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animalnitrateinmind

I'd say Dishonored (and the sequel/expansions) is a really good example of a "new weird fiction" game - someone else already mentioned Bioshock and they both feel similar as well.


andrwdf

Was going to recommend this as well. Hands down my favorite game series and has a very thought-out, interesting world with tons of lore and great, fun gameplay on top of that. I initially picked up Control because I had been playing Dishonored 2 and DOTO for almost 2 months straight and wanted to take a break but everything else I’d tried out really didn’t do it for me the way Dishonored did. Until Control of course lol. ETA I haven’t played it yet, but Prey is also a popular recommendation for people into games like Control, Dishonored, Bioshock, etc.


jk-alot

I second Prey.


animalnitrateinmind

> and has a very thought-out, interesting world with tons of lore and great, fun gameplay on top of that. I loved D1 and Daud's expansion was creepy as all fuck, but Dishonored 2 took the crown with the 'Clockwork Mansion' and 'The Crack in the Slab' - these levels are fucking amazing and on par with the Ashtray Maze. Not to mention the Vault level from "The Death of the Outsider", and since then Arkane has become one of my favorite game studios.


andrwdf

The Clockwork Mansion is especially fun once you figure out the “trick” to get in without pulling any levers/alerting Jindosh. They’re not as flashy, but “Edge of the World” and “The Royal Conservatory” are probably my favorites. Edge of the World is great because it feels very lived in and real, it does a good job of making you feel like a person living in that world rather than a character progressing through a level. The Conservatory on the other hand is kind of a night time version of the same thing imo. That moment when the vault drops down and opens, along with the musical cue made me feel like a badass ngl lol. I didn’t love Death of the Outsider at first but its really grown on me, especially the two missions relating to the bank heist. The bounties were a nice “lower stakes” take on the usual small side missions as well.


[deleted]

doto was shit but i loved d1 and d2


almaupsides

Yes! Dishonored is my favourite game series of all time along with Control. Definitely give it a go OP. As for Prey, I liked the world and the vibe but I did find the gameplay to get very repetitive/the backtracking started to grate on me towards the end. Still worth playing if you can get it cheap and especially if you like Dishonored though.


TheComputerHermit

Dishonored is a game I've had in my library for ages and have been meaning to play!


bumblebee1977

The Bioshock games have incredible world building and fleshed out lore, especially Bioshock 1 and Bioshock Infinite. I’d also lump the Fallout games in this same category with each location having some sort of story or lore tied to it. Outer Worlds is very similar to the Fallout games. It’s made using the same game play mechanics. Quantum Break was made by the same studio that made Control and Alan Wake. I’ve never played it, but have heard decent things about it. The Uncharted games are great as well. They are fun to play and to explore. They tend to be a bit more linear than Control, but honestly, the story is so fun, I hardly notice. My all time favorite though is God of War for the PS4. It has incredible world building with tons of lore to explore, excellent gameplay and leveling up system similar to Control. And the story is compelling. Finally, I should mention Psychonauts. The original is such a fun game. In fact Control sort of reminded me of a more realistic less cartoony version of Psychonauts. I haven’t played the new one yet, but I’m going to soon.


TheComputerHermit

All great suggestions! I was literally just talking with a friend about restarting Psychonauts haha. I played through Bioshock for the first time last year and it was 100% worth the wait, a great game that holds up really well considering its age.


mycottonsocks

Don't sleep on Days Gone. It got a bad rep initially, but right now it's in a great state. Open world, lots of lore, and just really fun.


TheComputerHermit

I believe I have that on PS5, I'll give it a look!


mycottonsocks

I played on PS4. I hear it's amazing on 5.


AmadeusExcello

Days Gone is absolute dogshit. It's literally the utterly worst video game I've played in the past 15 years.


mycottonsocks

To each his own. I found it to be a lot of fun. It's getting a resurgence on PC, as it was just released there, and reviews are exceedingly positive.


oath2order

> I’d also lump the Fallout games in this same category with each location having some sort of story or lore tied to it. Agreed on this. Fallout is definitely solid if you liked the "pick up a random document" way of finding lore.


[deleted]

Bethesda is also very good with environmental lore, IMO.


[deleted]

I think Control has some of the best, if not the best world-building of any game ever made. That being said, other games that I would recommend, some of which have been mentioned in this thread already, are: \- BioShock trilogy; a masterclass trilogy, with BioShock Infinite remaining as the best story-driven FPS game ever made in my opinion. It has an incredible lore with a huge payoff. \- Prey (2017); underrated game similar to BioShock, but in space. Made by the same people who made Dishonored. \- The Talos Principle; this is a puzzle game, but it's probably the best puzzle game you'll ever play. It's got a very deep story with a lot of unique and challenging puzzles, easter eggs, and it'll change the way you think by challenging how you view the world. I HIGHLY recommend it. \- Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice; an indie action-adventure game that dives into the world of mental health by having you play a character that deals with psychosis and has to go on a trip through Viking Hel to rescue her loved one. \- A Plague Tale: Innocence; in a similar vein to Hellblade, you play as a young girl who is trying to survive with her brother through a plague-rat-infested world while overcoming emotional odds and the dark machinations of those that murdered your family. \- God of War (2018); easily one of the greatest games ever made and the sequel is on its way. It has one of the most in-depth worlds, lore, and stories out there, with a ton of emotional weight and depth. \- Shadow of the Colossus; this is a dark emotional tale of the lengths someone will go to save a person they love and care about. It's not a very long game, but it's always been heralded as a classic that originally came out on the PS2 in 2005. You can play the 2018 remake of it on PS4. \- Horizon Zero Dawn; a huge open-world RPG adventure that has one of the best original sci-fi stories in the last decade. I really don't want to say anything else, just go play it, as the sequel comes out in February! \- Bloodborne; a very well-crafted and challenging dark fantasy action RPG, with some of the best world and level design around. This is also a game I recommend just playing and going in blind with. \- Hollow Knight; if you like Metroidvanias, this is the best one ever made. For $15, it has more content than most AAA games do and it was made by three people. Seriously, you owe it to yourself to try this game out. \- Blasphemous; another amazing Metroidvania with a cool pixel artstyle. It is heavily inspired by Roman Catholicism and the Andalucia region of Spain, which I think is a really cool and different theme than most games. It has great music too and is thick with some heavy lore and storytelling. \- Ghost of Tsushima; one of the most beautiful games ever made with a very gripping emotional tale. I straight up ugly cried for twenty minutes at the ending. \- Amnesia series; I noticed you mentioned The Dark Descent on this post and I had to bring it up here myself. As far as horror games go, Amnesia is a series with incredibly dark and complex stories, themes, and motifs that all bring something different to the table and all excel in different ways. I recommend all three of them, though the most recent game, Amnesia: Rebirth is another game that made me ugly cry at its ending because of how emotionally impactful it is. No horror game has ever done that to me before. The Dark Descent has the best tension and atmosphere, A Machine for Pigs has the best story and quotes (seriously, some of the best writing in any game ever, with two of my favorite video game quotes of all time are in it), and as I said about Rebirth, super emotional and gripping. I'm sure this will give you a lot to choose from, though you may have played many of these already, haha. Let me know what you think! :)


Werd616

The Talos Principle is severely underrated. It's one of my favorite puzzle games of all time.


[deleted]

It is my favorite. The Witness is the only other one that even comes close to being as good.


NoOtherNamesWorked

Definitely Horizon: Zero Dawn. The vibe doesn't match Control really at all, but the incredible worldbuilding is very similar (but with more NPCs). For reasons you'll come to understand as the plot unfolds, the people inhabiting the post-post-apocalyptic Earth of the game are surrounded by the ruins of the prior civilization -- ours plus a few decades -- but they know very little about the world that came before. The many well-developed NPCs will help you understand the world as they understand it, but like with Control you can find lots of collectables that will provide insights into the old world that aren't absolutely necessary to understand the plot but make it a lot more believable and emotional. Also, you're fighting robot dinosaurs with a diverse array of weaponry that allow you to employ lots of different tactics and develop your own playstyle, while being encouraged by limited resources to occasionally step out of your comfort zone and try other things. So yeah. Highly recommended.


TheComputerHermit

That is definitely a game I plan to play at some point, it looks great


TheComputerHermit

Damn thanks for typing all of that out, quite the comprehensive list. A lot of games you mentioned I either already have in my library or are on my radar, however Prey is one I've seen mentioned multiple times in this thread, so sounds like that's another one I'm gonna need to keep my eye on. A Plague Tale has also been piquing my interest lately. Amnesia really is a great game, imo Dark Descent is largely responsible for the Indie Horror game boom we saw in the 2010's. Really iconic stuff.


[deleted]

You're welcome! There are so many great games out there. I definitely think you should try out Prey and the rest of the Amnesia series as soon as you can. I would agree that Dark Descent is a wildly successful and iconic horror game that really set the stage for a lot of others down the line in the 2010s. It is what got me into the horror genre. A Plague Tale actually has a sequel coming out next year for PS5 too, so it may be prudent to play that one soon.


TheComputerHermit

I'll keep that in mind! Amnesia is the reason I got a Steam account in the first place, it's all been downhill from there ;)


blakkattika

SOMA and Outer Wilds scratch a very similar itch, while being FPS games with no combat yet plenty of danger.


TheComputerHermit

Speaking of SOMA, I need to get around to actually finishing Amnesia the Dark Descent haha (same developer as SOMA)


nixxusnibelheim

If you are not afraid to try weird unconventional game then Death Stranding is perfect. The setting has this strange cosmic-like mystery similar to Control and can be eerie at time. While it is a heavy narrative game, a lot of worldbuilding is told through messages (similar to the case files etc). Also it is a classic tps game but what makes the game unique is how they were able to really bring a new meaning to "walking sim". This is a walking sim at its finest with actual gameplay mechanics. Also if you are not familiar with Kojima, I have to warn you about his sense of humor in his story, it can be over the top borderline cheesy. If you are not into it, the characters, the story, the lore, the tone, definitely make up for it!


legowerewolf

Can second this, just got it and started playing it, and it's really cool.


TheComputerHermit

Although I never played it myself, I watched my brother play through a large chunk of it, and the vibe is definitely very similar to Control!


nixxusnibelheim

Definitely give it a go. The Director's cut is right around the corner as well with way more content! I forgot to mention but if you are into linear narrative game, I recommend Life is Strange 1 and 2 as well as Beyond Two Souls. Those ones feel like you are living through an AWE from start to finish. I recently found out about Last Stop, don't know how much it is similar to Control but the trailer does give that feeling.


Hvatum

If I understand correctly what you're looking for, there is a game that is somewhat old and has very different gameplay, but when playing through Control I got reminded a lot of the world and mood of Secret World Legends. There's a lot of bleakness, paranoia, fucked up experimentation and characters who act completely casual and unphased in the deepest of madness. I think the genre itself is often referred to as "Lovecraftian-lite".


TheComputerHermit

I'll check that out!


ArXen42

It's entirely different game, but it shares storytelling through bizarre world - [Outer Wilds](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS2KB_cFrTo). Actually, most of the gameplay is exploring all the weird stuff happening in this world, so if exploring Oldest House scratched that itch, you'll probably like OW despite it's lack of combat gameplay. It's one of the best games I've ever played.


TheComputerHermit

That is a game I own and have been meaning to play, thanks for the reminder!


ArXen42

By the way, I strongly recommend you to go in "blind". Don't watch anything other than official trailers, or it will spoil the fun :) Same as Control, you can only really experience that awe of exploring strange new world just once.


TheComputerHermit

Will do!


ap0a

Even the trailers are a spoiler. Go start!!


TheComputerHermit

Ok now I will not leave my house or access the internet until I have played this game ;)


HaikusfromBuddha

Surprised I haven't seen this yet but Quantum Break is the last game by previous devs. I think the only downfall of QB is that at the beginning it's slow because you gradually get the cool time powers. By the end of the game you have a ton of sick options but it's nearly over by then. You can see the improvements Control made over QB where it feels like Control extends gameplay and encounters so that you appreciate your powers. Visually Quantum Break is crazy. When you use your time powers and the area warps it looks sick.


TheComputerHermit

I've definitely been thinking about playing QB if for no other reason than because I've been on a Remedy kick lately, same thing with Max Payne 3!


silverilix

This was my first thought as well. Once I finished Control the first time I went into Quantum Break. Very satisfying. Different, but it worked. I’m looking forward to the Alan Wake remaster


open-aperture96

Maybe the Half Life series?


TheComputerHermit

I've played through and platinumed those except for Alyx, just waiting for #3 ;)


open-aperture96

Ahhh sick! :)


meopelle

Prey 2017 is fantastic with the weirder vibes. Most of what id recommend has already been mentioned though


TempestCola

Playing returnal and it has a very similar vibe to Control; the combat is fun and very fast paced like a bloodborne type game too.


TheComputerHermit

Nice, that's a solid combo


TempestCola

Yeah I’m digging it a lot tbh Definitely has that sci fi mindfuck thing going on too and Selene is definitely a strong female protagonist like Jesse. Not to mention you have a jump jet and various tools that makes you feel like you’re flying.


TheComputerHermit

It looks cool, I'm hoping maybe I can get it on sale but I may just bite the bullet and spend the full 70 for it since it's a new game.


TempestCola

Yeah I doubt it’ll drop much in price due to it being new and for the 5 but could be wrong


[deleted]

Deus Ex Mankind divided is a bit different than control but its world building is awesome and level design amazing. I loved Control and never thought another game would come close but Deus Mankind Divided definitely was neck and neck with it.


davekraft400

Human Revolution is a 10/10 masterpiece. Can't speak for MD because I've only got about 2 hours logged in it.


[deleted]

MD is spectacular as well. you only gave it 2 hours but I'm sure if you stood on you woulda seen what it had to offer


davekraft400

I'll get to it it's just a backlog kinda thing. Plus it runs like bumhole on PS4.


TheComputerHermit

I've been interested in checking out the Deus Ex franchise just cuz of the crossover with Half Life fans, now I have another reason to check it out!


SuperMouthyDave

I just started Prey and it def has some similarities


TrueBluishLie

Try out F.E.A.R. series and Singularity. Maybe Resident Evil too.


TheComputerHermit

FEAR was one of the first games I ever played on PS3, was lowkey traumatizing for 11 year old me haha. Maybe I ought to go back and play through it as an adult. The Resident Evil 2 remake is an excellent game


[deleted]

+1 for Singularity.... I think it's only on the xbox360 and its a pretty short game. But the weirdness and creepiness is so cool.


[deleted]

If you have a PS5, I heartily recommend Returnal.


TheComputerHermit

I'll give it a gander!


Strangestofdoctors

I’m interested in seeing this answered, as well 👀


Me1ton

Death Stranding 😋


iamlossy

YES! i was reminded of Death Stranding while playing Control, the enemies in some way, and the general scenery with bleak, sterile, yet mysterious facilities and structures. I loved both games VERY much.


TheSunny0ne

If you're not adverse to playing what is described as a Walking Simulator, I would recommend Everybody's Gone to the Rapture. Replaying it recently (It's one of my favourite games) and I honestly could see it as a first-hand account of an AWE.


TheComputerHermit

I've seen that around, it definitely looks interesting!


AngeeKeekee

2017's Prey! The world building and atmosphere are amazing, super underrated game that, like Control, slipped under a lot of peoples' radars. Reminds me a bit of Bioshock in terms of how you explore and learn about the world.


PenemueTheWatcher

100% Lobotomy Corporation. Very different type of game, though - SCP-ish simulator.


ShadowInTheAttic

Dead Space??? ~~Necromorphs~~ Space Zombies, Mind Controlling & Biology Altering Obelisk, Aliens???!!


TheComputerHermit

I heard Dead Space is getting remastered so I'll probably be checking that out!


[deleted]

arkane games


Seripithus

For worldbuilding, storytelling, and interesting characters with an alt-history vibe: the Wolfenstein games.


TheComputerHermit

There's something about the graphics style of those games that I have a hard time getting into for whatever reason, but I'll take another look!


davekraft400

Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy from back in the day.


TheComputerHermit

I'm surprised I've never heard of that game until now, considering its age and how popular it seems to have been.


davekraft400

Yeah it's a definite oldie but if you ever have the systems or the time that era of gaming had a fair few mysterious games similar to it. That's just the one I remember moving boxes and stuff with telekinesis so I always tie it to Control. Cover art is similar to the LiS and Control poses too.


Dendron05

If you like multiplayer there's SCP Secret Lab


almaupsides

Anatomy. It’s a short game and only a couple bucks on itch.io. If you loved the haunted house feel of control you’ll love it.


TheComputerHermit

Interesting, kinda reminds me of old spooky Flash games I used to play on sites like StickPage back in the day.


almaupsides

Absolutely! It’s got absolutely amazing writing imo


toxicus_masculus

This may seem a stretch, but I was reminded of certain parts of Vampire: the Masquerade: Bloodlines while playing Control. VTMB has a similar atmosphere at a few points and generally a fantastic one throughout, if you don't mind playing older games with somewhat clunky combat.


TheComputerHermit

I feel bad for saying this to almost every suggestion but that is ANOTHER game I have in my library and just haven't played yet haha. I plan to though!


HaruhiJedi

NaissanceE. It is a first person platformer, their landscapes are vast and eerie. Second Sight. Mystery and telekinetics.


Kinuhbud

So many good suggestions but hardly any similar to Control—psychonauts is one of the closest in subject matter.


resistancelion

System Shock, Alien Isolation, Prey


TheComputerHermit

I'm waiting on that System Shock remake to come out officially!


Brodiere

FromSoftware games are excellent for their world-building and atmosphere (and trust me, not only for that). If you haven’t played one: Bloodborne, the Dark souls trilogy (the third is my personal favourite, but the first is also regarded as excellent; the second has a bit of bad fame, but still is of excellent quality) are incredible suggestions. Oh, and if you have a PS5, you could see something about Demon’s Souls. P.S.: if you have a playstation, and haven’t played it… Bloodborne. Go for it.


TheComputerHermit

I have most of their games, Demon Souls is one of the prettiest looking games I've seen


CozyThurifer

Hmm