i was drawn to control's visuals immediately, but i found myself really wanting more narrative depth as the experience progressed (mild spoilers ahead).

the game's central mystery, the hiss, is a concept clearly inspired by folklore and superstition. the use of terms like 'possessed' and 'cleansing' hints at a deeper conspiracy but it never fully unravels. the unsettling atmosphere and the cinematic storytelling, while visually impressive, don't propel the story forward. the oversimplification of the lore made the hiss out to sound like a natural occurrence with aggressive tendencies without any ulterior motives, like a flood or hurricane. and the hiss remains frustratingly enigmatic as the battles continue and as you collect more pieces of the lore, leaving me with more questions than answers.

i don't see myself finishing the game but still enjoyed the concept a lot and probably will be seated for the sequel!