Gamefings logoimg

Review of Control: Ultimate Edition on Xbox Series X/S

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Feb 2021
Cover image of Control: Ultimate Edition on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 9
Released: 02 Feb 2021
Genre: Action-Adventure
Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Publisher: 505 Games

Introduction

Hey there, future less-than-productive procrastinator! Are you tired of the same old video games that give you all the challenge of a rubber chicken? Look no further than Control: Ultimate Edition! This game is like if the Bureau of Investigation got a little weird and twisted. You'll find yourself diving into a fantastical office building filled with all sorts of bizarre phenomena, where your skills will be tested in ways your high school Geometry teacher would be proud of (and probably a little confused too).

Gameplay

Your journey through the Oldest House continues as you fight a weird invasion by the Hiss (not the sound snakes make, thankfully). This is a third-person adventure where every encounter feels like a late-night supermarket brawl except instead of misbehaving teenagers, it's possessed employees! The gameplay features elements of the Metroidvania style - think unlocking areas like you're finding your mom's secret stash of cookies. Each section grants you new psychic powers to elevate your combat experience. We're talking telekinesis abilities that let you hurl furniture at enemies like it's confetti at a victory party! The challenges escalate significantly as you face various foes, some of whom have powers that make you want to quit the game and go back to knitting. Combat mechanics demand precise timing and clever use of your powers, giving your brain a workout while your reflexes are tested. You'll even unlock skill points to level up Jesse's telekinesis game; that's Jesse, by the way, our heroine/office hero. With her trusty Service Weapon that transforms into various forms (think of it as your Swiss knife, but way more badass), you'll need to adapt to the chaos around you. Plus, there's a ton of side quests that veer into weird territory, making you question if you really should have dabbled in the paranormal services on a Tuesday afternoon.

Graphics

Now, let's talk about how this game visually punches you in the face...in a good way! Control is visually stunning, utilizing real-time ray tracing for those who have the beefy graphics cards to handle it. The Oldest House is a character all its own, with brutalist architecture and eerie atmosphere that creates an unsettling yet mesmerizing backdrop, combined with dynamic lighting that shifts the entire feeling of a space. It feels like a nightmare combined with a bad trip, yet you can't look away! You might start feeling like your real-life office is disappointingly normal after this.

Conclusion

In a world filled with cookie-cutter games, Control: Ultimate Edition stands out like a bright neon sign in a dim alley. It packs a challenge that'll keep you on your toes, twisting your brain around puzzles while throwing random office supplies at monsters. And hey, if you can take down the Hiss while dodging psychic attacks, looking cool doing it, you're on your way to becoming the next office hero we never knew we needed. Control is a wild ride, and if you're ready for a game that doesn't pull its punches, you'll be more than satisfied here. Just remember: when in doubt, throw a desk at it!

See Latest Prices for Control: Ultimate Edition on Xbox Series X/S on Amazon

See Prices for Control: Ultimate Edition on Xbox Series X/S on Ebay

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Sophie Turner Is Lara Croft — How Tomb Raider's Brutal Skill Ceiling Will Shape Amazon's TV Take'
Hemal Harris - 04 Sep 2025
Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider series. Here's how the show can capture the games' brutal challenge loo...
image for news article 'Gamescom 2025: From Hornet's Revenge to Gunfights in the Future — The Biggest Reveals, Ranked by Hype (and Probability of Screaming)'
Gemma Looksby - 27 Aug 2025
Gamescom 2025 unleashed release dates, surprises, and enough nostalgia to power a retro arcade. Hollow Knight: Silksong finally la...
image for news article 'From Sidekick to Symptom: An In-Depth Look at How Game Characters Grow (and Break) Over Time'
Tanya Krane - 22 Aug 2025
A witty, in-depth analysis of how video game characters evolve - from antiheroes and companions to tragic villains - and how gamep...
image for news article 'Helldivers 2: The Ultimate Skill Test — How to Survive When Friendly Fire Is A Feature'
Hemal Harris - 22 Aug 2025
Helldivers 2 turns cooperative shooters into a terrifying teamwork exam. From friendly-fire fiascos to stratagem juggling and glob...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus August Drop: Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea and Two Resident Evils — Sony’s Buffet of Beatdowns and Beachside Introspection'
Chucky - 22 Aug 2025
Sony's August PlayStation Plus drop mixes Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel's Spider-Man with day-one indie Sword of the Sea, EDF6 co-op ...
image for news article 'Tariff Drama and Console Character Arcs: How the PS5 Price Hike Recasts PlayStation's Story'
Tanya Krane - 21 Aug 2025
Sony just raised PS5 prices in the US - but this is more than a number. We break down the cast, the catalyst (hello, tariffs), and...
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...