Remedy Entertainment has a knack for twisting reality until it snaps, and their latest announcement proves they are nowhere near finished with the mind-bending world of the Federal Bureau of Control. The dark, supernatural universe is expanding, and this time, the spotlight is shifting to a very different, much more complicated protagonist.
Control Resonant is officially launching globally on PlayStation 5 on September 24, and is a very different way to experience this eerie world.
From Villain to Hero: The Story So Far
While the first game followed Jesse Faden as she explored the shifting, brutalist corridors of the Oldest House, Control Resonant breaks out into the wider world. The setting has moved to Manhattan, but this is not the New York City you see on postcards. Paranatural forces have completely warped the city. The architecture defies physics, realities shift on street corners, and monstrous entities born from a mysterious new frequency are stalking the avenues.
At the absolute centre of this urban nightmare is Dylan Faden, Jesse’s brother. In a bold narrative choice, Remedy has confirmed that Dylan is the sole playable character for this sequel. If you remember him from the first game, he was essentially the face of the enemy, a deeply disturbed, warped young man possessed by the Hiss who nearly tore reality apart before Jesse managed to cleanse him and left him in a coma.
Now, Dylan is awake. Jesse has mysteriously gone missing, and Manhattan is falling into chaos. Dylan is forced to navigate a world he barely understands, carrying the immense guilt of his past actions, while desperately trying to track down his sister.
Shapeshifting Weapons and Reality Warping: How It Plays
Mechanically, Control Resonant looks to build upon the stellar supernatural action of its predecessor while adapting to Dylan’s unique, volatile nature. Because Dylan was experimented on by the Bureau for years and possessed by an alien force, his abilities are evolving and distinctly different from Jesse’s.
Players will have to master these volatile new powers alongside a brand-new weapon called the Aberrant. Much like Jesse’s Service Weapon, the Aberrant is a shapeshifting tool, but it appears to tap into the raw, destructive power of the city’s new resonance.
The shift to an open, warped Manhattan allows for incredible architectural set pieces that change on the fly. Playing as a deeply flawed protagonist gives the combat and narrative a much more frantic, unpredictable energy.
Because Dylan is the sole playable character, those hoping to step back into the stylish boots of Director Jesse Faden might feel a bit left out in the cold, even though Remedy promises her presence is still heavy in the game.
Who Is This For?
If you are a fan of psychological action titles, this is right up your alley. Specifically, if you loved the reality-bending narrative of Quantum Break, the tense atmosphere of Alan Wake, or the kinetic, super-powered combat of the original Control, Control Resonant is tailoring itself perfectly to your tastes. It is a darker, more personal dive into the lore that Remedy has been building for years.
The Verdict and Availability
Anticipation for this sequel is exceptionally high. Control was a critical darling that grew a massive cult following, and shifting the perspective to the original game’s tragic antagonist is a brilliant narrative risk that fans are eager to see play out.
Control Resonant will be available globally on PlayStation 5 on September 24 (with New Zealand getting it on September 25). For those who want to jump in early, pre-orders are open now, with the Digital Deluxe Edition offering 48 hours of early access.
