Remedy Trades Guns for Blades in Control Resonant
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Polygon's hands-on preview of Control Resonant reveals that Remedy Entertainment's upcoming sequel is trading its traditional shooting mechanics for a fast-paced, highly expressive hack-and-slash combat system while retaining its signature supernatural atmosphere.
Remedy Entertainment is known for subverting expectations, and the studio is leaning hard into that reputation with its upcoming sequel. According to a hands-on preview from Polygon by Giovanni Colantonio, Control Resonant is pivoting away from traditional third-person shooting to embrace a fast-paced hack-and-slash combat system. Instead of the iconic service weapon, players step into the shoes of Dylan Faden, wielding a lethal combination of scythes, hammers, and whips alongside returning supernatural abilities. The shift initially raised eyebrows among fans of the 2019 original, but early playtests suggest the transition retains the core identity that makes the franchise special.
The combat loop draws heavy inspiration from high-octane action games and aggressive modern shooters. Players mix primary melee weapons with secondary tools like drills, layering on telekinetic throws and ground slams to keep the momentum going. There is no traditional parrying mechanic here. The game rewards constant aggression and fluid movement, echoing the relentless pacing found in titles like Doom. While the action has transformed into something you might expect from PlatinumGames rather than Remedy, the studio's signature atmosphere remains completely intact.
Beyond the combat overhaul, Control Resonant takes players out of the brutalist confines of The Oldest House and drops them into a twisted, surreal version of Manhattan. For a studio with such a dedicated community, taking this kind of creative risk is a massive win. It shows a willingness to experiment with established intellectual property rather than playing it safe with a predictable sequel. As we look toward the game's release this fall, this bold pivot might just deliver one of the most exciting action experiences of the year.
Tags: Control Resonant, Remedy Entertainment, Action Games, Polygon, Previews
Original article: Polygon