Gears 5 represented something of crossroads for The Coalition. We need more of this in the industry.Īnother Summer month saw the release of some good games including Man of Medan, Blair Witch, Age of Wonders: Planetfall, RAD, Metal Wolf Chaos XD, Ape Out, Remnant from the Ashes, Kamiko, and Risk of Rain 1+2. Plus, big shoutout to the awesome female main character. It’s not a game that sticks with me or that I’d consider a GOTY candidate, but it is a good game and made for some fun, gorgeous hours during the summer. The enemies are challenging to the point of frustration, but pushing through a tougher area always felt good in the end. The combat sequences feature some incredible powers, but ultimately most went unused as I simply used telekinesis and gunned my way through each encounter. The movement feels clunky as does any of the platforming or traversal. Where Control falls apart for me is the gameplay. Exploring the environment is twisted and confusing, the reliance on in-game signage equal parts engaging and frustrating. The story certainly goes places and while I don’t think it’s anything beyond standard campy science fiction, it works well enough. It’s also well acted and features a bizarrely compelling world. Control is a stunning game from a graphical and technical standpoint which again, is nothing new for Remedy.

Control is the closest they’ve gotten to nailing it though, and that’s why it’s the best game that released this month.

There’s always something missing that keeps them from really hurting with me, though I do understand why others may feel differently. I think they’re a technically talented studio but really don’t make games that feel complete. I’m admittedly not the biggest Remedy fan.

Heroes of hammerwatch clunky movement