The Value Verdict
MUST PLAY
Control Resonant builds brilliantly upon Remedy Entertainment's surreal universe, delivering an exhilarating blend of telekinetic combat, mind-bending level design, and deep psychological dread. Operating as a refined evolution of the original *Control*, Resonant leans heavily into fluid movement mechanics, expanded melee combat, and stunning surrealist environmental destruction powered by Northlight Engine updates. While confusing map navigation and repetitive sector backtracking occasionally slow the pacing, the stellar world-building and white-knuckle combat pacing make it an essential experience for fans of narrative action.
The Gist
Set in the immediate aftermath of the Oldest House lockdown, Control Resonant expands the mystery beyond the Bureau's shifting walls into a reality-warping, open-ended downtown Manhattan. Taking control of Dylan Faden, players utilize the Aberrant—a melee-focused Object of Power—to contain an escaped extradimensional threat while unravelling cosmic mysteries and searching for Jesse.
The narrative excels at blending dry bureaucratic satire with cosmic horror. Supported by haunting audio design and sharp vocal performances, the story delivers an engrossing action-RPG experience that keeps players guessing.
The Gameplay Loop
The core loop marries high-velocity action-RPG systems with close-quarters kinetic aggression.
- ›Melee-Focused Pivot: In a major shift from the shooter dynamics of the original game, combat centers around the Aberrant. This shapeshifting weapon seamlessly morphs between heavy two-handed hammers, swift dual blades, and defensive forms to break armor and chain combos.
- ›Kinetic Momentum & Telekinesis: Telekinesis now chains directly into close-range mobility. Levitation, dash, and heat-based abilities bleed into melee strings, letting you hurl chunks of concrete at enemy shields before closing the distance for heavy strikes.
- ›Shifting Sector Puzzles: Environmental traversal requires manipulating resonance frequencies to reshape room layouts, unlock hidden Bureau chambers, and stabilize reality loops.
- ›Navigation & Backtracking: The shifting brutalist architecture and layered map layouts can occasionally lead to frustrating orientation issues. Navigating complex sectors often requires repetitive backtracking through cleared corridors when searching for objective triggers or clearance access points.
Hardware & Performance
- ›Visuals & Destruction: Advanced ray tracing and volumetric lighting highlight the stark contrast between sterile office decor and surreal cosmic rot. Structural physics and environmental destruction remain unmatched.
- ›Performance: Targets a smooth 60 FPS in Performance Mode, maintaining stability even when dozens of objects are hurled across chaotic arenas.
- ›Audio & Haptics: Exceptional DualSense feedback gives distinct tactile weight to every telekinetic pull and weapon transform, paired with a dynamic industrial soundtrack that swells dynamically during combat.
Is It Worth the Money?
- ›Average Playtime: 25 – 30 hours (Main Story + Side Content) / 40+ hours (100% Completion & Secrets)
- ›Replayability: High (Deep talent trees, multiple Aberrant loadout builds, side quests, and endgame sector challenges)
Control Resonant is an outstanding action-RPG evolution that delivers premium value for fans of narrative-driven single-player games. The combination of refined melee mechanics, breathtaking visual presentation, and deep lore makes it one of the premier titles on current-gen hardware.