Control Resonant review: A superbly strange
Rock Paper Shotgun reviews Control Resonant, a sequel that shifts from shooter to open-world melee RPG. The review praises its relentless combat, smart progression, and eerie open world, while noting some boss fight simplicity.
Control Resonant is a sequel that replaces its predecessor's shooter gameplay with open-world melee brawling. Rock Paper Shotgun's review states the gamble pays off spectacularly, delivering Remedy's best action in years.
Combat and the Aberrant
You play as Dylan Faden, wielding a transforming melee weapon called the Aberrant. Combat starts with simple three-hit combos for each weapon form but expands into relentless, explosive encounters. The review says the game is uncannily good at targeting your intended foe, reducing frustration during chaotic fights.
After upgrades, players can craft builds focused on breaking enemy stances. This turns brawls into something resembling Doom Eternal, with chained executions providing buffs. The reviewer notes Dylan has a dodge tuned as a proactive attack tool.
Progression and the Open World
Upgrading one Aberrant form boosts the base damage for all forms. This system, according to the source, incentivizes spending resources on less-favored weapons to keep them viable. Dylan's talent tree has a geographical element tied to Manhattan's sub-areas.
Beating enemies and completing side missions levels up an area, improving drop rates and vendor stock. Only with each new area level does Dylan earn a skill point. Defeating a region's boss resets it, respawning tougher enemies for fresh side activities. The reviewer calls this a tidy, Elden Ring-like loop that motivates exploration.
Atmosphere and Side Content
The open-world Manhattan is praised as a worthy successor to the Oldest House, rich with eerie atmosphere and creative quests. Sidequests often focus on bizarre Altered Items, like calming a stressed lightbulb or singing ritualistic karaoke to terrified dancers.
The strangeness is often played for drama, making humanity feel like a cosmic sand grain. Expeditions into impossible spaces and a haunting soundtrack stoke a lonely chill. The story focuses on Dylan's redemption, anchored by his relationships with his sister Jesse and handler Zoe.
Critiques and Final Thoughts
The review notes that Remedy's inexperience with character action shows in some boss battles. Some are enjoyable duels, while others rely on massive health bars for threat rather than complex mechanics. All bosses have striking visual design and reward players with new combat powers.
The source also mentions the game goes light on Remedyverse crossover fanfare, with no major appearances from characters like Alan Wake in the main story. There is, however, one tune-heavy sequence that plays like a calmer tribute to Control's Ashtray Maze. The reviewer finished nearly thirty hours of play still happy to oblige the game's demand for aggressive, godly combat.
