Control's Inspirational Roots Go Beyond the Usual Suspects

Remedy Entertainment, the renowned game development studio behind critically acclaimed titles like Max Payne and Alan Wake, has been open about the various inspirations that have shaped their latest game, Control. The company has already revealed several influences on the game, including The X-Files, David Lynch's films, and even Norse mythology. However, in a recent preview, Remedy Entertainment has mentioned another iconic game that has left an indelible mark on Control: inFAMOUS: Second Son.

A Familiar yet Unlikely Influence

inFAMOUS: Second Son is an action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. Released in 2014 for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, the game follows the story of Delsin Rowe, a young man with the ability to control his powers based on the colors he absorbs.

Remedy Entertainment's creative director, Sam Lake, has mentioned that inFAMOUS: Second Son was an unexpected inspiration for Control. In an interview with GameSpot, Lake stated, "We were playing through inFAMOUS 2 and Second Son, and we noticed how well it used a similar mechanic of abilities being tied to the protagonist's appearance and abilities." This observation led Remedy Entertainment to incorporate a similar concept into Control, where the player character's powers are connected to their "ability score," which increases as they collect and harness different types of "resonance."

A Common Thread: Player Empowerment

While Control and inFAMOUS: Second Son may seem like vastly different games on the surface, there is a common thread that runs through both titles: player empowerment. In both games, the protagonist is given the ability to control their environment and manipulate objects using special powers.

In inFAMOUS: Second Son, Delsin's powers are tied to his emotions, which makes him more powerful when he's angry or excited. This mechanic allows players to express themselves through gameplay, feeling a sense of freedom and creativity as they explore the game world and take on enemies.

Similarly, in Control, the player character, Jesse Faden, has the ability to harness and manipulate different types of resonance, which can be used to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, or even manipulate the environment. This mechanic empowers players to feel like they're capable of achieving anything they set their minds to, making the game a thrilling experience.

A Similar Tone and Atmosphere

Another similarity between Control and inFAMOUS: Second Son is the tone and atmosphere that both games convey. Both titles have a strong focus on storytelling, with complex narratives that explore themes of identity, power, and self-discovery.

In inFAMOUS: Second Son, players are immersed in a gritty, grounded world that explores the struggles of being an "outcast" in society. The game's tone is often dark and moody, reflecting the protagonist's feelings of isolation and frustration.

Similarly, Control has a similar tone and atmosphere, with a focus on mystery, sci-fi horror elements, and a sense of unease that permeates every aspect of the game world. Players are encouraged to explore the mysterious Oldest House, uncovering secrets and piecing together a complex narrative that explores themes of power, identity, and the nature of reality.

Conclusion

The influence of inFAMOUS: Second Son on Control is an interesting one, as both games share similarities in terms of player empowerment, tone, and atmosphere. While the two titles may seem like vastly different games on the surface, they both offer players a sense of freedom and creativity that drives their gameplay experience.

As we continue to explore the world of Control, it's clear that Remedy Entertainment has drawn inspiration from a wide range of sources, including inFAMOUS: Second Son. Whether you're a fan of action-adventure games or sci-fi horror titles, there's something to be said for the way both games have captured our imaginations and left us eager for more.

In the world of gaming, inspiration is a powerful force that can shape the very fabric of a game's design. As we look back on the influences that have shaped Control, it's clear that Remedy Entertainment has created something truly special – a game that will be remembered for years to come as a true masterpiece of modern gaming.

Control: A Game of Resonance

Game development studio: Remedy Entertainment Release date: August 27, 2019 (PC), September 10, 2019 (PS4) Genre: Action-adventure, third-person shooter Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4

inFAMOUS: Second Son

Game development studio: Sucker Punch Productions Release date: March 21, 2014 (PS3), August 29, 2014 (PS4) Genre: Action-adventure, third-person shooter Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4

Related games:

• Max Payne
• Alan Wake
• The X-Files