After 2.5 hours, Control Resonant is my most anticipated action game of the year

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After spending a few hours immersed in Control Resonant, it is refreshing to find that the sequel maintains a surprising degree of stylistic cohesion with its predecessor. While the protagonist is new, the combat is fundamentally transformed, and the setting has moved from the oppressive brutalism of The Oldest House to a warped, surreal version of Manhattan, the underlying atmosphere remains unmistakable. It still possesses that signature supernatural elegance, albeit with a sharper, more aggressive edge.

The early portion of my demo centered on Dylan Faden—a living conduit of the Federal Bureau of Control—as he emerges from seclusion to track down his sister, Jesse. Escaping The Oldest House remains a familiar trial, yet the lack of a traditional firearm forces an immediate adaptation to the new melee-centric systems. I experimented with a jagged scythe for crowd control, a heavy warhammer, and a kinetic metallic whip, each offering distinct rhythmic options for dispatching the Hiss.

This is merely the entry point of a surprisingly deep combat engine. As the game progresses, you layer on secondary weaponry and supernatural abilities. I complemented my blade with a high-impact drill for boss-level dueling, and eventually added telekinesis to manipulate environmental hazards, alongside explosive fire-based maneuvers and punishing ground slams.

The combat choreography feels inspired by the high-skill ceiling of titles like Devil May Cry or PlatinumGames entries. It is unrepentantly offensive; you are incentivized to close the distance, stringing together mid-air juggles and brutal finishers to sustain your health. There is no parry mechanic—just a relentless, momentum-driven flow reminiscent of modern Doom. With expansive skill trees for every weapon, the level of tactical customization promises significant replayability.

Beyond the fray, the traversal has gained vertical ambition. Using double jumps, gravity-defying dashes, and hovering glides, navigating the twisted skyline of Manhattan feels akin to an avant-garde 3D platformer. It’s a exhilarating shift in speed that demands constant movement.

Yet, despite these mechanical departures, the spirit of the series remains intact. I found myself in a bizarre skirmish against a gargantuan, telekinetic statue head—a surreal, high-stakes encounter that perfectly captures the “New Weird” aesthetic Remedy is known for. Later, in a mission titled “The Sinkhole,” the game truly flexed its creative muscle. Traversing a skyscraper that shifted beneath my feet—complete with gravity-swapping mechanics—evoked the feeling of navigating a living, breathing labyrinth. It was unsettling, disorienting, and utterly captivating.

Whether Control Resonant can maintain this momentum throughout its full campaign remains to be seen. At times, the necessity of re-engaging in standard wave-based combat felt slightly less compelling than the exploration of the game’s more cryptic, reality-bending environments. However, these are minor qualms in an otherwise ambitious experience.

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While I arrived with skepticism, my hands-on time has put those concerns to rest. Remedy has successfully translated their penchant for weird, intellectual storytelling into a fast-paced, high-action RPG. The streets of Manhattan have proven just as dangerous and fascinating as the halls of the Bureau. I am ready to follow where they lead.

Control Resonant launches on September 24 for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.

Source: Polygon