Imagine stepping into a reality that's been warped and twisted by otherworldly forces, where the streets of New York City bend and fold like a nightmare come to life—and you're the unlikely hero tasked with unraveling the chaos. But here's where it gets intriguing: what if that hero isn't the familiar face from the original tale? Remedy Entertainment just dropped a bombshell at The Game Awards 2025, unveiling Control: Resonant, the long-awaited successor to their 2019 masterpiece, Control, which IGN crowned Game of the Year. Scheduled for a 2026 launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X and S, this isn't your typical follow-up—it's designed to surprise and challenge in ways that redefine what a sequel can be.
For newcomers or those brushing up on the lore, let's break it down simply: Control was a gripping adventure centered on Jesse Faden, an agent battling supernatural anomalies within a mysterious government building known as The Oldest House. Now, fast-forward seven years, and the story shifts perspectives entirely. You're no longer controlling Jesse; instead, you step into the shoes of her younger brother, Dylan. Kidnapped by the Federal Bureau of Control at just 10 years old, Dylan has been in a coma ever since, afflicted by a eerie, reality-altering phenomenon called The Hiss—a kind of parasitic force that corrupts and transforms everything it touches. To put it in beginner-friendly terms, think of The Hiss as an infectious glitch in the fabric of the world, spreading like a digital virus that warps buildings, people, and even time itself.
But the changes don't stop there. The Hiss has escaped the confines of The Oldest House, spilling into the bustling streets of Manhattan and turning the city into a surreal, mind-bending landscape. As glimpsed in the game's trailer, expect to navigate twisted skyscrapers, folded-over avenues, and environments overrun by these supernatural forces—it's like exploring a living Escher painting where up is down and reality feels fluid and unpredictable. This setting shift not only broadens the scope but also invites players to experience the horror and wonder of a world gone haywire on a grander scale.
And this is the part most people miss right away: the combat system has been overhauled to match this new protagonist and chaotic world. Gone is Jesse's iconic Service Weapon, that versatile firearm that could morph into all sorts of configurations. Dylan, being more agile and nimble, relies on a raw, transforming melee weapon dubbed the Aberrant—a crude, shape-shifting blade that's perfect for close-quarters brawls. But it's not just brute force; Dylan's innate supernatural abilities augment the weapon, creating a dynamic combo that feels fresh and exhilarating. For those familiar with games like Respawn's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order or Survivor, it might evoke the thrill of wielding a lightsaber while channeling Force powers, but with a uniquely Control-inspired twist that emphasizes speed and intuition.
I chatted with Remedy's creative director, Mikael Kasurinen, to get the inside scoop on the combat. He described it as 'quite unique, with that Control DNA'—meaning it's proactive, aggressive, and built on forward momentum. Picture this: you're not just fighting enemies; you're chasing them down, blending quick weapon strikes with supernatural abilities in a fluid dance. Dylan moves like a lightweight athlete, making footwork a core part of the strategy. Kasurinen emphasized that preparation is key: crafting a build that suits your style involves tactical thinking, like figuring out how to combine shape-shifting melee attacks with abilities while on the move. There are layers of customization here, with intricate progression systems that let you grow more versatile and powerful, adapting to different threats as you explore.
Building on that, the game encourages deep personalization through customizable builds, which is great for replayability and catering to different playstyles. You'll also dive into side quests and interact with various factions, adding layers of intrigue and choice. Enemies aren't passive either; they wield paranatural attacks and can zip through the environment just as fast as you, turning every encounter into a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse. For example, you might face foes that manipulate gravity or phase through walls, forcing you to think creatively and stay one step ahead—much like dodging a swarm of unpredictable, reality-bending insects in a twisted urban jungle.
One reassuring note for fans: you don't need to have played the original Control to jump in. The story stands on its own, with the two games positioned as 'siblings' rather than dependent sequels. Kasurinen sums it up by saying, 'This is not a safe sequel,' promising an experience that's bold and uncharted. It's a bold claim that could spark debate—do fans want a safe, familiar ride, or are they eager for the risk of something groundbreaking? But here's where it gets controversial: by ditching Jesse and her iconic weapon for a more melee-focused, ability-driven system, is Remedy innovating or alienating longtime players? Some might argue it's a refreshing evolution, keeping the series alive in a crowded genre, while others could see it as a risky gamble that strays too far from what made Control a standout.
For the full lineup of announcements from The Game Awards 2025, head over to IGN's coverage, and don't miss the complete winners list. As for me, I'm Ryan McCaffrey, IGN's executive editor of previews, host of the weekly Unlocked Xbox podcast, and the monthly-ish interview show, IGN Unfiltered. Hailing from North Jersey, I stand firm that it's 'Taylor ham,' not 'pork roll'—feel free to debate me on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan.
What do you think? Will Control: Resonant's fresh approach revitalize the franchise, or does it risk losing the essence of the original? Do you prefer sequels that stick close to the source or ones that boldly reinvent? Share your opinions in the comments—let's discuss!
