Control Resonant: A Daring Sequel That Embraces Chaos
Remedy's sequel to Control adopts an open-world structure but subverts genre conventions with minimal handholding. Players control Dylan Faden as he navigates a reality-bending world filled with Objects of Power. While it has some flaws, the game is praised as a major achievement.
Control Resonant places players in the role of Dylan Faden, brother of the first game's protagonist Jesse, who has vanished after becoming FBC director. The sequel's open-world New York is structured around Faults, special sequences that reconnect Dylan with Jesse and grant new traversal abilities essential for progression, though the game never explicitly explains this mechanic to players.
The game's design philosophy deliberately rejects common AAA conventions like protagonist voiceovers that hint at puzzle solutions. Instead, Remedy trusts players to navigate its reality-bending environments through observation and experimentation, creating an experience that rewards persistence but may frustrate those accustomed to more guided open-world titles.
This release could influence how studios approach open-world design, potentially encouraging more player-driven discovery over handholding mechanics. Its success may signal that audiences appreciate challenging, less accessible structures in mainstream titles. However, the deliberate confusion could limit its appeal to casual players, possibly reinforcing the perception that such experimental design remains niche within the broader gaming market.