Control Resonant: A Melee Masterpiece in the Making?
[Compelling introduction paragraph] Remedy Entertainment’s Control was a unique and memorable experience, but it wasn’t without its flaws. While the Ashtray Maze remains one of gaming’s most iconic sequences, some players found the shooting somewhat lacking and the backtracking tedious. Enter Control Resonant, a bold reimagining that swaps guns for blades and promises a more focused melee action experience. After spending two hours with an early build, I can confidently say that this sequel is shaping up to be something truly special.
[Subheading] A New Way to Wield Power
The demo began with Dylan’s awakening from a coma, thrusting him back into the fight against The Hiss within The Oldest House. This opening sequence immediately establishes the game’s core mechanics: fast-paced melee combat combined with Remedy’s signature blend of surrealism and psychological horror.
[[MEDIA_0: Dylan emerging from the coma, ready to fight.]]
The second part of the demo transported me to the Extraction Zone, an open-ended area designed for exploration and side quests. While I wasn’t able to capture footage of this section, it served as a great introduction to the game’s world and its many secrets. The Extraction Zone also provides access to more linear main missions, reminiscent of the various wings explored in the first Control.
One such mission involved descending into a sinkhole to plant research drones. This segment showcased Dylan’s unique mobility options, allowing him to traverse vast distances with ease. Combining jumps, double jumps, and air dashes, he could cross gaps that would make even the Hulk envious.
[[MEDIA_1: Dylan using his abilities to navigate the sinkhole environment.]]
The coolest part of this mission was when the lift crashed, forcing Dylan to find an alternate route back to the surface. This led to a mind-bending sequence where he navigated a series of interconnected apartments, guided by music and a blue light emanating from TVs. The visual design was stunning, with gravity-defying architecture and a constant sense of unease.
[Subheading] Melee Mayhem: A Symphony of Steel
Control Resonant isn’t just about swinging swords; it’s about mastering a complex system of combat. Dylan can equip three different weapons at any time: a standard weapon for quick attacks, a subweapon for more powerful strikes, and a finishing move weapon for devastating combos. The game also features a wide array of abilities, ranging from telekinetic throws to pyrokinetic blasts.
[[MEDIA_2: A close-up shot of Dylan’s hands gripping his sword, ready for battle.]]
What sets Control Resonant apart is its emphasis on player expression. With so many different weapons and abilities to choose from, players can create their own unique combat styles. I personally enjoyed using a combination of swords for quick attacks, a massive hammer for staggering enemies, and gauntlets for powerful finishing moves. The ability to cancel aerial attacks with the hammer added a touch of Devil May Cry flair to the gameplay.
The game’s special abilities add another layer of depth to combat. Players can equip two sets of three abilities at any time, allowing them to adapt to different situations. In my demo, I experimented with telekinetic throws, ground slams, pyrokinetic blasts, and a rock shield that could be used both defensively and offensively.
[Subheading] Enemy Variety: A Welcome Change
One of the biggest criticisms of the first Control was its lack of enemy variety. Fortunately, Control Resonant seems to have addressed this issue head-on. In my demo, I encountered a wide range of bizarre and challenging enemies, including Hiss-infected zombies spilling out of a giant bus, literal vending machines, and a cloaked monster that forced me to chase it through a mind-bending arena where gravity could be manipulated.
[[MEDIA_3: A screenshot showcasing the diverse enemy designs in Control Resonant.]]
The creativity on display is truly impressive, and I’m confident that Control Resonant will continue to surprise players with its unique and memorable encounters.
[Compelling conclusion] Control Resonant is shaping up to be a bold and ambitious sequel that builds upon the strengths of the original while offering a fresh and exciting gameplay experience. The fast-paced melee combat, combined with Remedy’s signature blend of surrealism and psychological horror, creates a truly unforgettable adventure. If they can maintain this level of creativity throughout the entire game, Control Resonant has the potential to be something truly special.
Source: IGN Gaming
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