Fear not, Control faithful! Despite the combat-heavy trailers that have dominated the pre-release buzz, developer Remedy assures us that Control Resonant will be brimming with lore. Senior communications manager Miika Huttunen explains that the lack of narrative focus in promotional materials is a deliberate choice, designed to keep the game’s secrets under wraps until players experience them firsthand. In short: prepare for a story-rich adventure, but you’re going to have to wait and play it to uncover all its mysteries.
A World Shrouded in Secrets
The glimpses we’ve seen of Control Resonant so far have understandably focused on the intense combat. However, Huttunen emphasizes that this is simply a reflection of how combat can be showcased without spoiling the overarching narrative. “There’s lots of weird stuff to come,” he teases, “plenty of twists and turns and surprises… things to discover.” He urges fans to trust Remedy’s vision: “We’re asking fans to trust us–we’re Remedy. And I hope that, because we’re Remedy, we get the benefit of the doubt.”
Lore-rich collectibles, such as FBC documents and writings from before the Hiss invasion, are scattered throughout the game world. Exploring and taking your time is crucial, as the world of Control Resonant is meticulously crafted, and the story is far from an afterthought. Beyond written materials, you’ll encounter countless opportunities to unlock shortcuts, decipher subtle environmental clues, and engage in conversations with NPCs who will deepen your understanding of this bizarre reality.
Huttunen also revealed that Control Resonant will reward players for their choices in dialogue through subtle shifts in how other characters react to them, variations in side quests, and a gradual development of Dylan’s own personality. While the main story will largely follow a linear path with a distinct ending, those familiar with Remedy’s track record know that this ending is likely to be one that players won’t see coming.
The brief gameplay demonstration at Gamescom already sparked intense speculation among fans of the original game, prompting questions about how things could have possibly gone so wrong. We saw Dylan, a test subject turned paranatural protagonist, actively seeking out and consuming the stupefying Mold. Manhattan is virtually unrecognizable, requiring gravity shifts to navigate streets that now point directly upwards or curve around to form unnatural ceilings, while grotesque enemies roam freely.
Dylan himself remains an enigma, as much a mystery as the world he inhabits. You’re not only uncovering the story of the wider city – its past, present, and future – but also piecing together Dylan’s own personal narrative one puzzle piece at a time.
The combat in the demo was fluid and responsive. Using the Aberrant, a shapeshifting melee weapon, Dylan quickly adapted to waves of enemies, building up a Falter gauge to deliver devastating blows, and nimbly dodging between the legs of shambling Mold creatures. It’s a satisfying, fast-paced experience that rewards an aggressive playstyle. Utilizing paranatural abilities is key to success, as your weapon feels like an extension of yourself, especially since Dylan only regains health by defeating enemies. As we previously learned
there won’t be a parry mechanic
, Resonant’s combat focuses on aggression.
Between these intense battles – whether after a hard-fought victory or during quieter moments – Dylan can retreat to The Gap. This is a liminal space where you can practice your moves in a low-stakes arena against various enemy types (a great way to learn their weaknesses), change his loadout, utilize new Artifacts for boosts, and upgrade his abilities. It’s a peaceful respite, but returning to the real world comes with a catch: everything has been refreshed and strengthened, designed to level up alongside you.
From the snippets of conversation shown in the demo, the strange and immensely detailed setting, seamless combat against intelligent foes, and a wealth of new lore to uncover, it seems that Control Resonant might be exactly what fans were hoping for.
Bluesky profile of Miri Teixeira @miri.bsky.social
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