Following the critical success of Alan Wake 2, expectations for Remedy Entertainment's latest title, Control Resonant, were exceptionally high. The game, a sequel to 2019's Control, aimed to continue the studio's streak of acclaimed titles with a mind-bending open-world action RPG.
Critical Reception for Control Resonant
Reviews for Control Resonant indicate that Remedy has once again crafted a compelling experience, though it may not reach the heights of Alan Wake 2. The game currently holds an aggregate score of 84 on Metacritic and 85 on OpenCritic, placing it among a crowded field of well-received games. This positions Control Resonant favorably, with aggregate scores surpassing those of the original 2019 Control, which was a notable Game of the Year contender.
Many critics have lauded the game's distinctive world design and narrative. GameSpot's 9/10 review highlighted the "arresting art design" and the "jaw-dropping" visuals of the city, describing scenes where "the city folding in on itself à la Inception" as merely "scratching the surface." IGN's 8/10 review also praised the world-building and Remedy's signature storytelling, with reviewer Michael Higham noting the effectiveness of the hero, Dylan Faden, as a relatable lens through which to explore the game's complex concepts.
Mixed Opinions on Gameplay Direction
However, not all reviews have been universally positive, particularly regarding the sequel's shift to open-world action combat. Some critics have expressed reservations about the move away from the focused environments of the original Control and a less engaging open world. Alexis Ong of Eurogamer gave the game three stars, noting that the melee combat "hasn't really" improved and that the world design felt less compelling than its predecessor's "Oldest House."
Further criticism came from ComicBook's Michael Leri, who awarded the game a 2/5. Leri argued that the hack-and-slash mechanics felt shallow and restrictive, lacking the expressive depth found in genre benchmarks like Devil May Cry or God of War. Polygon's own Willa Rowe echoed these sentiments, finding Control Resonant to be a step back from the original in several aspects, including the pacing of its open world and the focus on its protagonist, stating that the "all-important Remedy magic that makes its games so compelling" was missing.
Despite these critiques, Control Resonant appears to be another strong entry from Remedy. While it may not achieve the same universal acclaim as Alan Wake 2, the studio's games have a history of building lasting appeal, as demonstrated by the enduring legacy of the original Control.