Blacksmiths struggle with Control Resonant’s massive hammer
The best tools in life are often the ones we can touch, and for those of us who appreciate the power of percussive maintenance, a hammer reigns supreme. In the world of video games, this concept finds a physical counterpart in Control Resonant, where the melee weapon, the Aberrant, hints at a monstrous, oversized hammer perfect for shattering reality. But what happens when you try to bring this fantastical weapon into the realm of blacksmithing?
Ahead of the game’s release, the artisans of Man at Arms decided to tackle the challenge head-on and build a physical replica of the Aberrant. The goal was to capture the imposing aesthetic of a gigantic hammer—the kind that would look perfectly satisfying in a Looney Tunes cartoon, perhaps directed by Rob Zombie.
To achieve this, the team employed advanced techniques, utilizing hollow steel panels and sophisticated welding to recreate the distinctive shape of the Aberrant’s head. The reasoning was simple: attempting to forge a solid chunk of metal the size of an armchair proved far too challenging, if not impractical, for wielding.
Even with these technical adjustments to manage the overall weight, the resulting creation remained wonderfully impractical. Despite the careful craftsmanship, the hammer was still too heavy for even the most seasoned blacksmith to comfortably pick up or swing around for a test smash. For now, it remains a truly impressive, albeit stationary, paperweight.
The magic of this physical endeavor contrasts sharply with the polished digital experience waiting for players. <Control Resonant> is launching soon and is already proving to be a critical darling. Available on September 24th, it is already earning high praise, with the PS5 version currently holding a Metascore of 84 from 48 reviews, cementing its status as one of the best games of 2026.
What makes the game so compelling is its ability to weave together Remedy Entertainment’s signature strange, interconnected universe with highly engaging gameplay. Critics have noted that the game successfully blends this signature weirdness with a gameplay loop that feels surprisingly mainstream, offering an experience that stands out from previous titles.
The stellar art direction and a surprisingly touching story, coupled with this polished gameplay, make <Control Resonant> an essential experience. It’s a testament to how a truly unique vision, whether forged in steel or code, can capture the imagination and deliver unforgettable entertainment.
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