How Control's Most Ambitious Level Was Created | Audio Logs

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  • Опубліковано 4 січ 2020
  • The Ashtray Maze is Control's standout level: a motel that twists and turns around you, backed by an unforgettable soundtrack. Game director Mikael Kasurinen describes where the idea for the maze came from, and how the team at Remedy implemented something so ambitious and unique.
    #Control #MikaelKasurinen #AudioLogs #AshtrayMaze
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 154

  • @BennXYZ
    @BennXYZ 7 місяців тому +24

    What I loved about the level is, how the maze itself first felt like it was trying to harm you by disorienting and throwing enemies at you.
    But as you progressed through the level it became more and more supportive, creating cover for you, blocking enemies off entirely and at the end literally providing you with ground to stand on.
    Really made it feel like a living thing.

  • @divinitymode9364
    @divinitymode9364 4 роки тому +309

    I will never ever understand how the people that design levels/environmental puzzles do what they do. It’s a truly amazing talent.

    • @mulethedonkey2579
      @mulethedonkey2579 9 місяців тому +1

      Never say never, take a class! You can shadow college classes at some colleges for free for no credit, its called auditing, just call the college and ask. Make sure its a beginners 101 course with no prerequisites! Or take one online or find a free one online from Stanford or Harvard, but taking it in person could be a good motivator.

  • @namijbaily3480
    @namijbaily3480 4 роки тому +267

    Playing this level was my 2019’s gaming moment of the year.

    • @lucapirilli
      @lucapirilli Рік тому +4

      same for me in 2022

    • @spokje
      @spokje 5 місяців тому +1

      I was blown away the whole 6 minutes. It was unreal. The music just fit perfectly throughout.

    • @immy2878
      @immy2878 Місяць тому +1

      Same for me in 2024!

  • @noirczar5280
    @noirczar5280 2 роки тому +52

    The Ashtray Maze is easily one of the most memorable moments in gaming I’ve ever played through.

  • @caiusward
    @caiusward 4 роки тому +155

    When I get into The Ashtray Maze, along with the music, it makes me feel amazing. I felt like I'm in Inception or Dr.Strange movie.
    What they did is really good, I really love the game.

  • @RockBottomRiser21
    @RockBottomRiser21 4 роки тому +228

    Maybe the coolest sequence I've played in 2019.

  • @lozg8887
    @lozg8887 3 роки тому +56

    The Ashtray Maze was a defining videogame moment. Well done Remedy!

  • @joshs2734
    @joshs2734 2 роки тому +19

    Control has the single greatest world/environment/colors/atmosphere/aesthetic/art style. Everything is so breathtakingly beautiful, fascinating and mysterious. It's not my favorite game (though it's top 5) but it is hands down my favorite world, art and design ever. It's so gorgeous that it almost makes me cry. It's such an incredibly unique experience . Especially in our modern world of checklist gaming, bland open worlds with copy/paste forts and towns. I wish more developers and publishers were brave enough to create the kinds of games that studios like Remedy and Arkane make.

    • @JR-pf9in
      @JR-pf9in Місяць тому

      Arkane's Dishonored is what got me into playing games. Games truly are an amazing art form and experience when you're fully immersed into the world of a game.
      The Ashtray Maze was an experience I'll never forget.

  • @civilwarfare101
    @civilwarfare101 4 роки тому +55

    Hearing Poets of the Fall made that level so good.

  • @splayzer
    @splayzer 4 роки тому +89

    Got goosebumps watching this video! I've played Control blind, went without knowing anything about it (the less you know about it, the better the experience becomes) you can actually find the Ashtray Maze early in the game and I've got so frustrated that I couldn't pass the first room, as intended coz you not suppose to do it a that early moment, tried several times, until I convinced myself that i probably needed to level up before doing it. When the time finally arrived, I did it standing in front of the TV, in awe with what I was seeing front of me! Control was my personal GOTY, also on my personal Top 10 PS4 games! I wrote before in another video, The Game Awards should have a 'Best Game Level/Mission of the Year', Ashtray Maze would've won for sure!!!

    • @palehorseriderx
      @palehorseriderx 3 роки тому +1

      this!
      I played control very late (this year, in fact) and I LOVED the game!

  • @giodc8599
    @giodc8599 Рік тому +11

    You guys at Remedy created a masterpiece of a game and the Maze is surely the highlight of the whole experience. Team effort like you said, Mikael. It must have felt amazing to deliver this gem :)

  • @kalythgaming
    @kalythgaming Рік тому +24

    I just played this part an hour ago for the first time and I was smiling as a kid while the music followed the action of my Jesse floating, shooting and possessing enemies…
    Wow… just wow…

  • @RiliwanSanni
    @RiliwanSanni 4 роки тому +29

    I played this section yesterday and I don't think I'll ever forget it

  • @semper.videre
    @semper.videre 4 роки тому +12

    Just played it today and I'm still blown away. Remedy did such a great job on this level. One of the greatest levels and moments I experienced in all my years of gaming.
    Remedy did really build a great game with an appealing mysterious world and the maze is one of the true highlights in it.

  • @TheBelaidKL
    @TheBelaidKL 4 роки тому +31

    This was such a good watch.
    Definitely one of the most memorable gaming levels of the last however many years. Hearing Mikael''s insight makes it so much more impressive!

  • @sauravpanwar9455
    @sauravpanwar9455 4 роки тому +43

    The Game design is just so pleasing and innovative. The animation in this level is so accurate and fits in to make it that great!!

  • @EDMINGREVIEWS
    @EDMINGREVIEWS 4 роки тому +24

    This game was fantastic. The last game I completed in 2019 brought me such joy.
    It's full of creativity and tries new stuff in the game media and it just makes me more hopeful for the future of video games and innovation.
    Sadly not so many people picked up this game and didn't have the support and attention it deserves.

  • @jeffhernandez7594
    @jeffhernandez7594 4 роки тому +13

    Hands down the coolest sequence I've ever played.

  • @K1r4Gamer
    @K1r4Gamer 4 роки тому +14

    Just played the Maze today. So amazing and beautiful!

  • @Mentalpatiencevapes
    @Mentalpatiencevapes 2 роки тому +2

    I did the ashtray maze this weekend. I have not had a video game level garner such visceral emotion in a very long time. When Jesse says “that.. was awesome” at the end. Cherry.

  • @DonnieDisasters
    @DonnieDisasters Рік тому +2

    That game was one of the most memorable game I've played.

  • @velashevskyy
    @velashevskyy 4 роки тому +9

    Ashtray Maze, is definitely best game exp. of 2019. Simply brilliant work.

  • @jonathanmtz3934
    @jonathanmtz3934 3 роки тому +11

    This song is on my playlist, and I play it everyday! 🤘🏻

  • @LapisGoBlue
    @LapisGoBlue 4 роки тому +10

    I hate how underrated this game is. Deserves more love.

  • @ConceptJunkie
    @ConceptJunkie 2 місяці тому

    This was definitely a highlight of the game, and an amazing moment in terms of graphics technology and good gameplay, but the whole game is full of this kind of stuff. The level design was amazing, and the attention to detail gives the environment a verisimilitude that enhances the immersion of the game, and let's not forget how good the writing of the story is.
    Great job, Remedy! I can't wait to see the sequel!

  • @Duterasemis
    @Duterasemis 4 роки тому +3

    This game was one of my favorites of the last decade. When a decade starts with New Vegas and contains Doom 2016, Divinity: OS2, Grim Dawn, Subnautica, Hollow Knight, etc. etc. that's no small feat. They did an incredible job just making it feel awesome. The power fantasy is just perfect.

  • @melodicmonster
    @melodicmonster 3 місяці тому

    This is one of my favorite moments in gaming, along with the abduction scene in Prey (2006). "Take Control" elevates the moment drastically, just as "Don't Fear the Reaper" did with Prey.

  • @OMR6468
    @OMR6468 4 роки тому +23

    Can't wait for the DLC in March. Hoping for more weapon forms, powers and weirdness

  • @lucasburford7881
    @lucasburford7881 3 роки тому +2

    What an inspiration, I loved this level and the whole game so much I platinumed it twice lmao. Hearing him talk with so much passion about the development and about the team makes me want to work for them so bad, I'd love to be a level designer for them one day

  • @penyuwan
    @penyuwan 4 роки тому +25

    Imagine playing this level in VR. Woah!

  • @9juju6
    @9juju6 2 роки тому +3

    3:30
    Look at that fool trying to shoot Shatter across the map. Smh. We all know Grip is the superior Service Weapon form.

  • @controul
    @controul 2 роки тому +2

    The Ashtray Maze is one of my most memorable gaming sequence. Control overall is a masterpiece.

  • @AngryKittens
    @AngryKittens 4 роки тому +5

    Control was unexpectedly a really great game.

  • @DavidFregoli
    @DavidFregoli Рік тому +2

    "I am the Director of Control" Pog

  • @wayne8797
    @wayne8797 4 роки тому +1

    Yup, I was blown away by the level design of the maze. Really really well done.

  • @jeremynebraska
    @jeremynebraska 4 роки тому +1

    Great insight into an already amazing game! Thank you for the vid.

  • @armchairgravy8224
    @armchairgravy8224 3 роки тому +3

    Control was a lot of fun! Thanks to the Remedy team for making another great game.

  • @tommiv4953
    @tommiv4953 4 роки тому +2

    While playing this section, did anybody else wonder what happens when the song ends? This thought actually made me hurry along and made the experience even more hectic.

    • @blobbything2986
      @blobbything2986 3 роки тому +1

      It doesn't. Different parts of the song play and loop in different parts

  • @Lupinvej
    @Lupinvej 4 роки тому +6

    Very cool video, free master class lecture! Thx GS!

  • @theinitiative3139
    @theinitiative3139 3 роки тому +29

    This man needs to make a Doctor Strange game immediately.

    • @takoshihitsamaru4675
      @takoshihitsamaru4675 Рік тому +1

      Dr Strange is fine and all, but drawing parallels between these two is really selling Control short.

    • @Aro2001
      @Aro2001 Рік тому +2

      @@takoshihitsamaru4675 I don't know... I can see where they are coming from with that. Magic would give the freedom/excuse to make rooms that shift around, fold, and expand on itself. Dr. Strange's story/worldbuilding lends itself to having environments like that. That being said, I'd rather have a Control sequel

  • @homesless
    @homesless 6 місяців тому

    TL;DR - Remedy knows how to make games; Poets of the Fall knows how to make music to accompany Remedy games.
    Having just played through Ashtray Maze myself (thanks to my finding of their work in AW2, which led me to playing through AW1 and then Control), I can spot many of the talking points Mr. Kasurinen spoke of in terms of figuring out where to go, with whatever fights were happening, and even 'triggers' in terms of video game logic. With that said, I more than appreciate not only what the developers put together, but also how they collaborated with the Poets of the Fall and their own contributions, all of which enhanced the experience that much more. Such a dynamic, adaptive system they've combined to create, and, in my opinion, Poets of the Fall deserve their own plaque in gaming history, and Remedy needs a plaque, as well - I'd argue there wouldn't be a true Ashtray Maze without Poets of the Fall; Remedy deserves their own plaque in gaming history for coming up with Ashtray Maze in the first place.

  • @carpemkarzi
    @carpemkarzi 3 роки тому +5

    Love the game. Oddly enough two of my favourite games of the last two years have been from small devs who strove to do something different and did they ever succeed..Control and Hellblade: Senuas Sacrifice.

  • @laraontoast
    @laraontoast 4 роки тому +1

    One of my favorite video game moments, ever.

  • @TheOttomatic91
    @TheOttomatic91 4 роки тому +3

    That maze sequence was f*cking amazing I cant wait to see what project Remedy does next. Oh and keep making content like this it's awesome.

  • @maxcherkasskikh5960
    @maxcherkasskikh5960 3 роки тому

    By far the best part of the game or any game that I have recently played. Bravo to the team!

  • @xsomili5501
    @xsomili5501 Місяць тому

    Experiencing this for the first time 2 days ago was one of the best first experiences ever

  • @T4gProd
    @T4gProd 3 роки тому +2

    One the all time greatest curveballs in gaming history. I expected a tedious navigation puzzle and it completely blew me away.
    The only thing I'm wondering, is whether or they made the combat in that section easier. It's a set piece and set pieces lose their power with repetition very easily. I don't know if it was the music and the awe I felt that made a better player, or was the combat actually a bit easier than normal in that segment.

  • @vinceo.1262
    @vinceo.1262 4 роки тому +1

    The music on this stage was just...mmm *mimicks chef kiss*

  • @neezduts69420
    @neezduts69420 3 роки тому

    Thank you for the part that sealed my love for your game

  • @ChaoticNeutralMatt
    @ChaoticNeutralMatt 2 роки тому

    Still need to play this. This is amazing.

  • @cf5914
    @cf5914 4 роки тому +4

    I loved this game so much but I think having the health bars and level indicators above the enemies broke the otherwise incredible immersion. Surely some other visual cue could have been used, ie different color uniforms, eyes, whatever. Great job on the game!

  • @MikeyJB
    @MikeyJB 4 роки тому

    My favourite gaming moment before Control was the concert in Alan Wake. I thought nothing would ever be able to beat it till this maze. After I played this mission I immediately purchased the song.

  • @MegaActionRanger
    @MegaActionRanger 3 роки тому

    Those bright white documents on a dark menu were gorgeous to experience on a dark room. The eyes love to be washed out on a bright white light at midnight.

  • @franz3810
    @franz3810 3 роки тому +1

    I love Control , it's such a masterpiece

  • @Harb0eJac0b
    @Harb0eJac0b 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for being who are and keep making fantastic games (Alan Wake 2 :-)) Loved Control. My favourite game of 2019. Great video. Thanks to Remedy for giving their time gorvot. I really feel the passion for the game.

  • @lucapirilli
    @lucapirilli Рік тому +2

    Best part of the game, just played it recently knowing (on purpose) very little of it. I was expecting an Alan Wake-"War"-like moment here as well, and when Jesse started the tape, I knew it was time. Mikael is right, there was no need of puzzles or overcomplicated things, the aesthetic and the music were already enough to make a level that felt epic.
    I didn't run there, I just walked through and enjoyed the song, blasting away enemies with the curiosity of how the maze was going to change next.
    Really an amazing job!

  • @aranerem3767
    @aranerem3767 4 роки тому +1

    The maze part was amazing. The best part of the game. It blew me away.

  • @Johnnygrafx
    @Johnnygrafx 4 роки тому +9

    I loved watching this. Control is an outstanding game and I'll always be interested to see philosophies behind its design.

    • @heisenbergred
      @heisenbergred 4 роки тому

      could have used more enemy types

    • @Johnnygrafx
      @Johnnygrafx 4 роки тому +1

      @@heisenbergred agreed. And the map sucked. But other than that it's nearly perfect

    • @heisenbergred
      @heisenbergred 4 роки тому

      @@Johnnygrafx I agree

  • @RaymondArias
    @RaymondArias 3 роки тому +1

    Some elements reminded me of "Devil May Cry: DMC," especially Jesse's ability to dodge while mid-air and the setpieces that made me recall Sparda's manor.

  • @Cococrash11
    @Cococrash11 4 роки тому +1

    Awesome Control Video.

  • @chillingdudex
    @chillingdudex 3 роки тому

    my favorite level in a game ever, that was AWESOME

  • @DanPratama
    @DanPratama 4 роки тому +1

    Ashtray Maze one of the best moment for Control.

  • @alliciade1121
    @alliciade1121 3 роки тому +1

    I really wish you could go through the maze multiple times after you get through it the first time

  • @mpas27
    @mpas27 4 роки тому +7

    I spent 6 hours trying to go through this labyrinth, until I realized it's impossible until the plot twist)

    • @sellingacoerwa8318
      @sellingacoerwa8318 4 роки тому +3

      sure you did.

    • @mpas27
      @mpas27 3 роки тому

      @Voltaic Fire but true

    • @mpas27
      @mpas27 3 роки тому

      @Voltaic Fire well, I just found this labyrinth too early and tried to pass through with no searching answers or any tutorial in the internet. I thought there's a way to solve this riddle. I tried going through different rooms, to set the items in the room just like on the paintings and other stuff, but without any result)
      "Funny as hell, it was Ahti's mp3 that helped to go through the labyrinth "

  • @noelvermillia
    @noelvermillia 4 роки тому +3

    When I got to this level my jaw dropped.

  • @cypher878
    @cypher878 4 роки тому +8

    I love Courtney Hope

    • @sellingacoerwa8318
      @sellingacoerwa8318 4 роки тому

      Morality question, are you cheating on your current wife, a anime body pillow, by saying this?

    • @cypher878
      @cypher878 4 роки тому +1

      @@sellingacoerwa8318 i wish i had a wife or even a GF 😂

    • @sellingacoerwa8318
      @sellingacoerwa8318 4 роки тому

      @@cypher878 Time will bring most reasonable things and people pairing up is very reasonable. Just be good and think about how other people feel before yourself best you can.

    • @dantshort
      @dantshort 4 роки тому

      This was a ride.

  • @Wankeroo
    @Wankeroo 4 роки тому +1

    The gamma looks jacked on these clips? Loved this game...

  • @DailypursuitNetNews
    @DailypursuitNetNews 4 роки тому +2

    What a great game, what a great Remedy of Finland.

  • @Nick_the_human
    @Nick_the_human 4 роки тому +1

    Give us that outfit from the prototype build in the full game maybe with the dlc! So excited to have a reason to go back

  • @Megaseawolf
    @Megaseawolf 3 роки тому

    Of the best gaming moments of all time. It was awesome for sure. 🤘

  • @penyuwan
    @penyuwan 4 роки тому

    Now must listen to the song again.

  • @gregwxst
    @gregwxst 3 роки тому

    One of the coolest levels of all time and the best game of 2019.

  • @seanjw12345
    @seanjw12345 4 роки тому +1

    Definitely worth my time ... as soon as I got to this level and the music started kicking ass my power was knocked out because of a hurricane..🤬.. I can’t wait for the dlc’s I think they’ll be as good as the meat and potatoes..

  • @Makkavic
    @Makkavic 4 роки тому

    you know who would be awesome for that kind of video !!! Miyazaki himself and talk about Bloodborne

  • @tanzeelrahman7835
    @tanzeelrahman7835 4 роки тому

    This game deserve game of the year.

  • @funkytownmonkeypimps6716
    @funkytownmonkeypimps6716 Рік тому

    Yup, the ashtray maze was awesome. Only an experience games can provide.

  • @francesphilip8194
    @francesphilip8194 4 роки тому +3

    Ohhh I really like the outfit with the skirt! Please give us skirt outfit DLC!

  • @Visuwyg
    @Visuwyg 4 роки тому +1

    Is he wearing an Alan Wake shirt as a hint at their next game? God I hope they create a game that is both a sequel to Alan Wake AND Control at the same time. With Jessy as the Antagonist trying to catch Alan.

    • @sethledyv3237
      @sethledyv3237 4 роки тому

      It's confirmed that the second DLC will bring back and focus on Alan Wake.

    • @wabisabi7755
      @wabisabi7755 4 роки тому

      Yeah some of the documents you pick up at the game mention the events of Alan Wake.

  • @namor5401
    @namor5401 3 роки тому

    Thank you Remedy.

  • @FreemanCs16
    @FreemanCs16 4 роки тому +2

    After Alan Wake masterpiece i was pleasantly surprised playing this one just fantastic team Remedy can't wait fof eventually Alan Wake 2.

    • @kotkaconforza
      @kotkaconforza 4 роки тому

      I wouldn't hold my breat because Microsoft owns that ip and Remedy wants to make games to all platforms now.

    • @adgd
      @adgd 4 роки тому

      @@kotkaconforza Remedy owns the Alan Wake IP (distribution/publishing rights might be Microsoft's tho). There are multiple Sam Lake interviews that he states that. He also said Control started as Alan Wake 2, and that he really wants to make it.

    • @kotkaconforza
      @kotkaconforza 4 роки тому

      @@adgd Oh, ok. Got that wrong. That's cool if it happens someday. They have one game in development that they haven't announced yet. So maybe??

    • @shiruba7019
      @shiruba7019 2 роки тому +1

      Well, wait until 2023! Alan Wake 2 is coming!

    • @MikkoRantalainen
      @MikkoRantalainen 6 місяців тому

      @@shiruba7019 Control 2 is also in production already.

  • @Barbaroossa
    @Barbaroossa 4 роки тому

    I see a vision rising dreary...

  • @Kujamon
    @Kujamon 4 роки тому +2

    Only bad thing about the game was the redacted words not getting revealed as your clearance level increases

    • @elessal
      @elessal 4 роки тому

      No. The bad things were the epic exlusivity deal and the content locked to for consoles-only.

  • @MrBucketlist
    @MrBucketlist 4 роки тому

    So good to hear alan wake getting love

  • @solidsbro1259
    @solidsbro1259 4 роки тому +4

    Can we please get a skin where her sleeves are rolled up all the way

    • @sellingacoerwa8318
      @sellingacoerwa8318 4 роки тому

      I'm sure they'll drop working on the DLC and get right on that bro.

  • @kelxone
    @kelxone 4 роки тому

    Cool

  • @renascence239
    @renascence239 4 роки тому +1

    Nooo...why am I watching this, it takes all magic away. :)

  • @Razor_Regiment
    @Razor_Regiment 3 роки тому

    Hands down the absolute best part of the game.

    • @takoshihitsamaru4675
      @takoshihitsamaru4675 Рік тому

      Ooo, I think you may be forgetting just how insane some of the moments were in this game.

  • @adamnunya3924
    @adamnunya3924 3 роки тому

    trying to get my friend to play this but i refuse to mention the maze, i wouldnt dare take that moment from someone

  • @IdeaOfEvil
    @IdeaOfEvil 4 роки тому

    AWAiting how they connect Control and Alan Wake more in the DLC

  • @christoboy1000
    @christoboy1000 3 роки тому +1

    gotta admit the maze was the shit, and the music was just the perfect fit to it

  • @mahesh84
    @mahesh84 2 роки тому

    keeping game simple is what every game developer should think , control is what exactly im saying but the problem is navigation and it could have been bit easier

  • @alehaim
    @alehaim 2 роки тому

    The title misspelled "best" as "most ambitious"

  • @elessal
    @elessal 4 роки тому

    What movie does he say that is being referenced? Bottom thing?

    • @MrLinker44
      @MrLinker44 4 роки тому

      I wonder the same exact thing. I heard button think which makes even less sense..

    • @RemedyGames
      @RemedyGames 4 роки тому +1

      Barton Fink ;)

    • @mantistoboggan5171
      @mantistoboggan5171 3 роки тому

      barton fink. one of the few coen brothers films i have not seen, but certainly will soon, considering how brilliant all their other films are.

  • @donatodiniccolodibettobardi842
    @donatodiniccolodibettobardi842 4 роки тому

    I felt myself such a moron for not being able to figure out the maze, when I have found it for the first time. I was never good at puzzles.

  • @jmsantos1983
    @jmsantos1983 4 роки тому

    DLC? This game is really underrated.

  • @firstpersonlooter
    @firstpersonlooter 2 роки тому

    If only they put as much thought into the map. It’s static, (can’t zoom in/out, rotate) can’t view individual floors, all floors overlapping each other, no compass or waypoints except for a few times one first entering select locations.
    I enjoyed the game, I loved all the physics, I didn’t totally understand the story but I was still really engrossed. I did the main story Playthrough and was a little too exhausted to go back and do everything else until recently. It is a bit easier on a second Playthrough when I have a better grasp on navigation, the user interface and service weapon upgrades.

  • @Joeki11a
    @Joeki11a 4 роки тому

    They next DLC has to be more of thi

  • @garedo2786
    @garedo2786 3 роки тому

    So...he is the director... I see...

  • @og4tcm
    @og4tcm 4 роки тому

    23 people must have got stuck in the maze...

  • @MegaSantaclaude
    @MegaSantaclaude 4 роки тому

    The Angry Video Game Nerd calls it the Asstray maze