Control Resonant: A Shift in Combat and Narrative for the FBC Universe
The upcoming Control Resonant is deliberately distancing itself from genre expectations. Remedy Entertainment’s sequel isn’t aiming for the sprawling openness of an open-world game, nor is it adopting the punishing difficulty of a “Soulslike.” Instead, the focus is on aggressive, player-driven action and a more grounded narrative centered around a fractured Manhattan.
From the Oldest House to a Warped City
The original Control trapped players within the ever-shifting walls of the Oldest House. Resonant inverts this premise, thrusting players into a Manhattan under siege by paranatural forces. The city is dynamically altered, with architecture warping and gravity becoming unstable, creating unique combat arenas. The Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) remains active, attempting to contain the escalating crisis across distinct zones.
Dylan Faden and the Importance of Collaboration
Players will take on the role of Dylan Faden, Jesse Faden’s brother. Unlike his sister’s solitary journey, Dylan isn’t alone. He’s guided by Zoe De Vera, an FBC field agent who acts as his handler. Their relationship, built on trust and mutual reliance, forms the emotional core of the experience. A seamless dialogue system will keep players immersed in the world as conversations unfold during exploration.
The Aberrant: A New Weapon, A New Combat Style
Forget the transforming Service Weapon. Dylan wields the Aberrant, a massive transforming hammer designed for close-quarters combat. The Aberrant shifts between primary and secondary forms, offering a variety of combinations and allowing players to customize their combat approach. Combat emphasizes momentum; aggressive play is rewarded with greater control over the battlefield.
Inspired by Action Giants: Bayonetta and Devil May Cry
Remedy is drawing inspiration from action game staples like Bayonetta and Devil May Cry. The combat system is described as leaning heavily into melee attacks and “overnatural synergy.” This suggests a quick-paced, combo-focused experience that prioritizes player skill and decisive action.
Buildcrafting and Player Choice
Control Resonant offers players significant control over their playstyle through buildcrafting. The Aberrant’s transformations and combinations, combined with other systems, allow for a tailored combat experience. The game is designed to reward decisive play and encourage players to actively engage with the combat system.
Future Trends in Action-Adventure Game Design
Control Resonant’s design choices reflect several emerging trends in the action-adventure genre. The move away from open-world fatigue and the “Soulslike” difficulty curve suggests a desire for more focused, streamlined experiences. The emphasis on narrative collaboration and character relationships also points to a growing demand for emotionally resonant stories within action-packed gameplay.
The focus on momentum-based combat, rewarding aggressive play, is reminiscent of titles like Doom Eternal and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which prioritize player agency and skillful execution. This trend suggests a shift away from passive, defensive gameplay towards more proactive and engaging combat encounters.
FAQ
Q: Is Control Resonant an open-world game?
A: No, Control Resonant features carefully designed zones rather than a sprawling open world.
Q: Will Control Resonant be very hard?
A: Remedy has stated that it is not a “Soulslike” and focuses on aggressive, action-driven gameplay.
Q: Who is Zoe De Vera?
A: Zoe De Vera is an FBC field agent who acts as Dylan Faden’s handler and guide.
Q: What is the Aberrant?
A: The Aberrant is Dylan Faden’s transforming hammer weapon.
Q: What games inspired the combat in Control Resonant?
A: Remedy cites Bayonetta and Devil May Cry as inspirations for the combat system.
Did you know? The original Control won IGN’s 2019 Game of the Year award.
Pro Tip: Focus on mastering the Aberrant’s transformations to maximize your combat effectiveness.
What are your expectations for Control Resonant? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
