Control Resonant reviews highlight combat and narrative split
Remedy Entertainment's Control Resonant, a follow-up to Control, has been released, with most outlets noting its shift to an open-world action-RPG format featuring Dylan Faden as the protagonist. The game's Metacritic score of 84 slightly surpasses the original Control's 82, and it offers around 30 hours of main story content. Control Resonant was previewed as a melee-focused action RPG starring Dylan Faden with expanded open-world exploration.
Reviewers are divided on the game's combat and narrative. IGN, PC GamesN, Gamespot, Checkpoint Gaming, Rock Paper Shotgun, The Xbox Hub, Gaming Bolt, and To Much Gaming praised the game's engaging melee combat, compelling narrative, and unique world design. Gamespot specifically highlighted the deep, engaging melee combat as the game's best aspect. Conversely, PC Gamer, Eurogamer, Playstation Lifestyle, FZ.se, Escapist Magazine, and Metro UK criticized the combat as repetitive or lacking depth, and found the narrative diluted or less compelling than its predecessor. Eurogamer noted the game lost much of the original's narrative magic and atmospheric focus, while Playstation Lifestyle stated the risky sequel does not fully succeed due to its shift to melee combat.
Coverage across 18 outlets
Control Resonant review - A kaleidoscopic ode to creativity
Control Resonant is a masterful expansion that reimagines the original game's formula, offering a fresh yet familiar experience. Players step into the shoes of Dylan Faden, exploring a warped Manhattan with new paranatural abilities and facing unique combat challenges. The game is praised for its inventive level design, narrative depth, and celebration of creativity, making it a standout title.
Control Resonant’s Best Aspect Left Me Utterly Speechless
Control Resonant is Remedy Entertainment's best gameplay experience to date, featuring deep, engaging melee combat mechanics and a stunning rendition of Manhattan. The game successfully blends Remedy's signature weirdness with satisfying power progression and a surprisingly touching narrative centered on Dylan Faden's redemption arc. Despite minor frustrations with the map navigation, the game's art direction, combat design, and emotional depth make it a unique and unforgettable experience.
Control Resonant review - action-RPG oriented follow-up to Control leaves behind too much of what gave the original its magic
Control Resonant, a follow-up to Control, shifts towards an action-RPG focus but loses much of the original's narrative magic and atmospheric focus. While it expands the scope with a larger world and new mechanics, the review criticizes its diluted narrative, less compelling family dynamics, and combat that hasn't significantly improved. The game's attempt to incorporate live-service elements is seen as detrimental to its unique identity.
