Control Explained - What is Polaris & The Hiss?

[@x0xlucas]

Remedy created the ultimate universe with this game, if they want they could do any kind of game and be in the control universe.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Agreed! Its kind of interesting but they mention that idea in The Alan Wake Files. Clay Steward presents an old interview with Alan Wake and a tv host asking about genre in fiction. Alan replies something along the lines of the genre of a story doesn't matter as long as the story itself is good. The genre simply helps to tell the story. This is why you can have a Lovecraftian narrative like control connected to the twin peaks/stephen king Alan Wake which connects to a crime noir Max paybe and science fiction Quantum break. With how this universe works they can do whatever they want.

[@cregerbot8217]

@@GamingUniversityUoG next up, a comedy fantasy game that was pitched in the late 2000's! It's ligit, look it up lol that was gonna be Alan Wake

[@dannycanfield3038]

@@cregerbot8217 I would've loved a Terry Pratchett type game from these guys.

[@kristinb8268]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Has anyone else noticed how similar the rock structure in the Sterling AWE area in containment looks exactly like Hedron?? I wonder if the 2 are connected as it states the object is hollow inside like Hedron. Also anyone else notice some of the contradictions like in the base game it says the service weapon was found in the office that is now the Director's, but in Foundation they say it was found by the Nail??

[@crizacamillevaldez7986]

@@kristinb8268 haven't progress that far yet still at the bro chapter gona free him i think. and i agreed they said it was found at the room

[@AngelCakeTom]

The way Jesse talks to Polaris through the game leads me to believe that we, the player are in fact Polaris. We are the force guiding her to where she needs to be and to escape from the hiss after the hedron is destroyed.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I've heard that theory. Wouldn't put it past Remedy to pull 4th wall characters considering previous stuff. Payne goes on a drug trip and learns he is in a video and other stuff like that.

[@judgmentallemon2771]

This is such a cool theory and I'm totally going to keep this in mind when I replay one day.

[@TheSensationalMr.Science]

​@@GamingUniversityUoG Hiss: Nidhogg Board: Great Eagle of Yggdrasil (The Oldest House) Former: Ratatoskr Hope you have a great day & Safe Travels!

[@nicklasdantes2471]

Polaris is a guide, it's in the name, Polaris' other and more popular name is the North Star

[@tritiumexposure5094]

I thought so too, is this not cannon?, given that Jesse comments on it when you do things that don't make sense such as try to open a locked door, it seems like jessies comments can only be directed at some guiding force, also anytime Polaris and Jesse are not connected it is during a cutscene when the player has no control, it seems like its the only real explanation, hell even the support scheme supports this theory, with how aiming is handled, you point out a target, and Jesse does the rest, firing on your cue. the map is clearly not something that Jesse has as an item either

[@CurtisLittlechild92]

The Oldest House is one of my favourite game worlds. I'm kind of sad I've finished the game.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

It opens up the possibility for so much creativity in the universe. I love it! And I know the feeling. Why does it have to end!?

[@eldonleatherdale3543]

There's so much to discover in the oldest house idk if it can end lol

[@winterknight5923]

@@GamingUniversityUoG , The Oldest House acts as the door to the Nexus of multiverse. Therefore, there are endless possibilities for us to explore. Alan Wake and Jesse Faden share a universe as Jesse is fully aware that Wake was a writer that vanished in the small town of Bright Falls. The AWE expansion directly connects Alan Wake's story with Jesse's own plot. Now, Wake is getting a second game and since Jesse was the cause of Wake's return, she could end up dealing with more extra dimensional trouble. Not only that, but at the end of The Foundation DLC, we see The Former had escaped into the Oldest House. Control 2 is either going to deal with Dylan's awakening and whatever may come of it or Jesse will have to choose which side to stand with The Former or The Board?

[@charshii3745]

I listen to the hiss incantation all day with headphones. It feels nice...

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Don't let then win! We must resist lmao.

[@malum9478]

*uh oh*

[@shubhanshusingh4839]

Oh dear......

[@anthonydraco7958]

You are a worm through time.

[@charshii3745]

@@anthonydraco7958 👁👄👁

[@tacticaljunk1608]

A lot of this stuff flew over my head, but now that it's explained, Polaris and the Hiss being frequency based lifeforms is extremely creative and awesome.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

It is a really cool and unique idea.

[@mcgibs]

I don't think Hedron/Polaris are entirely free of manipulating people's minds. Notice the only times Jesse ever panics despite all the crazy going on, is when Polaris' hold on her wanes. Everyone with HRAs are also weirdly calm and optimistic in the face of a world ending calamity. The literal good vibes coming off those things is like the happy slime from the end of Ghostbusters 2. Trench and Darling were both driven mad in opposite directions by the opposing vibes. Also, it's cool how the foundation of the House is a myriad of pillars holding up the game. Notice how it's called the Foundation. That's a pretty deep nod to SCP and all the folks who write them.

[@TonkarzOfSolSystem]

People are often weirdly calm and optimistic in the face of catastrophe, especially well trained professionals. This state of mind is common in disaster cleanup, and it only lasts until it runs out.

[@EmilioFigueroa]

Control was one of the craziest games I've ever played. Can only play it at night sometimes haha. Great video!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

It definitely was an experience that drove us to the edge lol. Very crazy game.

[@Crazy13Morales]

Same here, only played it at nights. Gave it a a better atmosphere to enjoy.

[@sins-jc1vx]

Outlast 2

[@allanpauldeinla5543]

it's scary at night to play it ..but kinda like it that way..hehehe

[@tyrel5150]

This game, through these videos, has become one of the deepest experiences of entertainment I’ve had in 30 years. I have no words for how.. impressive this is. Excellent work!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

You got it! I'm glad I can help you to further appreciate just what kind of masterpiece that Remedy created here.

[@mrjacob7795]

It's pretty interesting how you can see Darling's psyche steadily decline even as his "enlightenment" grew. Hedron didn't have enough time to ease Dr. Darling into it, so it had to entrain him at an accelerated rate. The upside of this was that he could develop the HRA's before everything went pear shaped, the downside being that he was suffering so much information overload that he shut himself off from others since he couldn't find the time or language to explain what he was experiencing. Due to the lack of information, the rest of Trench's management team was left without the proper insight to react to the Hiss Invasion in a timely manner. At least Darling had learned enough to understand that if he stood directly within the Hedron resonance he would be transformed into a similar force himself. Sort of a final act of mercy for his service after sealing himself inside the chamber.

[@LOVEMUFFIN_official]

Does that mean he is gone; “blown away”, as he might have described?

[@mrjacob7795]

@@LOVEMUFFIN_official that's my theory. He might just be his own little inaudible sentient resonance, like a ghost without the ability to contact those still bound by flesh and blood, unless of course he were to possess and manipulate something like a film reel. I like to think every one of Darling's recordings we come across is a message as he continues to try and help from his new reality.

[@anthonyhernandez7799]

I just realized, what if in the Control universe, the sword Excalibar was an object of power, and it bonded to King Arthur. Creating the Arthurian legend!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Well it is implied that Excalibur is simply a name that Nimae (Lady of the Lake) gave to the Service Weapon when it was gifted to Arthur. Also Mjolnir to Thor and Varunastra to the Vedic Deity Varun. Plus the scene of the Board/Lady of the Lake gifting the Service Weapon/Excalibur to the Director/Future King must be intentional.

[@anthonyhernandez7799]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Oh yeah! I actually forgot because it’s been so long since I’ve played Control I actually just got back in like yesterday

[@devinguy]

Great work! They even worked these themes of resonance and dissonance into their sound design. What a masterpiece.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I love it! I was Jazz trained in college and the control of Consonance and Dissonance was a major focus.

[@pintavodki]

I love how they play with this concept in the AWE DLC. With Dr. Hartman being corrupted both by the Hiss (evil sound, so to speak) and the Darkness (evil light), he is transformed into something truly horrific. Coming next from Sam Lake: EVIL SMELL that corrupts everyone who smells it. The games takes place in the bathroom, and you play as another Ahti's assistant cleaning up the stinky shit. Haha.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Dont even joke about that lmao. Sam might just do it to troll us

[@TheVentrexian]

The fungus apparently smells so good it makes people want to eat it lol

[@puertolumbian316]

These Control videos you've made have simultaneously helped my understanding of the story, the concepts involved, and my overall enjoyment of the lore expanded in the DLC. Absolutely incredible work in helping players understand and appreciate the game and narrative. If/when a sequel drops I look forward to more of this content!! Thank you so much!!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

As soon as a sequel or new Remedy game drops I will be so excited to jump back into these as well! And yeah I look at these stories in weird ways and enjoy sharing my take away with you all.

[@morganhelms80808]

This quickly jumped up to being one of my favorite games and you make the absolute best videos on them, i appreciate it since there arent many

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Glad to have you in the community! I agree this game is incredible.

[@cregerbot8217]

You really surprised me with this one, I didn't understand things of like how the Hiss got into the Hand slide, or why there was pillars and why they vibrated, but you explained it perfectly! This video needs more views, since this gives tons of crucial information that I didn't even know. Especially how a piece of Jesse/Polaris was sent to Pope, I never picked up on that. I just assumed it would be explained later (maybe more in depth later), but you made it make perfect sense. However, it doesn't fully explain why there's two Pope's. Perhaps they just didn't feel to change the base game besides Dylan. Anyways, another great video! Made me want to go and see Polaris constructing the Pillars and the Hiss intruding in. Now, that's an Avengers level threat lol Can't wait to see your next vid! Still waitin' on that "Take Control" song analysis video:)

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

My story of the hiss/Polaris at the end is just a theory but it makes perfect sense. I just hope that when Dylan finally wakes up he can give us some information since he was tuned to the Hiss for so long. In terms of these being two Pope's, did they have dialogue mentioning this in Foundation? I always just looked at it like an oversight in the game design. Pope has always been in Central executive ao they left her there instead of removing her NPC. Because I'd they did remove her from the conference room we would not be able to do any of the other quests that the player may have missed in the game. It would create a point of no return. Having Pope in both places let's the player do main campaign side quests and Foundation at the same time. Unless they mention it in game I think it is a game utility issue not a story thing. For the Take Control Analysis, I may wait for AWE just to make sure there isn't any additional info in it. But I do have ideas scripted for it already!

[@cregerbot8217]

@@GamingUniversityUoG sorry to get back to you so late (new job!), and thank you for clarifying that it was a theory haha I thought it was a case file or two I missed, but the theory seems very plausible enough to convince me. As for the Popes, I was referring to the Foundation, yes. From a technical stand point, it really makes sense. However, knowing Remedy, they could branch this off into some sort of lore, perhaps even in the next DLC there'll be another Pope lol I wouldn't pass it off just yet, Remedy is sneaky with making things that seem to have no impact whatsoever have something meaningful in their storytelling. And thanks on the update! I'm expecting the announcement me trailer to (hopefully) drop this month, so I can start guessing and theorizing things again. It's so much fun to do it with this game! Hopefully game sales are going up for Control, cuz I want more of it! (Which I think they've sold over 1mil units, not enough to recoup game costs, but that's a lot for Remedy standards for their first year. And the Steams release hasn't even set foot yet, and let's not forget royalties and DLC and publishing fees. 2020 Control might be selling better than 2019 haha... Hopefully)

[@anthonyhernandez7799]

I wonder if a dissonant relation wants to become a consonant one, and the hiss and Polaris are as dissonant as can get. Then what could happen if the Hiss and Polaris frequencies where combined would they violently cancel out or transform into something else entirely?

[@MeggaMann_theBlueLion]

The application of science you apply to the lore is fucking incredible Definitely, an art of its own. Love the analysis

[@Neb_Raska]

Have you thought about "dissecting" Darling's videos from Control? As in, explaining what he's talking about, in a more profound way; why he's talking about it and the little things shown in the videos?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

That's actually a really interesting idea. I hadn't considered it. Let me go through all of them and get some ideas for it.

[@Neb_Raska]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Very glad you're contemplating the idea, and thanks for replying back.

[@sal4731]

Gaming University pls also dissect videos on the threshold kids and how actually they would teach the general public on the para natural stuff even though they look really creepy.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Another interesting thought. Guess I have some research to do!

[@williameggly145]

Man, this guy is smart! The deeper understanding and theorising is next level!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Haha thanks buddy. Now the real question is whether I'm looking too much into the story or not lol.

[@TengouX]

Control really made me think about a concept I never really could fathom in my head; the concept of *matter having wave-like properties.* The idea of resonance as a purely sound-based resonance seems to not be enough to explain the various ways in which Polaris, the Hiss, and the Darkness can influence the world.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Oh there are plenty more ways these entities can influence things. We see one in Foundation with Polaris sending messages to Emily unconsciously. She ended up thinking Jesse told her to come down when it never happened.

[@miracon000fez]

@@GamingUniversityUoG imagine what would happen if Jesse failed and the hiss got outside of the oldest house and ( over time) found it's way to Cauldron lake/ocean. How would the Darkness react and what would happen to Alen Wake ?

[@Streifi]

@@miracon000fez The AWE DLC gives you an idea what might happen...

[@F1fan4eva]

Watching your videos on control is such a treat! I appreciate the high quality research, the editing, pacing, sound, narration, of all these videos. Thank you for taking the time making these. I’m overcome with gratitude, hence this!

[@willrueb9573]

thank you for this. Control is maybe one of the most brilliantly built worlds i've ever seen in a game. its completely esoteric.

[@kristinb8268]

Has anyone else noticed how similar the rock structure in the Sterling AWE area in containment looks exactly like Hedron?? I wonder if the 2 are connected as it states the object is hollow inside like Hedron. Also anyone else notice some of the contradictions like in the base game it says the service weapon was found in the office that is now the Director's, but in Foundation they say it was found by the Nail??

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

It is not just in the sterling AWE. The Willow AWE has a hollow object identical to it. There was a note that something came out of it as well. Some connection is there. For the Service Weapon discrepancy, I feel it has less to do with an error in writing but an intentional thing. My personal opinion is a lot of the documents that we read in the base game were doctored by Director Northmoor to remove any reference to the Foundation. The Board ordered all personnel out so removing any reference to it, including the true origin of the Service Weapon, was to make sure no one really knew about it. Therefore less likely to go looking.

[@kristinb8268]

@@GamingUniversityUoG I apologize ahead of time for the long post. Just had a lot rolling around in my head, and your videos really helped in understanding the symbolism. I'm pretty sure the delivery manifest collectible about the Willow AWE was a mistake by the developers because it states that the Willow AWE was about blood sucking scissors, and Tommassi gloating that he used global warming for his cover up by saying polar bears retreating from the melting ice were responsible for the deaths. I'm positive the Willow manifest collectible was supposed to be called the Sterling manifest. I agree too that some of the intel in the base game regarding everything about the FBC once the Board became involved certain information was left out, or changed. Though Darling mentions in one of his videos that being in the Oldest House has been slowly changing the bureau. Like for example, the way the budget works for the FBC before, and after finding the Oldest House. Trench states that as long as it's not crazy it will just be another line on a spreadsheet that some accountants eyes will overlook. Prior to the Board I'm pretty sure that the FBC didn't set their own budget. Makes one wonder what other subtle changes to reality the Oldest House, and the Board have had on the FBC as a whole. It doesn't seem like the FBC has any allegiance to the US government after coming into contact with the board. Another example would be that there is no way the inverted black pyramid could be in the FBC emblem because the FBC was formed decades before knowing about the astral plane, the board, and the inverted black pyramid. They could have added it later after learning about the Board, but why? With the black pyramid gone it looks like any other emblem for a US agency. I further think this is the case because when Jesse finishes the course for binding with the Hotline the Board says that she MUST make weekly compulsive calls. It doesn't appear that the Hotline allows for 2 way communication, so it's not like these weekly calls are for the director to report anything to the Board, and the Board seems to already know what's taking place on the physical plane. Are these weekly calls a way to further enthrall the director, or maybe to keep the effect going. Further evidence is how Northmoor, and Trench both change, and become almost sub-servient, or almost incapable of defying the Board's directions. I also think the board may have been responsible for Trench's suicide because for one they are going to need a new director\weapon for them to wield against any threat (like the Hiss) to their control\power, and 2 they had lost control over their director. We already know that if a potential director is found wanting they are made to shoot themselves in the head. Is it possible if some criteria are met that the board could make the director commit suicide. Like if for example, the board votes that the director is a threat to them. I've been thinking the way the Board speaks feels like more than one entity talking at a time. At times when reading the Board's sub-titles it feels like 2 people are talking at once, and sometimes I feel like there is internal conflict amongst the Board because Sometimes it read like they were speaking out of both sides of their mouth as well as being contradictory. Also what if Ahti is a member of the Board because he mentions in a cut scene that they take turns visiting. Take turns visiting where exactly, and who is the we he is referring to? Does the Board maybe take turns watching over the Oldest House. He's able to talk to Jesse telepathically, and is able to manipulate the house at will. Though I liked your explanation of Ahti being the Janitor of the multiverse better though. Last thing I swear. I think Former is the leader of Blessed group. The Board refers to it as a rebel faction. Takes more than 1 being to be considered a rebel faction. Especially if we consider the FBC, and the Board as the other faction. It would explain why the Blessed group knows as much as they do, and is as capable as it is. What if Chester Bless was the first Director of Former's faction. What if Former was excised from the Board over a disagreement in what do, or how to handle the FBC\humanity becoming aware of the Oldest House again (if the cave paintings are showing ancient humans in some of them). Because Ash states there was no pedestal in front of the Nail with the Service Weapon on it the day before Northmoor made his discovery of it After communing with the Board Northmoor quickly orders everyone out of the Foundation, and into the House. As well as ordering no further research into the Nail, and the Foundation. I think at that point the Board was done deliberating, and had made their decision thus putting it into motion by making the service weapon appear to Northmoor. Which I think may be a key of sorts to the Oldest House as the board says upon Jesse binding with the gun that it's linked\controls the Oldest House. Maybe Former wanted humans to have access to more knowledge, but the Board disagreed wanting to maintain strict control over what the FBC is allowed to know, and research\learn, and what they aren't for fear of of becoming irrelevant, or they may be afraid of a hostile take over (such as what happened with the Hiss using Dylan's body, and mind to enter the astral plane to take over the Board's position in the Astral Plane after learning about them). Former does seek out, and befriend Ash whom he probably shared much with. I also wonder if the quote found in the research sector by the cafeteria if it has more meaning than at first glance as it states "For who among us has touched the foundations of this world, and deemed them solid?". On one of the white boards in the game an FBC agent who feel asleep during one of Darling's boring presentations has a dream about the Hiss take over. The agent has a dream about a red pyramid showing up, and eventually supplanting, and destroying the inverted black pyramid. I suspect the Board is not the first There's also the cave paintings of Former being worshiped by what appears to be early humans. Though Ash states some of the paintings show the past, present, and future. What if Former was an entity that lived in the Tree\Oldest House from the time that it started to grow into existence, and upon ancient humans finding the Tree, and Former began to worship it as a deity. On a side note I wonder how the Atlas figures into everything. Because it's kind of strange that the Atlas has pictures of Jesse all over it connected by string when the sign next to it reads don't mess with the Atlas. Did you ever find the whiteboard that has a very long story on it about ancient beings that built these golden helmets, and they had the power to shape reality. I don't remember all of the details written in it, but it was really fascinating. There's also a whiteboard in central research that talks about the Thomas Zane's shoebox. It says the shoe box was found in Ordinary, Maine AWE.

[@kristinb8268]

The shoebox was found in Ordinary, and is connected to a blog Remedy posted called This house of dreams by Samantha Wells. It has this all written on a whiteboard. There's 18 poems to analyze, and some of them I'm sure are references to things that haven't happened yet. Also the last post Dive deeper talks about the darkness being the only thing that exists until something is created. It also mentions how the dark, and light are fighting an eternal battle. It also talks about how Zane\Wake could be THE creator\God of reality, and that this has happened before. Last think have you noticed all the portraits in the Board room. The top right one is Trench, which makes me think all the rest were previous directors, but I don't so. Looking at them closely with photo mode only the bald man has an FBC pin on his jacket, and I swear he looks a lot like a portrait version of Dylan. There are other oddities like a few of portraits appear to have the Oldest House in the background like the portrait of the bald man. Not sure how that could be when the only directors to have the job after finding the Oldest House are Northmoor, Trench, and Jesse. The man in the bottom right has a very interesting looking pin on his jacket as well. So many questions about the portraits in the Board room. Like are they really all previous directors of the FBC? I got the feeling the FBC was started in the early 1900's. It seems like too many previous directors. I should stop now. I apologize again for the really long post. It's just every time I write something down I remember something else that could be relevant.

[@ChaoticNeutralMatt]

​@@kristinb8268that was some incredible flow

[@NecrotechStudios]

What a phenomenal breakdown! I intuitively pieced together some of these points but to see it all explained logically confirmed my theories about the story. When I was younger I was experimenting and had a bad trip that traumatized me, and when I played Control, I immediately saw the Hiss as the best comparison to what I experienced that night. Playing this game was actually healing for me and I'm really thankful that there's a studio out there making truly artistic games like this that can speak to me deeply.

[@ameermuthayil6060]

If the Hiss was using FBC Agents to amplify itself, could simply killing all the corrupted Hiss agents be enough for Polaris to completely wipe out any remaining remnants of the Hiss?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

In the game if you kill one of the agents the chanting within the room stops. So in theory that would help to weaken the Hiss. It doesn't work that way in gameplay though. What would have been cool though is if for every Hiss Agent in the room, it gives all enemies in the arena an invisible stat buff. So killing an agent would weaken the rest of the group.

[@monmonfiasco6391]

@@GamingUniversityUoG that would be cool if it was a secret achievement hehe

[@latboi1190]

​@@GamingUniversityUoG perhaps killing the hiss agents would debuff the hiss units present, as they are disconected from the greater resonance (no resonance shields, parautilitarians cant use their powers, clusters cant heal, etc)

[@Gold26502]

your observational and articulation skills are top tier, so glad i stumbled upon your channel

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you! Welcome on in our little corner of YT. Glad you enjoy the work here.

[@thaillistproducer]

THIS WAS AN AWESOME EXPLANATION! Out of all the other youtube vids about this game, I totally understand what is going on now! Great Job!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Haha thanks buddy!

[@ourochroma]

It’s fun how resonances can slow down and speed up to promote harmony. Reminds me of the un-harmonious pendulums that when put together in a common movable surface, they sync.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

It's really interesting. I've studied music for 20 years and any time I look at resonance phenomenon it's really cool. Cymatics is something to look at if you're not familiar with it. Sound making sand form geometric shapes.

[@redjohniii8665]

Really enjoyed this video and your theory at the end. Didn't realize that @ 17:25 Polaris actually contacted Jesse when she wished for her to be there, I figured it was some strange time manipulation happening bc of how Ash mentioned the whole cave painting thing being made recently and then he is ultimately the one who makes them. I'm really curious as to where the game could be headed in the DLC and what answers will we get or more questions left unsolved, for the time being.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Yeah it took me a few times to realize that. Pope even mentions that she thought Jesse called for her. Polaris notified her at our behest and it felt like an order from Jesse. Kind of a half true thing.

[@ashengrail]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Yeah, that was such a jarring moment. Pope's like, "Oh, you called us!" / "No, I didn't" / "Oh well, let's move on..." But it's clearly an interesting time-mess that they set up for Ash's paintings.

[@mjolnir112]

Great vid! I had actually been thinking a little while ago about how important sound is in Control, for example you have Ahti's walkman allowing you to get through the maze, the HRAs looking similar to speakers, those acoustic labs where they were testing one of POTFs songs, even the term 'Hiss' describing a noise, etc. I guess frequency can also describe the colour palette of Hiss and Polaris, with the Hiss being red shifted and Polaris being on the other end, blue shifted. It's also interesting that the two individuals we know of that voluntarily let the Hiss in, suffered the least in terms of physical alteration (Dylan and Trench). Trench even had some free will, as he was presumably able to shoot himself.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Yes reference to sound were all over this game. I've studied music since I was 10 so Aural Mechanics is something I'm familiar with. Absolutely! I'm glad you picked up on the color palette significance. Red has a a lower frequency than blue light. This may suggest that Polaris is older since it is a higher frequency. But that's just speculation. Higher frequency gives more information. I'm still not sure about the nature of Trench's death. If the shock of watching the Hiss destroy his Bureau woke him up enough to regret his actions. Essentially tuning him back into his own mind. Or if the Board realized that he posed a danger after opening the slide and executed him. Not sure.

[@max_camargo]

I have this 'theory', it isn't really a theory but just a thought. In The Lord of the Rings mythology, the universe starts when powerful beings in nothingness start creating harmonic sound. The sounds create everything we know, but there's one of them (Melkor, Morgoth, ultimately represented by Annatar/Sauron), whose sound isn't harmonic with the rest of them. So as Lucifer he is cast out and finds its home on Middle-Earth. When the elves are created and sent to Middle-Earth by the Valar (representations of the mysterious sound-beings), a white tree grows which symbolizes their hold on the land. I can't help but relate Melkor/Morgoth to the hiss, as it is a sound that's not harmonic with that of Polaris and the Board. The fact that the white tree resembles the symbolism of the Oldest House is also curious. Also, the orcs are corrupted elves just as the hiss corrupted FBC agents. In my mind the universe of Control is the same as the LOTR universe, and the hiss is Melkor trying to return to Earth. Also, thinking out loud, what if the Board is formed by this group of Valar that created the world with their sound, and are threatened by the fact that the hiss/Melkor is showing up again and messing with their music. Polaris in this analogy would be the driving force of creation: Ilúvatar in LOTR, the leading sound to which the Valar/Board respond to and to which the hiss/Melkor chooses not to respond. Just as it is in LOTR, Control bring brings up the old time creation/destruction, order/chaos struggle/endless circle, and in both stories, the main entities originate from sound. Another thought: the elves in LOTR leave to Valinor when they 'die', that's the land of the Valar which is a... guess what? An astral place! Just as the Board, the Valar live in the Astral Plane and the chosen few who can (just as the elves), go there when they pass (as it might have happened to Darling). Anyway... They're basic story/cosmogony structures, but the fact that the whole thing is based on sound in both stories, just brings them together for me. Wishful thinking of course because I love both. PS: I just want to add after commenting this here I went to a random interview with Sam Lake in the IGN channel and the first thing he spoke about was Tolkien so, if it isn't synchronicity or an AWE, maybe my thinking isn't that far-fetched.

[@PotatoeDaddy]

Nice thought the only problem is the board are evil in nature and want to control humanity just like hiss does there are basically only 2 good godly beings in control ahti and Polaris Polaris is the only thing stopping the board from controlling jesse and turning into another dylan/trench

[@gabegum]

This has been surprisingly helpful for elements of my Music and Sound Recording degree, you explain things very well!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Oh very cool! I studied Jazz Performance as a Piano Major in college so I really enjoy how sound functions. How's your schooling in that going? Sounds interesting.

[@NicolasDominique]

Another great theory and lots of knowledge as well. With every your lore video I'm more exited for AWE DLC.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Same here! I just sit here thinking, "WE NEED ANSWERS!" Haha After 10 years, we need to get our boy Alan out of there.

[@Hylanvahr]

Your excellent analysis of Polaris and the Hiss made me think of Star Wars with the Light and Dark sides of the Force. Just like Control's extraplanar entities, the Force itself is not necessarily good or evil, but how it affects the mind of those that use it, and what its users do with its power. When you think of Light and Dark, Polaris and Hiss, it makes you wonder if Dr. Darling's report about Resonance really is the key to everything, not just in the game, but in real life too. Could it be that a person's state of mind comes down to the way it's "harmonically tuned" to the world and the universe? So like if we hear a lot of "bad notes" in our lives (hateful and abusive language, lies, manipulations, etc.), we become more Hiss attuned and thus more likely to behave accordingly, and if we experience more of the opposite (kindness, truth, etc.), we're closer to the harmony of Polaris? But then, suppose too much of Polaris might actually be a bad thing. Too much control, or rather, too much harmony is the antithesis of individual expression. All order and no chaos means no freedom whatsoever. Too much control, especially when concentrated in few hands (such as with Jesse as the Director) is also called tyranny. I keep wondering if Sam Lake in the next DLC is going to pull a twist and reveal that perhaps even Polaris might not be as benign as we think. Perhaps Jesse and her brother are meant to cancel each other out, or, in other words, create a state of balance that cancels the entities out. I can't wait for the AWE dlc.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I'm the type of person who sees patterns from one paradigm in others. This entrainment and resonance is definately seen in social philosophy. For example, Mob Psychology is based upon this. In a group of 100 if 99 are screaming one thing the one who isn't may not agree with the group. However, there is a sense of social anxiety [dissonance] for not being in tune with the group dynamic. They can resolve into consonance, [change their beliefs to group think aka pier pressure] or remain true to themselves which takes incredible mental strength and creates a sense of social isolation. Some new age thinkers theorize about the relationship between the Schumann Resonance and the Person's resonance. One study looks at how the schumann resonance changes. In dec 2019 it was registered at 59 hz. A couple months back it was at 158 hz. For having an average of 7.83 this is a huge change. The study found that as the Schunann Resonance goes up the population tends to feel more anxiety and strife. Look at world events right now and it is apparent things are a little unstable. They question if our collective mental resonance interacts and affects the Schumann, or if we are affected by it. Either way it looks like they are related. Also emotions have a specific frequency as well. Brainwaves in an MRI alter based upon emotional state. Look up the Hawkins Scale for more info. Having everyone in tune creates group think and mob mentality. This can be good or bad. What it also does is stamp out individual thought. If everyone thinks the same, there is no progress because we need new thinking and civil discussion of ideas to push us forward. On a side note, your thought on universal resonance is supposedly 963 hz in the Solfeggio scale. This is aligned in eastern thought with the Crown Chakra and described as the God Resonance. I could go on for hours on this topic. But yes, I agree this idea applies to way more than just the game lol.

[@zombiehippo9477]

This is very astute and quite a perspective changer. You've given me something interesting to think on.

[@bigsuze420]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Your videos (and comments) are some of the best analyses I've seen. Thanks so much!

[@andreataccone2564]

Incredible video. One thing that stuck to me: since polaris gently elevated the "frequency" of those it helped, it makes sense that dylan remained somewhat sane after being exposed to the Hiss since the frequency difference (and consequent shock) were lower.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you! And yeah I guess another way to look at it is the individual/entity with the stronger personality/willpower has the higher frequency. The agents were mentally weaker/lower frequency and were taken over. Polaris strengthened both Faden children and made them more able to resist it.

[@andreataccone2564]

@@GamingUniversityUoG But there's still one question that remains: what about The Board? The fact that The Hiss was going control them implies they are either less powerful / have a lesse frequency.... BUT At the time Jesse enters the oldest house The Hiss already took over most of the house and was possibly at its strongest, yet the situation never got dire for The Board until Dylan reached the Nostalgia Sector. Could it be that his training as P6 connected him enough to be a point of entry/attack? We don't know, but it would make Trench's suicide either his most important action to save the Bureau or a testament to Board's control over the Director.

[@126_kaifali4]

This is incredibly genius. Just completed the game a week ago. So glad that this video exists to quench my thirst for more content!

[@mercurymachines4311]

Seeing the AWE trailer the other day reminded me that I still hadn’t played through The Foundation DLC. I did this weekend and absolutely loved it and now I’ve fallen down the Remedyverse rabbit hole... I’m loving going through all of your videos and can wait to see what AWE has in store for us.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Welcome to the Rabbit Hole club! This is definately one of those games where even when you're not playing it you're thinking about it. I love it!

[@differentbutsimilar7893]

Really loving your content on Control. Goes into a lot of stuff I've been mulling over on my umpteenth playthrough, but with a different outside knowledge pool.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

That's the great thing about Control and Remedy games in general. The story invites us to explore interesting ideas and concepts. Sometimes it takes some outside study and thought to wrap our heads around it

[@hawtdilf]

This video was basically entrainment. You trying to bring order to the entropy of the Control gamescape, for me, and us meeting in the middle. Thank you for this elaborate masterpiece, sir.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you so much! Luckily this topic is one that I've studied for a while. I was a music student once upon a time and studied the mechanics of sound as a result. It was really fun to bust out that old knowledge.

[@williamchen8009]

When playing this game, the concept widely used in cinema came to my mind -- house and body. In many movies, the house and the person are closely related that film makers intentionally make the house as the manifestation of the human body. On surface level, the house acts as the protection of the body and ultimately becomes the body itself. Which leads to the idea of the two becoming one, and by killing the house, you kill the body. This could be found in many movie scenes where the character has to defend the house at all cost to survive. It might sound ordinary, but it's actually a type of cinematic symbolism. Some films take this to an extreme that the whole story takes place in a house, or sometimes a similar environment, such as "Das Boot". On a higher/conceptual level, this concept can be brought one step further -- the house is the brain/mind. Control is such a great example of this. The FBC/the Oldest House essentially symbolizes Jesse's body/mind. Polaris can be understood as her inner conscience, and the Hiss could be the malevolence. While Dylan is the alternate version of Jesse's consciousness. They are ultimately indeed the same person in my opinion. Just like the movie "Enemy" by Denis Villeneuve. In the end, the conscience side took over, and Dylan falls into a coma. This is just one way of looking at the story.

[@andothersuchnonsense2685]

The post game commentary Jesse has about Polaris still leaves me a bit confused about Polaris true nature. At the HRA Lab in the post game Jesse says “You and Hedron were never one and the same. She… IT helped Darling with the HRA’s to slow the Hiss down. And it helped ME to learn to tap into this power I had inside… You.” which indicates that Polaris didn't originate from another dimension, and didn't come to Jesse from The Fingers, but was already dormant inside her and was just activated when Jesse encountered Hedron. Any thoughts on that?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

All i have to say for now is there is a possibility that Polaris resides inside everything. There is another KZbinr I'm in the process of collaborating with on this topic. Stay tuned!

[@JayRican3000]

Another great video. Also, your voice is so calming.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you so much!

[@TheBlackKakashi]

I checked my KZbin library earlier and was wondering why your Control playlist was at the top. Now I know why 😁.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Haha good to know! I hope you got a kick out of this weeks video.

[@DHSNAKE]

Awesome video. Wish you would dedicate a whole video specifically to what happened in the town ordinary when children found the slide projector and how afew of the kids turned violent as some documents in the game suggested.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I'm still hoping for a novel or prequel that explores that event in full! Most of it would be speculation but I'll think about if I have enough to make it interesting.

[@akshatw7866]

This explanation was insane bro! Really liked your theory of Hiss and Polaris at the end!!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thanks! I can't wait for a Control 2 and we hopefully get more information on this topic.

[@akshatw7866]

@@GamingUniversityUoG will there be a Control 2!?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Most likely yeah. One of the symbols in the oceanview is labelled in the game files as Control 2.

[@akshatw7866]

@@GamingUniversityUoG oh damn! That's a great news.!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Either way I'm happy! Honestly the first new remedy story we will get is Crossfire X. Not sure if it will tie in to the Remedyverse though.

[@UponDemise666]

Great video man, as per usual! I seriously can't wait for AWE!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Me either! If you have been following Sam's IG he has been dropping teases about it. Hopefully this means Remedy is Amping up to an announcement.

[@jaya_surya_a5118]

Dont download awe is shit and worst crossover

[@-Samus-Aran-]

I hope the writers and developers of Control have seen your videos so they can know at least some of their audience grasps the true brilliance of their work.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I know that Clay Murphy, the lead writer for The Foundation and AWE dlc follows the channel. Also the community manager Vida and I chat occasionally since I help moderate the Control discord. Haven't spoken to Clay directly about it but it is really cool to know that they are aware.

[@Michael-rv5ib]

@@GamingUniversityUoG that’s awesome.

[@EleaticStranger]

What a fantastic analysis. It must take a lot of work to put together such a detailed explanation of the background concepts of the game's characters.

[@johnnyvolvox2932]

Wow great video. I don't think people understand how great a game and story Control is. And how many of the concepts used are actually true

[@Sebastian731998]

Bro I played this game for the first time when I was on drugs and now that I'm months sober I decided to give it another try but I still didn't understand shit, but damn! After watching your videos I can really appreciate the game by the true master piece it is! Thank you! You have a new sub!

[@LowGneru]

remedy games is a guarantee for original stories and weird shit... congratulations btw!

[@Kami-qy1kz]

So what im hearing is that Darling basically said "IM WOKE" and fuckin dipped

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

If this was going down in my workplace I'd find a way out too lmao.

[@KarimEka18]

One of the best videos about Control along with the one which explains who is Ahti

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you so much for your words! This was one I really wanted to do for a while.

[@francesco2305]

Holy sh... Every time you make these videos you make me happy.. Please keep doing these. While I was playing the game I've come up with the same thoughts. The element that triggered me was the chant of the hiss, that was capable of taking control of minds, so i assumed there was some sort of scientific explanation about that. taking into account what is my cultural backgrounds (I studied language and linguistics). What i still don't understand is how could Ahti help Jesse in finding Polaris at the end of the game? It's beautiful that all of this has an implication in the gameplay, when you take control of others, it's like two forces are fighting each others into their heads and their bodies eventually collapse. Another question is, how can the hiss take control of the Board? Weren't they a very powerful entities (entity)? From what I can gather I understood that HRA is the item built by Darling which used the same resonance principle of the pillars from the slide scape expedition, am I right?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I'll keep these up for as long as I have topics to cover! Yeah the interesting part is Hedrom was the one who instructed Darling in creating the HRAs. So it is feasible that some of the design was done by it as well. Ahti is a big question mark. He seemed to be there to encourage her more than anything else. Make sure she didn't give up. For the board I'd say anything can be corrupted. Yes they are powerful but not a resonance based entity like Polaris/Hiss. This is speculation but I would gather they don't have the means to cancel out the Hiss resonance.

[@c1borgen]

Very interesting! Also I like the idea that Hisses create chaos and disharmony in oldest house. In the ending location the walls are randomly pulsating in various forms, while Polaris makes order and harmony by bringing the architecture back to place.

[@Clayaka]

Great vids man. Loving a deeper dive of the lore in Control.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

You got it dude!

[@eliasjabbour31337]

Man... I finished the hand twice and currently trying to get the platinum trophy and for the love of me I missed so much of the story! The way you explained it makes so much sense! Now it's even more of a masterpiece than before!

[@Ram1555]

i love\enjoy the way your mind works in the explanation and the way you convey your message

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I appreciate it! Sometimes I feel my thoughts are all over the place so hearing you think it works is helpful.

[@XDarkAllNightX]

Maybe someone pointed this out already but there's a smaller version of what was said here when you need to find Ahti again for the maze. When you go to the Motel to find him one last time, one of his enemies, the fungus/blob thing has invaded his place, and to push him away you must atune the radios on 2 other rooms to someone talking in Finnish, which could be interpreted as Ahti's tune.

[@jmh8817]

Going through the playlist and this is my favorite by far atm. Very interesting! I also learned things! Yay for edutainment!

[@jasonallen4999]

This is truly awesome! You just cleared up half of my theories, but how do they possess telekinetic control over the surrounding environment.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

That question will lead us more into the realm of speculation. In terms of telekinetic control what specifically are you referring to? I'm probably forgetting something obvious so forgive me lol. But Sound produces it's own concussive force which can knock things around. Resonance can also cause objects with the same natural frequency to move around. On the other note it is possible that the individual has slight parenteral a ability which the Hiss make use of. Much like the Hiss Elevated who can fly. Emily speculates on this in the Hiss Research document for that enemy type. It's hard to say specifically.

[@jasonallen4999]

So is it acoustic pressure that is applied or is it resonance? And can clarify the science behind it.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Acoustic Pressure would definitely act as a concussive force. On top of that, Resonance has been shown to move objects when properly directed. Check out Chladni Figures and Cymatics on this.

[@jasonallen4999]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Okay, Thanks! I'll take a look at those.

[@This_Guy-]

Your videos are amazing........i wish you get the respect you truly deserve

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you! I really appreciate it

[@fabooster]

Also was there not a slide where Darling/Trench explained that there was no sound...? so something was cancelling each other out in that slide. :D

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Exactly. They mentioned a sound that cancelled out the other one.

[@joewall8210]

17:28 that’s actually crazy I didn’t know that

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I missed it the first time too! I don't think the characters even realized what happened.

[@yellowbat79]

I have a crazy theory, what if Polaris has been the milk man all along? But honestly great video and I think your theory on the backstory behind the conflict between Polaris and the Hiss is dead on. I hope we see more of BOTH Matthew Porretta characters in AWE ; -)

[@vicktor03]

What does it mean to be the milk man?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

The Milk Man thing is a reference to the Psychonauts stream we have been having. You can see it on part 3 that's going up wednesday. But yeah Bat, this is the best idea I got. It all seems to line up.

[@Chickenfriedstek]

Great analysis. Very thought provoking. I think it reflects other game and life concepts like authoritarianism and freedom, good vs evil, Assassins vs Templars.

[@xLaxCroixBoix]

I love the way Remedy plays with the relationship between art, artist, and the art viewer in Alan Wake and this game. I was actually really suprised to see Polaris represented as a real entity at the end of the game just because I felt so much like I myself is Polaris, you never get dialogue from Polaris. The most you get is it highlighting where you need to go every once and awhile. However, once you get to end game and Jesse sees Polaris is actually still inside her and is her I saw this as sort of the breaking down between our reality as the player and her reality. The player and Jesse become one and the same at this point and quite literally by controlling Jesse we help her take control of her universe and reality. I think this interpretation also makes the dream that Dylan has realizing he’s in a game more grounded in the narrative than as sort of the throw away 4th wall break it felt like. Since Dylan was talking about how he cast out Polaris perhaps we get a prequel at some point where we do in fact play as Dylan. I think that would really drive it home that Polaris and the player are one and the same.

[@unkn0vvnmystery]

I was thinking that Polaris being "killed" didn't make sense, and that's because it wasn't it's "surround sound" was destroyed. Thank you for the explanation.

[@americaiuno]

This talk of information reminds me a lot about the works of HP Lovecraft. The more a character tries to understand, the more they loose their sanity, and become empty shells.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Oh I feel that sometimes lol.

[@thewalkingcrow8946]

Dissonance, as we perceive it, is more related to an aspect of psychoacoustic things, which relate to how sound affects us emotionally as well as the physical shape of our ears and how we interpret sound. Birds produce sound different than the way we do, though some humans can produce sound the same way as birds, and since their ears are different than our own, they hear sounds differently and perceive dissonance in a different manner. An example of the way birds produce sound is something called harmonic frequency modulation, and if you look up harmonic singers there's this one European woman who can do it by vibrating one vocal chord at a different frequency than the other. This dissonance produces a subtractive and additive sound that can easily be perceived as pleasing despite being quite dissonant in sound.

[@ScrewY0UguyS]

Great analysis. Couldn't grasp what the difference between polaris and hedron exactly was and why even after Hedron death, Jessy still could use her powers and have Polaris on her side. I thought they were different entities. There are still some holes left, but your theory is pretty damn good. Good job!

[@-Samus-Aran-]

This is SO cool. Subbed!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you have been getting a kick out of these.

[@elduck3281]

Never thought about this. This explains a lot about game and my love to low-frequency-music

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Sound plays a big role in the story. And yeah I listen to some soundscape stuff as well that plays on these low frequency tones. Isochronic music is nice for studying.

[@TonkarzOfSolSystem]

Something you didn’t talk about is that standing waves can have a stable structure. With multiple carrier waves, signal waves and harmonics overlapping each other you can get an extremely complex standing wave. Could such a wave be complex enough to affect human beings in a way that makes them perpetuate the wave? Well, that’s science fiction, but it’s also, I think, fundamentally the question that the author implicitly asks when introducing the hiss.

[@crucialRob]

"Calling them special, it began the entrainment process"

[@Pspet]

Amazing analysis

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you!

[@o5-1-formerlycalvinlucien60]

It's also interesting how every director of the FBC has had their own personalities be completely upturned against them. Northmoor, hungry for power, becomes trapped in the NSC because of his failing abilities, becoming a literal power plant Trench, hungry for control, is the first to be controlled by the Hiss Jesse is mostly individualistic, she comes into the bureau with her own objectives, not to become director. She is literally the host of Hedron, an entity supporting individualism.

[@blazlock7285]

Different entity of sound, who become an aspects of order and control given a supplimentary form which our three dimensional understanding can perceive, but in their reality, may as well be beyond what we perceive.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

On that topic the essay, Flatland discusses that. For a 2 dimensional reality, they have no concept of up or down. So when we put our finger through their world, all they can perceive is a line showing up as a wall and not the entire finger. The same is said for higher dimensions as compared to us. Dr. Darling even mentions that Hedron looks like a polyhedron, "at least the part we can perceive." Hedron is more than that but like in flatland, we cant perceive all that it is.

[@dylonsmith1117]

Absolutely an excellent analysis

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thann you so much!

[@anastasiia9511]

Good explanation of resonance, thank you. I don't think Dylan tricked Jesse so she removed the large scale HRA though - I got the impression it was actually Polaris who wanted her to do so.

[@5TailFox]

There's a fun little trick you can do with tuning forks. Take one of your hands and cover your ear. With your other hand, pick up the tuning fork and tap it on a surface to cause it to vibrate. Next, take the bottom of tuning fork's handle, and touch it to the elbow of your other arm, while still covering your ear. The vibrations from the tuning fork will travel up your arm, through your bones, to allow you to faintly hear the sound of the tuning fork coming out of the hand covering your ear.

[@RauSiMic]

That is now how frequencies work bro (11:54)

[@nickmagrick7702]

11:01 I think this process of resonance altering another object or vibrations frequency to its own, can be shown easily by the metronome experiment. Where by metronomes are placed at random periods and amplitudes and regardless of what the starting condition is, they will all, always match each other over time in an effort to conserve energy. More harmony. The same is true when you swing your legs on a swing set. So if a being can be made solely out of complicated systems involving frequencies, then duplicating that frequency in others is like a form of reproduction. And it wouldn't have to be perfect, just analogously the same, proportional. Which I suppose gets more complicated if you start tieing that into the whole, non euclidean non (I forget the term, but more than just binary, yes/no logic, which is explained in the game in one of the DLC I think I just forget the term) form of physics with many possible existing states of matter rather than just 2.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I believe the term you're looking for is Non-Aristotelian logic. But yeah there are a lot of examples of this in group dynamics. Mob psychology for one. A few people spaced throughout a group can influence the rest into behaving the same. Dominant personality types force submissive personality types to go along with things like with peer pressure. Losing individual identity to fit into a group. While not specifically about sound these behave in a similar manner. Really interesting stuff.

[@nickmagrick7702]

@@GamingUniversityUoG yeah, you could argue that some metaphysical entity comes out of the collective unconscious, of other animals not just people too. And that this thing might be in some ways like the Hiss, just not with the ability to inflict anything outside of the group consciousness its already in. Theres a word for this too I found out about a year back. Tulpa's which is a personal consciousness entity, and an egregore, which is a collective consciousness entity like you would see in mob mentality. And yes I think it was aristotelian, thanks

[@galaxamusthedruid1715]

Dude this is amazing

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I really appreciate it! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@Martel4]

Fuck, I love this game. Maybe a top 5 for me. So underrated. Fantastic video! You really broke it down well.

[@jrodriguez9608]

Absolutely love this channel and how you explain control lore. Had to give you a like and sub, cause you definitely deserve it :) Also, I'm curious if you think there was maybe something special about Thomassi, . I found it REALLY odd that he was the only hiss controlled entity to ever actually try and flee from Jesse. No other enemy I know of in the game actually tried to preserve itself by running away. I've seen enemies become more mobile at low health but they never actually run from you completely the way he does. Why did the hiss want to keep him preserved and alive so bad? Was there something I missed in the room you finish him off in with that odd shaped rock?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you so much! I truly appreciate the support. It is hard to say. Generally, the Hiss behave on a way that shows a collective effort like a Hive mind. But that chamber where the 2nd Tomassi fight occurred was for the Sterling AWE. That's the rock that appeared after lights were seen in the sky. All I can think of is maybe Tomassi was sent to guard it for some reason. But that is purely speculation with nothing to back it up.

[@birubu]

I just realized why Hiss Agents are called Agents. They are what spreads the Hiss, like how Agents and Agencies act as intermediaries between providers and consumers, connecting the consumers to the provider’s service or product. Similarly, the Hiss Agents act as intermediaries between the Hiss Source and vulnerable objects/spaces/individuals, giving the Hiss Source’s resonance to the objects/spaces/individuals and “corrupting” them.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

That is definitely another way to look at it. I like it.

[@SlenderManIsDead]

Could you do a video on what happened in ordinary? Where did all those people go!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

The hard part about Ordinary is that we have no clue where they went. The only clue I feel we may have gotten is the Keystone Memo in AWE about the population vanishing. Reminds me of the situation at Roanoke Colony as well

[@theunforgivensoldier4137]

I think with the hiss amplification agents in the data you collect about enemies it says it tunes to a different resonance essentially eithet ceasing to exist or turning invisible similar to the warped agent or how i like to call it, *the Phoenix* just a small detail you should know

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I hope we get more info on what happens to them. Definitely an open question we dont get an answer to.

[@theunforgivensoldier4137]

@@GamingUniversityUoG it makes the games world all the more mysterious like the two entities which i love

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

I think that humans in our reality are "recievers", too. However, we filter most of it out. So, we usually don't line up. Just a theory, but i have seen some things.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Certainly. Group Think is essentially everyone being in tune with one another. The feeling of social isolation is basically feeling dissonant with the group. We can change who we are to fit into the group, [resolve into consonance] or remain separate which creates social anxiety etc. Personally, from what I have seen, some people are better at filtering outside influence better than others.

[@somerandomguy1cw456]

One interesting thing that all the game's "human" bosses and mini bosses are high-ranking or distinguished personell. Why did the hiss chose them specifically? purely for strength? or knowlege? did it just throw at us whatever was available to it at the time?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

This would require the Hiss pumping more energy into these people intentionally. We know the Hiss turns them into forms based upon the need at the time. Agents to broadcast the signal, the exploder guys to blast off/damage the HRAs. But the bosses are just buffed up versions of these same types. Not unique ones. I think what is more likely is that because they were distinguished and more powerful before corruption they are more powerful hiss as a result.

[@BROWNMIST44]

@@GamingUniversityUoGand this ties into the game’s concept of shared understanding/consciousness, right? Everyone in the Oldest House perceives these people as bosses in their respective departments so they become literal bosses in the game after they’re changed by the Hiss.

[@Albtraum_TDDC]

The ear-worm analogy reminds me of the TV Series "Legion".

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I've never seen legion. What in it reminds you of this analogy? I'm curious.

[@Albtraum_TDDC]

@@GamingUniversityUoG in the "mindscape" there is this black goo little demonite that burrows into the ear and infects people. I distinctly remember at least this happened to the black guy with the perfect memory. Also the whole series is filled with psychedelic and spiritual sequences that remind of Control kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIC2h4WLm7Gtapo

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I'll have to check it out then. I like trippy stuff.

[@Albtraum_TDDC]

@@GamingUniversityUoG oh it's very trippy. Not like any other marvel hero series out there. It's unique.

[@Ali_mm523]

Man, another great video. Hope you update these with new info from AWE

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Updates will be coming once I find a good way to slip them in. For now though I would recommend going to Max Derrat's channel and check up on his theory relating to Polaris. It is an interesting one!

[@Watermelonqwert1]

Yo incredible video, very interesting explanation

[@JMAssainatorz]

Ive been looking for a indepth explenation for the hiss for quite some time! finally found it!

[@daniilnoun8262]

I had an idea about that burnt slide. I actually thought that maybe the hiss wasn't as hostile/dangerous, as it is now, when the slide was intact. But by burning that slide and then opening it, whatever resonance was existing there got corrupted and transmitted in a wrong way. I think it could be very much plausible, especially that the Bureau seems to know that it's better not to mess with the projector - they have warnings about keeping it in place, not changing the distance to the wall, etc. Though this does contradict the fact that Jesse burned all of the slides herself, there's definitely some uncertainty surrounding that, given that Jesse and Dylan have different accounts of how many slides were there in the first place, for instance. I don't necessarily think the hiss was a benevolent force before the slide got burnt, just that what came to our reality might be an altered kind of the resonance. I think it would be very unlikely that physically changing the slides wouldn't affect them and their effect.

[@miracon000fez]

I don't think that burning the slides would tamper with any dimensions or life forms within said dimension age just burn the entrance to it. I would like to think that ( with the concept infinite realities and possibilities) if there's a sound/resonance based entity like Polaris, producing harmonic sounds, than in a alternative dimension there can also be a completely different sound/resonance based entity like the Hiss, producing violent, distorted and deadly sound that gives it complete Control over you until the is absolutely Nothing left ("We build you till nothing remains"). I like to think of the Hiss like the ocean once the ice caps melt. Except the only "ice caps" that have any ability of stopping the Hiss is it's access outside of it's own dimension (that can be cut off) and Polaris.

[@retropulse03]

If the Hedron resonance is more serene, perhaps it would be apropos to refer to the Hiss resonance as more... "Wilder". eh? lol I've been convinced that the Hiss invaded "The Hand" 'AFTER' Jesse/Dylan met Polaris/Hedron. The reason being that they weren't the only ones going into the slidescapes, and with how invasive the Hiss is, I don't imagine they were there. Instead, I think it happened after Ordinary, and might explain the time period where Jesse felt like Polaris had left her, only to suddenly (and loudly) return, and push her to the Oldest House. I also don't think Jesse was tricked to remove the large-scale HRA. I think Polaris knew Hedron would be destroyed but by planting itself in Jesse the two would become more powerful than before. . As far as the DLC goes, I'm 100% convinced that the Hiss are gone. Done. Before AWE even begins. Jesse expressed opening up cold cases in forgotten sectors when you re-visit the Ordinary AWE site. She states it will be her first action once the hiss are dealt with. I think AWE opens, and we are seeing the FBC get a little closer back to normal. Jesse decides to open the Investigations Sector as her first action. Then, either Former or something Jesse does opens a threshold to the Dark Place. I'm leaning towards Former, because I think Former was the guiding hand behind Chester Bless, much like how the board guides the director. 'Bless" documents are one of the only times the Investigations Sector is mentioned specifically, so it adds up to me. The other is the Sterling AWE... though I can't shake this feeling Sterling has something to do with Vanguard.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

You know what would be interesting. Is that Jesse/Dylan or someone in the gang accidently let the Hiss into The Hand during the Ordinary AWE. That would suck. I imagine at some point they have to clear out the Hiss entirely. There is such a big world to investigate. For example the satellite facility that the fondue set was sent to. There is obviously field stations set up around the world connected to the FBC.

[@nickswanson2124]

Gaming University I hope they keep expanding all of this over the next like 10 years with connected games. I’d never get tired of exploring & finding out everything there is to know about this universe. I pray at some point we get to straight up enter the pyramid and face the Board kinda like Topher did in the threshold kids episode from the dlc. That and I’d also love to see the Former enter the OH itself & cause tons of destruction, imagine if he just got out of the foundation & hauled ass to the front door of the oldest house to get into the regular world.

[@retropulse03]

@@GamingUniversityUoG I've wondered how Jesse would react if she found out that Alan somehow was behind some of the events. Like, imagine if he bent reality enough that Trench got infected, knowing it would spur off and lead to his escape. There's some great story potential there, Alan's desperation reaching a point where he used other people as expendable pawns (touched on in American Nightmare by the Astronomer) Something along those lines would also create BEAUTIFUL tension between the FBC and Alan himself. Makes me imagine an Alan Wake 2 where he's chasing Mr. Scratch, and the FBC show up at one point to respond to an AWE related to it. Imagine them telling him it's their jurisdiction and the two just getting in each other's way. Jesse reluctantly agreeing to work with him to solve the problem, but in the end never resolving their differences. Ah man it just sounds so perfect .

[@carso1500]

Could you maybe create a theory on parautilitarians, what are they, why or how are they created, what kind of powers do they or can have, and how many do we know exist, i think is a pretty fascinating topic that has a lot of importance for all the remedy verse stories

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

For this topic I think I would need to wait until after AWE is released. Since it takes place in the research sector we may get some new info that will help discuss Parautalitarians.

[@carso1500]

@@GamingUniversityUoG fair enough, do we even have a release date or it is still is "late 2020"

[@mjolnir112]

@@carso1500 Probably August, close to the Steam release date (27th). Nothing official yet.

[@sarahhutchinson1644]

I am curious, are children’s brain frequencies far different then adults? I’m not saying Polaris intended to hurt Darling, but he clearly was not stable near the ascension point (not as bad as Trench, but still not good). I guess I’m curious if Jesse’s adaptation to Polaris was a consequence of age at exposure (child brain frequency), parautilitarian ability, or just length of time to adapt.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

That's a really interesting question. Sadly I was unable to find a chart of how exactly the brainwaves alter as we age on short notice. I can definitely look into it though. A couple factors to mention is Ordinary happened I believe when they were 10 or 11. The human brain doesn't stop developing until 25. This would mean that Jesse/Dylan were much more neuroplastic than Darling was. Peak neuroplasticity is between 2 and 4 years old. Also Darling was fully exposed to Hedron fully and forced more onto himself than Jesse and Dylan were ever exposed to. I'd be curious if we get more info on this in the future. If I find any info on the brainwaves of children I'll let you know.

[@luisguaz]

@@GamingUniversityUoG the way you present this information makes it have so much sense, I would be disappointed if the developers purpose wasn’t this

[@piratetv1]

I didn't catch that the x ray viewer was tuning the hiss agents. That explains why you need to weaken them first. I wonder if their sanity returns or if Jesse can only take them as slaves.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

We only see Jesse/Polaris take them as drones. If she was able to cure them I think she would, but as seen at the start of the game with Pope, removing the Hiss tears then apart. So effectively we can either kill them now, or enslave them to serve a purpose and they die later. Crappy deal if you ask me. One thing I found interesting is the health bars. Hiss[Red], Human[Green], Polaris Seized Agents[Blue]. The health bar change notes they are no longer under hiss control but another resonance.

[@piratetv1]

@@GamingUniversityUoG ID also have green, when the former sends them to help you in the end

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Interesting. I will have to keep that in mind when I do my video on the ID

[@piratetv1]

@@GamingUniversityUoG they don't really go into much about them. Ash met them, but Jesse hardly sees them until the end.

[@Electricdynamite]

It's like the old Director becoming the fuel in the generator to keep the Oldest House going.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Very much so

[@azrizakaria7891]

Man. Control remind me of half life a lot as both games are pretty similar in my opinion. - involving mysterious creatures from another dimensions - mysterious characters and entities we know little things about (gman, ahti, the board, the former) - the protaganists work for/supervised by other worldly creature/entity - focused on indoor combat - deep lores - multiverse: control alan wake, quantum break? Half life portal I played control, it was a great experience. While the stories is ok, what makes it interesting is the lores of the world. Watching videos of this guy and other youtuber such as max derrat helped me understand the story and appreciate the game even more. One of the best games that came out last decade (perhaps one of the best of all time)

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I didn't realize that Half Life had so many similarities. I've never played that series but Sam Lake has repeatedly stated it is one of his favorite Games. So seeing some influence makes sense.

[@azrizakaria7891]

@@GamingUniversityUoG im kinda reluctant to play it in the past, but i gave it chance and play it because I've read online about how revolutionary the game was back then. If you have the time, play it. We may have different opinion on the game but i think it's worth your time