Remedy’s supernatural thriller To control it was one of the best games of the previous generation of consoles, but it is also one that clearly had problems with the hardware. In 2019, when I reviewed the game on a base model PS4, you could feel the action increasing when the action got too intense. It worked, but narrowly. (I don’t think any game has made my PS4 fan so noisy.) We already know that one of the best things about the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is that they make older games better, either by backward compatibility or, in the case of the next generation Control: Ultimate Edition, new versions that make use of the hardware. And now that I’ve spent a few hours with To control on PS5, I can say that it really looks like the ideal way to play.
The most obvious improvements are as expected. As with many XSX and PS5 games, the new version of To control offers two modes: one focused on performance, the other visual. In the first, the game runs at constant 60fps, which makes a big difference. To control it is an action game about constant movement: you use a combination of telekinetic powers and a shape-shifting weapon to take down enemies, but you stand still for too long and you will be overwhelmed. This makes speed essential. When the game fails during a big shootout, even a little, it can really interrupt its flow. This does not happen on PS5.
The other mode reduces the frame rate to 30fps, but enables cutting-edge graphics, such as ray tracing. To controlThe scenery is dark and gloomy, but there are many shiny surfaces, such as marble floors or underground puddles, where you can see the most realistic reflections. It looks great and adds more depth and texture to the world, especially as it is typically very dark. But having the game at 60fps is my preference. This makes the incredible combat of the game much better. 30fps can still be played, but it can be difficult to get back after you’ve played at a higher frame rate. (For a more technical analysis, be sure to check out this analysis at Digital Foundry.)
The PS5 version also goes a step further and uses the DualSense controller as well. Much like games like Fifteen days, the triggers now provide a little resistance when you fire your weapon. It looks small, but it helps make the act of shooting virtual bullets a little more satisfying. To control it is also one of the few titles not developed by Sony to make optimal use of the more subtle tactile vibrations of the controller. You can feel small steps as you roam the creepy office, and it’s especially fun when you start flying and throwing objects with your mind. You can feel all that tension in your palms. Combined with the best frame rate, it makes To controlmany long battles much more exciting.
Of course, all of this comes with one caveat. Although you can play your current version of To control on a new console through backward compatibility, to get all the benefits of the next generation, you’ll have to buy a brand new copy for PS5 or XSX. There is no free upgrade path for existing users. (Although there is a small workaround if you are a PlayStation Plus subscriber.) Because of this, you also cannot use the existing saved file with the latest generation versions. Basically, if you want to enjoy To control on your brand new console, you’ll need to buy a new copy and start the game from scratch. This is the best version of To control – but it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth the hassle.