Control Resonant Review: Remedy Trades SCP Subtleties for Character-Driven Action
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Remedy's Control Resonant swaps subtle paranormal mysteries for fast-paced character action and a personal story following Dylan Faden through an interdimensional New York City.
Remedy has built its legendary status on unsettling, SCP-adjacent mysteries and mind-bending physics, which makes Control Resonant a fascinating departure from the original 2019 hit. Shifting from a metroidvania-inspired shooter to a fast-paced, open-world stylish-action game, the latest entry focuses squarely on Dylan Faden, the brother of former director Jesse Faden. Equipped with a versatile morphing melee weapon called the Aberrant, Dylan offers a nimble combat style that channels classics like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta. While the game stumbles with some spongy boss fights and occasionally awkward aerial combat, its core action remains responsive and deeply satisfying for players looking for a proper mechanical challenge.
Beyond the combat, Control Resonant shines brightest in its jaw-dropping, gravity-defying world design where The Oldest House has violently spilled into an interdimensional New York City. The environmental design naturally guides navigation without relying on hand-holding waypoints, eventually letting players shift Dylan's gravitational center to explore brain-breaking new planes. Side quests and optional activities lean into the bizarre psychological toll of Altered World Events, offering everything from unsettling minigames to quiet moments of character growth that ground the supernatural chaos.
While the overarching narrative relies on some predictable story beats and rushed character dynamics compared to Remedy's usual deeply cryptic lore, it succeeds brilliantly as a character study. Dylan's journey from a tortured, superpowered subject to a compelling, sympathetic protagonist adds a vital human element to the bureau's ongoing crisis. Supported by clever world-building and unforgettable narrative twists, Control Resonant successfully balances bold new gameplay swings with the distinct atmospheric dread that fans expect from the studio.
Tags: Action RPG, Remedy Entertainment, Control Resonant, Single-Player, PC Gaming
Original article: IGN South Africa