Control Resonant: Bigger and weirder paranormal horror sequel
Control was just the opening act. Remedy Entertainment has delivered a mind-bending sequel in Control Resonant, transporting players out of the confines of the mysterious Oldest House and into a landscape defined by terrifying entities, mind-bending cityscapes, and the desperate quest of an unfairly incarcerated man searching for his sister.
The experience is a plunge into a warped and broken Manhattan, a place where the mundane reality shatters under the weight of the paranormal. Hands-on testing of the full game revealed just how strange things can get in this environment—weird doesn’t even begin to cover it, in the best possible way.
At the heart of the narrative is Dylan, a reluctant hero who navigates this fractured world with immense, yet awkward, power. Unlike his sister, who possesses focused determination, Dylan is shy and hesitant, his incredible abilities serving as a fascinating counterbalance to his childlike vulnerability. He possesses the mobility to explore sprawling cityscapes, including gravity-distorted Inception-like areas where Manhattan has folded in on itself, yet he is grounded by a palpable sense of awkwardness, often stumbling and wobbling even while executing superhuman feats.
The gameplay demands a unique approach. Combat in Control Resonant is far more melee-slanted than its predecessor. Facing the grotesque Hiss entities requires quick, powerful, and precise strikes and masterful dodging, utilizing the chaotic environment—abandoned trucks and bus shelters—as essential cover. Dylan’s combat style revolves around strategic use of his shapeshifting Aberrant weapon, which can be enhanced with status effects or unique combat abilities that allow for varied tactics, from forming shields to summoning environmental allies.
Strategy is key to survival. Conflict is managed by balancing offensive capabilities with resource management; Power is consumed in battle and must be regained through melee attacks, pushing players to utilize smart moves and chainable execution on stunned foes. With six starting forms for his Aberrant weapon and dozens of loadout combinations unlockable through the mysterious Gap, players have immense freedom in tailoring Dylan’s abilities.
Beyond combat, the game offers digestible sandboxes for exploration. While the world is vast, the structure is focused, allowing players to pursue missions ranging from clearing out Hiss infestations to investigating missing persons. The narrative choice is equally important, letting players prioritize the main story, side quests, or even unlock arcade cabinets to reward Dylan’s skills.
But the true impact of Control Resonant lies in its deeply unsettling atmosphere. The world retains the Brutalist-inspired architecture and unforgettable art design of its predecessor, but the introduction of the colossal and intimidating Resonants—the boss encounters—pushes the surreal horror to new heights. These are not just fights; they are experiences that challenge reality, leaving players with hallucinatory visions and ground-shaking moments that make you question every choice.
Prepare to enter one of the most surreal adventures of 2026 when Control Resonant hits the PS5 on September 24.
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