Control Resonant is an action RPG that places players in control of Dylan Faden as he navigates a reality-warped Manhattan. The game expands the paranatural threats from the original Control into an open-ended city environment filled with distorted architecture, shifting gravity, and invasive forces like the Hiss and Mold alongside a new cosmic entity reshaping the world. Dylan emerges from years of confinement to confront these dangers while searching for his sister Jesse, the missing FBC Director, and grappling with his own past as a former test subject.
Gameplay
Combat centers on the Aberrant, a shapeshifting melee weapon that transforms between forms such as dual blades for precision strikes, a two-handed hammer for heavy impacts, scythes for crowd control, and additional variants like whips or drills. Players select primary and secondary forms along with combo finishers to create custom loadouts suited to different enemy types and encounters. Movement includes dashes, double jumps, and aerial combos that keep fights fluid and vertical in the warped city spaces.
Progression ties directly to exploration and objectives across Manhattan zones. Completing tasks levels up individual areas, which unlocks better resources, improved shop items, and talent points for Dylan to spend on ability upgrades. New combat and traversal powers come from defeating powerful bosses known as Resonants. The system encourages adapting builds around status effects, stance breaks, and synergies rather than relying on a single approach. Environmental interaction plays a role as the distorted reality alters physics and layouts during fights and traversal.
Story elements unfold through encounters with old and new characters, including FBC allies like Zoe de Vera. Dylan's journey emphasizes personal growth from isolated test subject to someone learning to trust others and retain his humanity amid the crisis. Side activities and creative quests reveal more about the paranatural threats and the city's transformation.
Game Modes
Control Resonant operates as a single-player experience focused on narrative progression through a main story campaign set in the expansive, ever-shifting Manhattan. Players advance by tackling story objectives, exploring zones, and handling side tasks that contribute to zone leveling and character development. There are no separate multiplayer or competitive modes, with all content delivered through the core campaign structure and optional activities that enhance the open-ended world.
Activities include main missions, repeatable world events, character-driven side quests, and encounters with unique bosses that grant new abilities. The design blends linear story beats with freedom to roam and tackle content in different orders, allowing players to shape Dylan's power growth based on chosen priorities.
Story and Setting
Seven years after the events of the first game, the Hiss outbreak has escaped containment and merged with other threats to engulf parts of Manhattan. A mysterious cosmic force introduces further distortions, folding streets, altering gravity, and spawning mutated horrors. Dylan must contain the spread while uncovering the motivations behind the entities involved and reconnecting with remnants of the FBC.
The narrative explores themes of identity, guilt, and sacrifice through Dylan's perspective. Returning characters like Emily Pope and Simon Arish appear alongside new faces, providing context and support as the FBC's influence weakens beyond the Oldest House. The setting transforms familiar urban spaces into surreal, paranatural battlegrounds that reflect the ongoing reality shift.
Is It Worth Playing?
Control Resonant delivers a substantial single-player action RPG experience with distinctive melee combat and a visually striking world. Reviews highlight strong character performances, creative boss encounters, and Remedy's signature blend of atmosphere and storytelling. Some players note occasional repetition in combat loops or navigation challenges in the open areas, yet the overall reception remains positive for those drawn to paranatural themes and evolving melee systems.
The game suits fans of action RPGs who enjoy building custom weapon loadouts, exploring interconnected zones, and following a character-driven story. It stands as a worthwhile follow-up for anyone interested in the Control universe or similar titles emphasizing supernatural powers in a large-scale setting. Availability on PC supports the full campaign at launch without additional modes or ongoing seasonal content confirmed at release.
