 82 on Metacritic.

Toby said: I thought Remedy had hit their peak with Alan Wake all the way back in 2010, and then along comes Control. A brilliantly weird, action-packed Metroidvania of sorts, Control made its mark with an intriguing story, entertaining cameos, and tools of destruction that’d send any superhero fan away happy. It’s Remedy’s most insane game to date and one that will stick with me for years to come.

Kieron said: Although Remedy has proven time and time again that they really can do no wrong, I have to admit that I almost slept on Control. In an effort to prevent any kind of spoilers, I consumed the bare minimum of pre-release content, the knock-on effect of which is the game seemed almost… generic? I’ve never been so glad to be proven wrong though because what it ended up being was one of my favourite games of this entire generation. How can I be so sure of that lofty claim, you ask? The thing that solidifies it for me is this; in my adult life, I find myself with less and less time to sink into my games, which often means that I don’t stop to read or take in all of the usual ‘diaries’ or ‘audio logs’ you find in narrative-heavy games. In Control though, I stopped to soak up every morsel that I could, reading and re-reading just to try and piece together this mysterious, intriguing world that Remedy has created. Essentially, if a game can make me read voluntarily – it’s a winner.

Ewan said: No game this year was quite as complete and polished a package as Control. Its eerie, mysterious world and equally intriguing cast of characters make for an enthralling experience the was just as enjoyable as hurling stuff about with your telekinetic powers. The game’s incredible brutalist-inspired art style and atmosphere perfectly matches its tone and theme, standing out against some tough competition this year.

Congratulations to the team at Remedy Games for taking out the coveted top spot on our countdown for 2019’s Game of the Year with Control.

Current Top 10:
1. Control
2. Death Stranding
3. Resident Evil 2
4. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
5. Devil May Cry 5
6. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
7. Apex Legends
8. Untitled Goose Game
9. What The Golf
10. A Plague Tale: Innocence