A Bigger and Stranger World
Control Resonant takes place seven years after the original game. This time, players control Dylan Faden as the Hiss escapes The Oldest House and reaches Manhattan.
Manhattan has become a surreal landscape filled with twisted buildings and strange environments. We describe it as one of the most visually impressive games on PS5. Traversal is also a major strength. Dylan can double jump, lightly fly, and shift between different gravity axes throughout the city.
A More Personal Control Resonant Story
The sequel presents a more personal story surrounding Dylan’s traumatic history and time with the FBC. The narrative also explores the moral uncertainty surrounding the organization.
The story is less directed than Alan Wake 2. Much of the experience comes from discovering strange characters and unexpected side stories. Several optional quests stand out because of their unusual ideas. These include investigations involving headless bodies and a bizarre dance karaoke party.
Combat Takes a New Direction
Combat is one of the biggest changes from the original Control. The previous game’s service weapon has been replaced with a transformable melee weapon.
Players can equip two weapon styles with three forms each. They can also customize combo finishers and develop different builds through skill trees. The system initially feels deep and flexible. Players can combine weapons like scythes, hammers, axes and spears to make new deadlier hybrid weapons.
Control Resonant Combat Loses Momentum Later
We found the combat to be most effective during the first half of the campaign. Enemy pressure and traversal abilities can create some excellent encounters. However, the system becomes less engaging later. Skill upgrades become less frequent, while enemy health increases and fights become more repetitive.
Damage effects add complexity, but the game does not always explain them clearly. You’ll often need to search menus to understand certain status effects. Several late-game bosses also weaken the final stretch. Their encounters can feel repetitive despite the combat system’s potential depth.
Strong Technical Performance
Technical performance is another major strength according to the review. The game was primarily played on PS5 Pro during this review using performance mode.
The PS5 Pro version maintained a stable frame rate while delivering a sharp image. The base PS5 version looks softer and can experience drops during intense fights. The DualSense haptics also received praise, especially when the mysterious Board communicates with Dylan.
Verdict
Control Resonant is a confident sequel that expands Remedy’s strange and creative universe. Its world design, visuals and traversal make it an impressive PS5 experience.
However, repetitive combat and weaker late-game encounters prevent the sequel from reaching its full potential. Control Resonant gets a solid 8/10, making it a great experience despite its flaws.
