Control Resonant, the latest from Remedy Entertainment, continues the studio's signature surreal aesthetic, as showcased in a recent hands-off preview. While the preview did not allow for direct player interaction, it provided an in-depth look at the game's mechanics and environment, particularly focusing on the character Dylan Faden and his quest to find a powerful entity known as a Resonant.
Exploring the Mold-Infested Park
The preview featured a section of the game set in a Manhattan park overtaken by a strange blue mold. This area is populated by mold-based enemies, including a massive, elephant-sized foe resembling a garlic bulb that attacks with projectiles and mold mines. Dylan's combat kit is designed to encourage aggressive play. The "dominance" effect can be farmed by defeating enemies, increasing damage output. Dylan's Aberrant weapon can transform, with its drill form specializing in "Falter" damage, which fills an enemy's stagger meter. Once this meter is depleted, players can perform executions.
Combat Mechanics and Design Philosophy
Remedy emphasized an aggressive combat loop where healing is achieved by collecting health orbs dropped by defeated enemies, reinforcing a no-holds-barred approach. Players can equip Dual Blades with a critical chance buff, and Dylan's shoulder button abilities include "Ignite" for fire damage and "Barrage" for increased Falter damage. A "Push" ability functions similarly to a force push. Notably, there is no block or parry mechanic; instead, players rely on dodging, with perfect dodges offering a time-slowing effect and bonus damage. This design choice aims to keep players on the offensive.
The game world itself is inspired by Manhattan but presents a twisted, surreal interpretation, rather than direct recreations of real-world locations. This approach aligns with Remedy's established style of blending the familiar with the uncanny. World events are indicated by environmental anomalies, such as a glitching traffic barrier, though these were not explored in detail during the preview.
Narrative Choices and Boss Encounters
Dylan's journey involves consuming mold to gain insights, leading to dialogue choices that, while not affecting the game's single ending, can influence NPC perception and the outcomes of certain side quests. The preview culminated in a boss encounter with an entity called the Collective, a large mass of mold with multiple faces. This fight required Dylan to utilize a gravity-shifting ability to walk on walls and attack the Collective's tentacles. Once these were dealt with, weak points on the boss opened up, allowing Dylan to inflict direct damage.
Control Resonant is slated for a digital release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on September 24. A physical version is planned for October, with a Mac version to follow at a later date.