Control Resonant Expands Remedy Connected Universe
Control Resonant Expands Remedy Connected Universe
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Key Points
1
On PlayStation 5, the game offers a Performance mode targeting 60 frames per second at 1440p and a Quality mode at 30 frames per second and 2160p with FSR; one reviewer recommended Performance mode because large enemy encounters can become visually busy.
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Dylan faces hostility from the Federal Bureau of Control because of his past: FBC Rangers remain wary of the person they believe was responsible for many of their colleagues’ deaths, while handler Zoe treats him primarily as a tool against the Hiss.
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Exploration is supported by a progression of traversal abilities. Dylan begins with a double jump and double dash, then unlocks additional movement options that allow him to access more of Manhattan’s warped spaces.
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The sequel’s story is framed not only as a search for Jesse but also as a redemption and trauma narrative, examining the consequences of Dylan’s earlier actions and his attempt to recover from being controlled by the Hiss.
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Although the game is designed to be approachable to newcomers, one reviewer argued that Dylan’s story and the emotional significance of the siblings’ relationship are difficult to fully appreciate without prior familiarity with the first Control; the built-in recap covers the basics but not the original game’s deeper significance.
Control Resonant expands Remedy Entertainment's twisted universe beyond the Oldest House, placing players in a warped Manhattan as Dylan Faden—Jesse's brother—wakes from a seven-year coma. OpenCritic reports the game has earned critical acclaim for its mind-bending visuals and striking art direction, though reviewers note the action-RPG shift from the original's shooter focus creates an uneven but distinctive experience.
Dylan must navigate supernatural threats including the Hiss, a new force called the Pattern, and spreading Mold while searching for his missing sister and attempting to redeem himself. The story carries greater emotional weight for fans of the first Control, but newcomers can still follow along—though they'll miss the deeper significance of the siblings' bond.
Dylan's Redemption Against the FBC
The Federal Bureau of Control treats Dylan with suspicion and hostility. Rangers remain wary of the person they believe caused many of their colleagues' deaths during his time under Hiss control. Handler Zoe views Dylan primarily as a tool to fight back against the Hiss threat rather than as an ally deserving trust or respect.
Dylan's story frames itself as both a search for Jesse and a trauma narrative. The game examines the consequences of his earlier actions and his struggle to recover from being controlled by an otherworldly force. This redemption arc gives emotional weight to every encounter and choice.
Exploration Unlocked Through New Movement Abilities
Dylan begins with a double jump and double dash—core tools for navigating Manhattan's reality-bent spaces. As he progresses, he unlocks additional traversal abilities that open access to hidden areas, warped buildings, and streets where familiar objects twist into unsettling supernatural forms.
The expansion of movement options mirrors the original Control's progression system but goes deeper. Players can reach previously blocked sections of the sprawling Manhattan landscape, encouraging careful exploration and environmental puzzle-solving throughout the campaign.
Performance Options Favor Speed Over Fidelity
On PlayStation 5, the game offers two graphics modes. Performance targets 60 frames per second at 1440p, while Quality delivers 2160p at 30 frames per second with FSR upscaling. GameRant and other reviewers recommend Performance mode during large enemy encounters, which can become visually busy and chaotic at higher resolutions.
The choice between speed and visual clarity depends on player preference. Sixty frames per second keeps combat responsive during frantic battles. The game's surreal art style—heavily influenced by M.C. Escher's impossible geometries—benefits from the cleaner performance at higher frame rates.
Ambitious Design Held Back by Repetitive Combat
Reviews consistently praise Control Resonant's art direction, bizarre environments, atmosphere, and memorable set pieces. The audio design and expansive exploration stand out as major strengths that pull players deeper into the warped world. However, critics say the ambitious scope is uneven.
Combat and enemy encounters become repetitive as the campaign progresses. The shift toward action-adventure and action-RPG mechanics gives the sequel a distinct identity from the original, but the execution doesn't always sustain engagement. Despite these flaws, the game's visual and audio presentation remains a standout achievement.
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