Boldly, Remedy has unveiled fresh details about Control Resonant, the melee-focused, semi-open-world action RPG that serves as a follow-up to 2019’s Control. In a private online briefing with press and creators, the studio’s team—creative director Mikael Kasurinen, lead gameplay designer Sergey Moho, and communications director Thomas Puha—shared intriguing insights, from influences and design choices to character roles and gameplay systems. Here’s a comprehensive rewrite of what was revealed, expanded with clear explanations for newcomers and written in a friendly, professional tone.
Jesse Faden isn’t a playable character in Resonant
Right at the outset, Remedy clarified a common fan assumption: Jesse Faden, the original game’s protagonist, does not playable in Control Resonant. Although Jesse remains a significant presence—she appears in promotional material and plays an important role—the story follows Dylan, Jesse’s brother, as the central character. Puha stated plainly that Resonant centers on Dylan’s experience, and Remedy wants to avoid misleading players about who you’ll control throughout the adventure.
It’s an RPG-action hybrid with a heavy melee focus
Control Resonant shifts away from the series’ traditional shooter roots toward a deeper melee-focused action RPG. The game emphasizes character progression through multiple skill trees, enabling players to construct distinct builds for Dylan and his transforming weapon, the Aberrant. The Aberrant has a primary form, a secondary form, and a powerful combo-ender, with upgrade paths and customization options to tailor its performance. For players who enjoy min-maxing, there’s plenty of statistical depth to explore as you advance.
No parry button, but active, forward-press combat
During a post-event Q&A, the team addressed whether Resonant resembles a Souls-like title. The answer is no. The combat is designed to be aggressive and proactive: players push forward, stay mobile, and keep delivering attacks. The game provides a dodge mechanic, but there is no parry mechanic. Remedy’s intent is to keep players in control, driving the action rather than reacting to enemies’ moves.
A more focused, non-open-world map experience
Remedy emphasized that Resonant won’t be an expansive open world with endless chores. Instead, the map and world design aim for a tighter, more inviting experience. Kasurinen explained that the world is built around two main quest types: Dylan’s Journey (the main campaign) and World Quests (independent stories you can start and finish on your own). Beyond these, players will encounter a variety of activities—combat challenges, puzzles, and other gameplay moments—that tie into the overarching narrative. The goal is to create a world that invites exploration and rewards curiosity without overwhelming you with filler tasks.
A steady 60 FPS on current platforms
Remedy confirmed a target of 60 frames per second across Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, underscoring a commitment to smooth, responsive combat and traversal.
Dialogue with consequences, but one ending
The game features dialogue choices during conversations, including some that can be made on the move. However, there will be a single, cohesive ending—no branching endings. Remedy notes that Dylan’s personality and range of responses are limited in a way that preserves a consistent narrative arc, even as players influence conversations and moment-to-moment outcomes.
Character customization beyond outfits
If you enjoyed changing Jesse’s look in Control, you’ll be glad to know Dylan’s appearance can be customized as well. Players will be able to swap clothing and hairstyle at any time, letting you tailor Dylan’s look while you tackle paranormal threats in Resonant.
Why these choices matter
- The shift to melee-focused RPG systems invites players who love character progression, skill customization, and weapon-mutation playstyles to experiment with multiple builds.
- Removing the parry emphasizes proactive, continuous offense, which can feel more visceral and cinematic for action-oriented players.
- A non-open-world design with focused maps and distinct quest structures can deliver a tighter, more replayable experience with meaningful pacing.
- Single-ending storytelling paired with dynamic dialogue offers a contained, purpose-driven narrative while still offering personal expression in how you interact with the world.
Thoughts to consider (discussion starters)
- Do you prefer a robust melee RPG with deep build variety, or a shooter-forward control scheme? Why?
- Is a single ending preferable for a tightly told narrative, or would you enjoy multiple endings that reflect different choices?
- How important is cosmetic freedom (outfit and hairstyle changes) to your immersion and enjoyment in a game like this?
If you’d like, I can tailor this rewrite to a specific audience (e.g., gamers, mainstream readers, or industry folks) or adjust the emphasis on certain features. Which angle would you prefer?
