Control Resonant delivers stunning atmosphere and fascinating lore, but its combat has divided critics. Here’s what you need to know before buying.
When Remedy Entertainment released Control in 2019, it quickly became one of the most unique action games of its generation. Players stepped into the shoes of Jesse Faden as she explored the mysterious Federal Bureau of Control, battled the reality-warping Hiss, and uncovered secrets hidden within the ever-changing Oldest House. The game’s blend of supernatural storytelling, environmental mystery, and telekinetic combat earned it critical acclaim and helped establish the Remedy Connected Universe, which also includes the Alan Wake series.
Now, seven years later in the game’s timeline, Remedy has returned with Control Resonant, a direct sequel that shifts the spotlight from Jesse to her brother Dylan Faden. This time, the action moves beyond the walls of the Oldest House and into a paranormal version of Manhattan that has been consumed by supernatural forces. Developed and published by Remedy Entertainment, Control Resonant launched on September 24, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The sequel also takes a bold new direction by introducing action RPG elements and a combat system that places far greater emphasis on melee combat than the original game.
With reviews now available and players beginning to share their impressions, one thing is clear: Control Resonant is not simply Control 2. Remedy has taken several risks, and while many of them have paid off, some changes have apparently proven divisive. If you’re wondering whether this game deserves a place in your library, here are the biggest pros and cons currently being discussed by critics and players.
Pros: What Control Resonant Gets Right
The Atmosphere and World-Building Remain Outstanding
If there is one area where critics seem largely united, it is the game’s atmosphere. Remedy once again delivers a strange and unsettling world filled with supernatural events, distorted architecture, and bizarre dimensions. While the original game was mostly confined to the Oldest House, Control Resonant expands its scope by bringing the paranormal chaos into Manhattan itself. The result is a city that often feels unpredictable and dreamlike.
Fans who loved exploring the mysteries of the Federal Bureau of Control will likely find plenty to enjoy here.
Dylan Faden Is a Surprisingly Strong Protagonist
One of the biggest questions before launch was whether Dylan Faden could carry a game after spending most of the original Control as a supporting character. Fortunately, the character did well, and many reviewers have praised his role in the story.
His personal journey, his connection to Jesse, and his struggle with past trauma help give the story an emotional core. Several critics have even highlighted Dylan as the sequel’s strongest addition.
Interestingly, Control Resonant does something very rare and the opposite of what most modern games do. It is a modern sequel to shift from a female protagonist to a male protagonist, with Jesse Faden’s brother Dylan taking center stage while still remaining closely tied to the original game’s story.
Exploration Is More Rewarding Than Ever
Exploration has always been one of Remedy’s strengths, and Control Resonant appears to continue that tradition. Hidden areas, optional objectives, lore documents, and side stories are scattered throughout Manhattan.
Players who enjoy investigating every corner of a game world will likely appreciate the amount of optional content available. The game also includes stronger movement abilities, making traversal more enjoyable than in the original.
Remedy’s Lore Is Still Fascinating
The Federal Bureau of Control remains one of gaming’s most interesting fictional organizations. Control Resonant continues to expand the mythology surrounding Altered World Events, the Hiss, and the wider Remedy Connected Universe.
For players who enjoy uncovering mysteries through environmental storytelling and collectible documents, the game offers plenty of material to analyze and discuss.
Cons: Where Control Resonant Falls Short
The Combat Is Dividing Opinions
Combat is easily the most controversial aspect of Control Resonant. Unlike the original game, which focused heavily on gunplay and telekinetic powers, the sequel shifts toward melee combat and action RPG mechanics.
Some reviewers have praised the faster pace and the flexibility offered by Dylan’s transforming weapon. Others feel that the new system lacks the creativity and satisfaction that came from throwing desks, forklifts, and chunks of concrete at enemies in the first game.
Whether you enjoy the combat may depend largely on what you loved most about Control.
The Story Can Be Difficult to Follow
While many players praise the lore, others have criticized how information is presented. Like its prequel, Control Resonant often hides important details behind optional documents, side quests, and environmental clues. Therefore, many players might find themselves completing major story sections with unanswered questions. If you are among gamers who prefer straightforward storytelling, it is likely you will find the narrative frustrating at times.
Fans of mystery-driven storytelling may view this as a strength, but regardless, it remains one of the game’s most common criticisms.
Repetitive Side Content
A number of reviews mention that some side activities begin to feel repetitive after several hours. Limited enemy variety and repeated mission structures can occasionally make the optional content feel less exciting than the main story.
This issue does not appear to ruin the overall experience, but it is a recurring complaint worth considering.
Some Fans May Miss Jesse Faden
Jesse Faden became one of Remedy’s most popular protagonists after the original game. Although she still plays an important role in the story, she is no longer the playable character.
For some fans, Dylan’s perspective offers a refreshing change. Others may struggle to connect with him as strongly as they did with Jesse.
Should You Buy Control Resonant?
Based on current reviews and community impressions, Control Resonant appears to be another ambitious and imaginative project from Remedy Entertainment. Its atmosphere, world-building, exploration, and lore are receiving widespread praise, while its combat system and cryptic storytelling have become the biggest points of debate.
If you loved the original Control primarily for its strange world, Federal Bureau of Control mysteries, and supernatural storytelling, Control Resonant looks like an easy recommendation. However, if your favorite part of the first game was Jesse’s telekinetic combat and straightforward progression, you may want to take a closer look at the gameplay changes before making a purchase.
Control Resonant succeeds in doing something many sequels avoid: taking risks. Whether those risks work for you will likely determine whether this becomes one of your favorite games of 2026 or simply an interesting experiment within Remedy’s ever-expanding universe.
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