Dylan Faden’s adventure blends action RPG elements with a rich narrative and surreal design
Category: Arts & Culture
In a bold departure from its predecessor, Remedy Entertainment’s Control Resonant pushes the boundaries of the action RPG genre by transitioning from the claustrophobic confines of the Oldest House to the sprawling, surreal streets of a paranormally corrupted Manhattan. Set for release on September 24, 2026, this sequel invites players to step into the shoes of Dylan Faden, Jesse’s long-lost brother, who awakens from a coma to face new threats and navigate a city twisted by supernatural forces.
The narrative kicks off seven years after the events of the original Control, with Dylan awakening in the Oldest House, where his sister Jesse, now the Director of the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC), has left him. The Hiss, a malevolent entity, has escaped into Manhattan, prompting Dylan to assist the FBC in combating this new threat known as the Patterning, which warps reality. As he embarks on this mission, players will encounter a mix of familiar faces and new characters, including Zoe De Vera, who serves as Dylan's handler.
Gameplay in Control Resonant emphasizes a melee-first combat approach, diverging from Jesse's psychokinetic toolkit. Dylan wields the Aberrant, a form-shifting weapon, enabling players to choose between three quick and three heavy attacks. As players progress, they can upgrade their abilities and weapons through a deep skill tree, enhancing their combat experience. The game also introduces a unique traversal mechanic that allows Dylan to reverse gravity and walk on skyscraper edges, reminiscent of iconic scenes from Inception.
The shift to an open-world format allows for a more expansive exploration of the game's lore and environment. Players can engage in a variety of side quests that range from humorous to unsettling, enriching the narrative experience. The game’s level design has been praised for its creativity, with environments that challenge players to think outside the box. Critics have noted that the visual design is among the best seen in gaming, with a kaleidoscopic Manhattan that feels alive with supernatural elements.
As players navigate the city, they will encounter Resonants, powerful bosses that provide new abilities upon defeat, introducing a Resonant Cycles mechanic that increases enemy difficulty and resets objectives. This design encourages players to revisit areas and adapt their strategies, adding depth to the gameplay. The game promises to maintain a balance between engaging combat and narrative exploration, making it a highly anticipated release.
Control Resonant has drawn mixed reactions from early reviewers. Some praise its ambitious level design and the emotional depth of Dylan’s character arc, highlighting the game’s exploration of family dynamics and trauma. Game Informer noted, "The game’s world and lore are as weird and fascinating as ever; moving the setting beyond the Oldest House has allowed Remedy to concoct even stranger scenarios now that the general populace is exposed to the full force of the paranatural." Meanwhile, others have pointed out that the combat can feel repetitive, especially during boss fights, which may test players' patience with their prolonged nature. As one reviewer put it, "The combat that feels fresh in hour two feels almost identical in hour twenty, just with bigger numbers attached to it."
Another aspect that has sparked discussion is the game’s pacing. Critics have noted that the narrative can start slowly, introducing players to the new version of Manhattan and the characters involved. As the story progresses, it ramps up significantly, leading to several bombastic set-piece moments. Eurogamer remarked that Dylan's character brings a different emotional weight to the story, as he grapples with his past and the expectations placed upon him by the FBC and his sister.
One of the standout features of Control Resonant is its incorporation of humor and surrealism in side quests, reminiscent of the original game’s quirky charm. Players can expect to encounter bizarre scenarios, such as helping Langston find his missing cat or dealing with a karaoke machine that compels people to dance uncontrollably. These moments add a layer of levity to the otherwise dark themes of the game.
As players explore the city, they will encounter various factions within the FBC and interact with NPCs that offer unique storylines. The game’s map is reportedly clearer and less claustrophobic than its predecessor, allowing for a more enjoyable exploration experience. Critics have noted that the traversal mechanics are engaging and fun, ensuring that moving through the city never feels like a slog.
In terms of performance, Control Resonant has been praised for its technical fidelity, running smoothly on modern consoles with minimal bugs. Remedy has focused on delivering a polished experience, with vibrant graphics and a haunting soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere.
With a release date set for September 24, 2026, anticipation for Control Resonant is building as fans of the original game eagerly await the chance to step back into this bizarre and captivating universe. As the game promises to deliver a mix of thrilling combat, emotional storytelling, and mind-bending level design, it stands to become a notable entry in the action RPG genre.
As Remedy Entertainment continues to push the boundaries of game design, Control Resonant serves as a reminder of the studio's commitment to creativity and innovation in storytelling. Will Dylan Faden’s adventure resonate as powerfully with players as his sister Jesse’s did? as fans prepare to explore the depths of a new, twisted Manhattan.