As a long-time fan of Remedy Entertainment’s unique blend of storytelling and gameplay, I approached Control: Resonant with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Having experienced the initial hours of this sequel, as detailed in IGN’s first preview, I was curious to see how the studio would balance its signature narrative depth with the action-RPG elements that have become increasingly prominent.
A World Reimagined
One of the things that immediately struck me about Control: Resonant is its commitment to creating a truly unique and memorable world. Even seemingly mundane locations, like fast travel points, are imbued with a sense of mystery and wonder. These doors conjure looping snapshots of the surrounding scene, offering glimpses into the strange and unsettling reality that underlies New York City. This is a city shaped by Remedy’s vision, where familiar architecture is twisted into something both beautiful and disturbing. The game draws inspiration from various science fiction worlds, including a playful reference to Inception, but it always maintains its own distinct identity.
My exclusive demo began with a mission deep within the city’s subway system, where I sought the Reach ability, Resonant’s equivalent of a grapple hook. These “dungeons” not only teach you new traversal abilities but also advance the story in unexpected ways, revealing glimpses into Dylan’s relationship with his sister, Jesse. This is a prime example of Remedy’s masterful approach to level design, where every location serves multiple purposes, both narratively and gameplay-wise.
The Metro Vault was a chaotic environment filled with speeding trains that defied the laws of physics. Dylan could manipulate gravity within the tunnels, allowing him to shift the ceiling into a floor and navigate the perilous passages. This puzzle platforming element added another layer of challenge and rewarded curiosity. The game encourages exploration, as even seemingly empty spaces can hold secrets and upgrades.
The combat in Control: Resonant is both satisfying and strategic. In one encounter with Mold enemies, I appreciated the flexibility in how to approach them. While Heat Wave and Heat Aura abilities could melt through their armor, I also discovered that The Aberrant’s hammer could break down their defenses, allowing me to slice into their fungal insides. This freedom to experiment with different approaches keeps combat engaging and prevents it from feeling repetitive.
The second mission involved a boss encounter with the Central Resonant. Before facing this formidable foe, I had to locate its lair within a towering factory. The challenge lay not only in defeating the Hiss enemies guarding the entrance but also in navigating the complex layout of the factory itself. This blend of combat and exploration is characteristic of Control: Resonant’s design.
One of the most striking aspects of Control: Resonant is its commitment to maintaining a sense of momentum throughout gameplay. After defeating a group of enemies, all remaining grunts are cleared from the area, preventing drawn-out battles that could disrupt the flow of action. This focus on keeping things moving forward ensures that players remain engaged and invested in the experience.
During my brief time with Control: Resonant, I encountered Altered Items, everyday objects imbued with paranatural properties. One such item was a Polaroid camera that vanished with each approach. To capture it, I had to find an alternative route and sneak up on it from behind. This seemingly simple task led to a new side questline, hinting at further encounters with the mysterious camera throughout my journey across New York.
The factory itself was a labyrinth of steaming pipes and hidden passages. As I ventured deeper, I uncovered lore about the horrors that had taken place within its walls – horrors that resulted in a sixty-foot-tall magma monster lurking in the depths. This blend of dark humor and unsettling imagery is characteristic of Remedy’s storytelling.
The boss encounter with the Central Resonant was a challenging but rewarding experience. The massive, volcanic-rock-covered creature demanded constant movement and strategic use of abilities. The game cleverly incorporates healing bursts triggered by reducing the boss’s health bar, encouraging an aggressive playstyle. This design choice not only keeps the combat engaging but also prevents it from feeling overly punishing.
Beyond the action, Control: Resonant offers a wealth of content for players to discover. From intricate puzzles to hidden lore and familiar faces from the previous game, there’s always something new to uncover. This commitment to both gameplay and storytelling makes Control: Resonant a truly immersive experience.
Control: Resonant is shaping up to be an impressive evolution of everything that made the original so beloved. With its blend of action, exploration, and compelling narrative, it promises to deliver a unique and unforgettable gaming experience. I eagerly await September 24th to delve deeper into this fascinating world.
Source: IGN
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