Control Resonant Takes Cues from Neon Genesis Evangelion in New Gameplay Reveal
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Remedy's Mikael Kasurinen discusses how Neon Genesis Evangelion inspired the melee-focused combat and thematic direction of Control Resonant in a new developer walkthrough.
Remedy Entertainment is shifting gears in a major way for the next chapter of its weird fiction universe. During a recent developer walkthrough at IGN Live 2026, game director Mikael Kasurinen pulled back the curtain on Control Resonant, showing off brand-new gameplay and combat mechanics that lean heavily into close-quarters melee action. More surprisingly, Kasurinen revealed that the legendary anime Neon Genesis Evangelion served as a core creative inspiration for the project. For a studio traditionally known for gunplay and supernatural hurling, this pivot toward visceral melee combat signals a bold evolution for the franchise.
While the first game mastered the feeling of wielding telekinetic power in a bureaucratic labyrinth, Resonant appears to be dialing up the intensity and the psychological weight of its world. Drawing from Evangelion means leaning into themes of monumental scale, existential dread, and complex internal struggles, all of which fit naturally into the uncanny atmosphere that Remedy builds so well. The integration of these influences into a fast-paced action framework gives players plenty to anticipate, especially those who follow the studio for its deep narrative lore and stylish execution.
As the industry continues to iterate on established formulas, seeing a sequel take distinct creative risks is a welcome sight for players who value artistic ambition. Kasurinen and the team at Remedy are clearly not content with playing it safe, choosing instead to blend high-concept anime storytelling with their signature interactive style. You can read the full developer interview and check out the latest footage over at IGN South Africa to see how these ambitious design philosophies are shaping up in motion.
Tags: Control Resonant, Remedy Entertainment, IGN, Action Games, Gaming News
Original article: IGN South Africa