Control Ultimate Edition

Control Ultimate Edition is the definitive, comprehensive 2020 repackaging of the critically acclaimed 2019 action-adventure game developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by 505 Games. Initially released for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, it later launched as a native next-gen title for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in early 2021 (alongside a Cloud Version for the Nintendo Switch). It serves as the complete, technologically maximized vision of Jesse Faden’s paranormal journey.

The “Ultimate” Package

While the core narrative remains identical to the 2019 original—following Jesse Faden as she takes over the Federal Bureau of Control to fight back against the reality-warping resonance known as the Hiss—the Ultimate Edition bundles the base game with both of its massive, story-critical expansions:

• The Foundation: This expansion takes Jesse deep into the cavernous, bedrock roots of the Oldest House. It heavily expands the game’s lore, exploring the dark, secret history of the Bureau’s first Director and introducing new shape-shifting abilities that allow Jesse to manipulate the environment’s crystalline structures.
• AWE (Altered World Events): This is arguably the most significant piece of DLC Remedy has ever created. It explicitly bridges the gap between Control and 2010’s Alan Wake, officially establishing the “Remedy Connected Universe.” Jesse is called to the sealed-off Investigations Sector by the psychic manifestations of the missing writer, where she must hunt down a terrifying, shadow-warped creature roaming the darkened halls.

Next-Gen Features and Enhancements

The primary draw of the Ultimate Edition for console players was its native optimization for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S hardware, allowing the game’s notoriously demanding physics engine to finally breathe:

• Graphics vs. Performance Modes: Console players could finally choose how they wanted to play. “Performance Mode” offered a buttery-smooth, locked 60 frames per second, making the chaotic telekinetic combat feel incredibly fluid. “Graphics Mode” locked the game at 30 FPS but turned on jaw-dropping real-time ray tracing, rendering hyper-realistic reflections on the Oldest House’s glass walls, marble floors, and polished concrete.
• DualSense Immersion: On the PS5, the game deeply integrated the DualSense controller. The adaptive triggers physically changed resistance depending on which form of the Service Weapon you were firing (e.g., the “Pierce” sniper form required a heavy, forceful trigger pull), and the haptics allowed you to feel the distinct patter of Jesse’s footsteps across different surfaces.

Reception and The Upgrade Controversy

As a complete video game package, Control Ultimate Edition was universally praised as the absolute best way to experience a modern masterpiece. The inclusion of the DLC and the staggering graphical upgrades cemented it as a must-play title for new console owners.

However, its release was severely marred by a massive, highly publicized anti-consumer controversy. Publisher 505 Games controversially announced that only players who purchased the Ultimate Edition would be eligible for the free PS5 and Xbox Series X next-gen upgrades. This meant that millions of loyal early adopters who had already purchased the base game and the $25 Season Pass at launch were completely locked out of the graphical enhancements unless they bought the exact same game all over again. The backlash was immense, staining what was otherwise a flawless technical release.

Quick Note

Control Ultimate Edition is the absolute pinnacle of Remedy’s paranormal shooter.

In short: If you can look past the incredibly messy, controversial corporate rollout that burned early adopters, the game itself is staggering. Combining the brilliant Alan Wake crossover DLC, the 60 FPS performance boost, and some of the best ray-traced reflections in the industry, this is the only way you should be exploring the shifting halls of the Oldest House today.