This week, we got some more details about CONTROL Resonant, the paranatural action-adventure RPG game from Remedy Entertainment and the direct sequel to 2019’s critically acclaimed CONTROL, ranging from game progression to accessibility.
During an interview with Ben Hanson on the MinnMax YouTube channel, the director of CONTROL Resonant, Mikael Kasurinen, answered over 190 questions about the game. Here are some of the key details that we can glean from their rapid-fire interview.
While we didn’t get an approximate playtime for CONTROL Resonant, Mikael clarified that a full playthrough of the game would be longer than its predecessor and that while it may not feel like it has been broken up into distinct chapters, that is, in fact, the case. Later on, he stated that the game’s zones are larger than players probably expect, and that after a linear first act, the game opens up, offering the freedom to explore.
Sticking with the game’s setting of a Manhattan warped by various paranatural forces, Mikael confirmed that there would be shops in the game and that players would be able to buy things from them. We also got confirmation that we will be able to customise Dylan Faden, the player character’s hair, with Mikael simply answering “Mullet time” when asked how wacky the hairstyles can get. We know from the different versions of the game and pre-order bonuses that there will be different costumes, or skins, for Dylan as well, which were also available in CONTROL.
Regarding CONTROL Resonant’s protagonist, we got more information as to how different versions of his shape-shifting weapon, The Aberrant, are unlocked, as well as how his abilities are gained. Players will have to find certain resources while exploring this warped version of Manhattan for different weapon types, while beating the game’s bosses, called Resonants, unlocks their specific ability for Dylan to use. Mikael also pointed out that not all bosses have to be defeated in the game, with several being side bosses, giving players the option to beat them in any order, a la Mega Man.
CONTROL Resonant will also feature the option to re-spec Dylan, allowing players to change up their playstyle and try different weapon types and abilities, but doing so would come at a cost.
We know that Dylan isn’t alone on his mission, with his handler, Zoe, speaking to him via a walkie-talkie throughout the game, but we also heard about a “pet” for the first time during this interview. While this so-called pet will not join Dylan in running across the convaluted cityscape, other characters will, and even fight alongside the player. However, Mikael quickly clarified that Dylan would be the only playable character. Sadly, Ahti, the cryptic janitor from the first CONTROL, will not feature as much in Resonant, but he will be present in some capacity.
An interesting point came up during the interview when the topic of the game’s map came up. Resonant will indeed feature a map, but Mikael explained that it acted as more of a “strategic view” and that players would have to pay attention to their surroundings to avoid getting lost in this complex world. Fans of the original CONTROL will remember just how obtuse the map was in that game, so it will be interesting to see how Resonant fares, what with having the option to shift between surfaces, regardless of angle and/or gravity.
When it comes to accessibility and approachability, CONTROL Resonant will have one difficulty, but an “Assist Mode” is available to allow players to adjust settings. Some of the options mentioned were turning off boss encounters, making every enemy a one-hit kill, and even making Dylan immortal. One feature that Mikael said would likely arrive after the game’s release is a Photo Mode, so players looking to capture some jaw-dropping vistas or stylish action shots will have to wait.
Mikael was a bit more candid when it came to Resonant’s narrative, answering that game’s goal was neither to find his sister Jesse (the player protagonist of CONTROL) nor to contain the Hiss, but to “take control over your [Dylan’s] life.” Possibly the most curious answer, or non-answer, in this interview came about when Hanson asked if Jesse and Dylan were the only Faden siblings, to which Mikael said nothing, and a wry smile crossed his face. He also said that this was not the end of the Faden arc, but whether this meant a 3rd fully-fledged sequel or DLC is planned, or even just cameos across the Remedyverse of games was left unclear.
While currently confirmed to be launching on PC, PS5, and XBOX Series X/S, Mikael said that they had not yet tested Resonant on the Steam Machine, and that their plan for the Steam Deck was to “get it to run”, but that he also believed the PC version would be one of the best-looking games of all time. On the topic of CONTROL Resonant making its way onto the Nintendo Switch 2, Mikael simply said: “Never say never.”
When asked about choosing to stay out of the way of GTA 6’s release in October and instead opting for the now stacked September, Mikael answered honestly, saying that both Onimusha: Way of the Sword and The Blood of Dawnwalker were “a bit of a concern”. Despite this, the team is sticking with their September 24th release date.
Check out the full video over on the MinnMax YouTube channel to hear all 190-odd questions and answers, and be sure to visit the GSC for future news about CONTROL Resonant.
CONTROL Resonant releases on September 24th across PC, PlayStation 5, and XBOX Series X/S.
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