Control-like Games: Top Supernatural Action Alternatives
If you’re looking for games like Control that deliver the same blend of supernatural action, third-person shooting, and a deeply mysterious narrative, the best alternatives are Alan Wake 2, Quantum Break, and Prey (2017). Each offers a unique take on paranormal combat and atmospheric world-building, but they share the core DNA of Remedy Entertainment’s signature style and the immersive-sim depth that makes Control so compelling.
What Makes Control’s Supernatural Action Unique
Control (2019) stands out for its seamless blend of gunplay and telekinetic powers. The protagonist, Jesse Faden, wields the Service Weapon—a shape-shifting firearm—alongside abilities like levitation, telekinesis, and a shield made of debris. Combat is fast, fluid, and encourages experimentation: you can launch a forklift at an enemy, then finish them with a burst of fire, all while floating in mid-air. The game’s setting, the Oldest House, is a brutalist skyscraper that shifts its layout, and the story is steeped in paranatural phenomena, with documents and recordings that expand the lore. This combination of tight third-person action, a mind-bending narrative, and a rich, unsettling atmosphere defines the “Control formula” that fans seek in other games.
Top Alternatives from Remedy Entertainment
Remedy Entertainment, the studio behind Control, has a shared universe known as the Remedy Connected Universe, so their other titles are natural starting points.
- Alan Wake 2 (2023): This survival-horror sequel shifts from pure action to a more suspenseful, over-the-shoulder experience. You play as both FBI agent Saga Anderson and the writer Alan Wake, investigating ritualistic murders in a Pacific Northwest town. Combat is more deliberate, with limited ammo and a flashlight mechanic that strips away the darkness shielding enemies. The supernatural action is less about telekinesis and more about resource management and psychological dread, but the story’s meta-narrative and live-action elements are pure Remedy.
- Quantum Break (2016): This game focuses on time manipulation. Protagonist Jack Joyce can stop time, create time shields, and dash through frozen moments. The combat is similar to Control‘s—third-person shooting with a suite of powers that can be chained together. The story is told through a mix of gameplay and a live-action TV show, which is a divisive but distinctive approach. If you want the same Remedy polish and a protagonist with supernatural abilities, this is a solid pick.
Immersive Sims with Supernatural Combat
Beyond Remedy’s own catalog, several immersive sims offer a comparable mix of supernatural abilities and environmental problem-solving.
- Prey (2017): Set on a space station overrun by shape-shifting aliens called Typhon, you play Morgan Yu, who gains powers by scanning the enemies. You can mimic a coffee mug to hide, telepathically throw objects, and even turn into a turret. The combat is first-person, but the freedom to approach encounters with a mix of weapons, powers, and hacking feels very Control-like. The atmosphere is similarly eerie, with a deep lore told through emails and audio logs.
- Dishonored 2 (2016): This stealth-action game lets you play as Emily Kaldwin, who has supernatural abilities like Domino (linking enemies’ fates) and Far Reach (a telekinetic grab). The level design is open, encouraging creative use of powers to traverse and eliminate targets. While more stealth-focused, the moment-to-moment decision-making—choosing between a sword, crossbow, or a supernatural power—mirrors Control‘s combat sandbox.
Other Notable Supernatural Action Games
Several other titles capture the same vibe of a lone protagonist against a paranormal threat.
- The Medium (2021): This is a fixed-camera psychological horror game where you play a medium who can project into the spirit world. Combat is minimal, but the dual-reality gameplay—seeing and interacting with both worlds simultaneously—offers a unique supernatural experience. It’s more about exploration and story than action, but the atmosphere is comparable.
- Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019): While sci-fi, the Force powers (push, pull, slow) and lightsaber combat provide a similar power-fantasy feel. The game is more melee-focused, but the combination of force abilities and a customizable skill tree offers a comparable sense of progression and empowerment.
How to Choose the Right Game for You
Your choice depends on what you valued most in Control.
- If you loved the story and Remedy’s writing, start with Alan Wake 2 or Quantum Break. They are directly connected to Control‘s lore.
- If you preferred combat and power customization, Prey offers the most depth in that area, with a skill tree that lets you build a specific playstyle.
- If you want atmosphere and exploration, The Medium or Dishonored 2 provide rich worlds to get lost in.
Common Misconceptions About Control-Like Games
One common misconception is that Control is a pure shooter. In reality, its combat heavily relies on positioning and using the environment. Many players try to play it like a cover-based shooter, which leads to frustration. Similarly, fans often assume that any game with telekinesis will feel the same, but the implementation matters. For example, Star Wars games have Force push, but the physics and cooldowns are different. Understanding that Control‘s combat is a ballet of movement and ability usage will help you pick a game that matches that rhythm, not just the superficial power set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alan Wake 2 a direct sequel to Control?
Not a direct sequel, but it exists in the same universe. Control‘s AWE expansion sets up the connection, and Alan Wake 2 features characters and events that tie back to the Federal Bureau of Control. You can play it without having played Control, but you’ll appreciate the cross-references more if you have.
Are there any games with telekinesis as good as Control’s?
Prey (2017) offers a very satisfying telekinesis power that lets you hurl heavy objects at enemies. The physics are excellent, and you can even use it to solve puzzles. However, the first-person perspective changes the feel; it’s more about precision than the third-person spectacle of Control.
Which game is harder: Control or Alan Wake 2?
Alan Wake 2 is generally more challenging because it’s a survival horror. Ammo is scarce, enemies are tougher, and you have to manage resources carefully. Control is more action-oriented, and you can often brute-force your way through with abilities.
Can I play Quantum Break without watching the TV show?
Yes, the game is fully playable without watching the live-action episodes. They add context to the story, but the gameplay itself is self-contained. Many players skip them and still enjoy the game, though you’ll miss some character development.
Are there any indie games similar to Control?
Yes, F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a Metroidvania with a rabbit protagonist using a mechanical fist, offering punchy combat and some supernatural-like abilities. Another is Severed Steel, a first-person shooter where you play a one-armed protagonist with a wall-run ability, though it’s less narrative-driven.
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