The weird and wonderful world of Control returns with Control Resonant. Can this time warping and mind bending sequel make a similar impact to its predecessor? Or are we left longing for the comforts of the Oldest House?
Embrace The Weird
Every time Remedy Entertainment releases a title, they’ll have my undivided attention. They are the masters of creating weird, wonderful and unique games which make such a lasting impact. In my opinion, Alan Wake 2 ranks amongst the greatest games of all time. I adored my time with the first Control and unravelling the mystery of the Oldest House as Jesse. Needless to say, my excitement was through the roof for the sequel, Resonant. Remedy have once again crafted a game like no other.
The story of Control Resonant takes place seven years after the events of the first game. This time, you play as Dylan, brother of original protagonist Jesse. If you haven’t played the original title you will miss out on much needed context as the first game revealed Dylan inadvertently helped the enemies of the game, the Hiss. Jesse made the choice to end Dylan’s suffering, stabbing him with a new shape shifting weapon known as the Aberrant. Here is where Control Resonant begins and boy, it’s a weird and wonderful tale – for the most part.
Panic On The Streets Of Manhattan
The narrative of Control Resonant expands upon the first title by moving the action to outside of the Federal Bureau Of Control (FBC). Seven years have passed and now, the Hiss have invaded Manhattan. Both Dylan and the player aren’t given much context to grasp in the first few hours of the story, but this is what makes it so special. The opening hours are breath-taking as you uncover your powers and abilities and get to grips with this weird world. It’s not only the Hiss Dylan has to worry about; a new phenomenon known as the Patterning has emerged and twisted Manhattan into a warped version of itself.
If you have played a Remedy game before, you can expect a lengthy narrative full of utterly bizarre, yet totally endearing moments. Dylan is a vastly different character to Jesse. He is tormented by his guilt in regards to his involvement with the Hiss. Learning more about the dynamic and relationship between Dylan and Jesse is one of the highlights of the overarching narrative. It’s a tale of what people are willing to sacrifice for the ones they love. The major themes of regret, forgiveness and redemption are woven so beautifully into the tale, which is remarkably endearing. Sadly, the game does lose some steam and pacing in the chaotic final act. It feels slightly disjointed and could have been paced better to create a real emotional pay off for both Dylan and the player. Rest assured, Remedy still know how to make a weird, funny, yet thoughtful story.
Wall Bending, Time Shifting, You Name It
If you have played the original Control, that was a third person shooter with great traversal and puzzles which really gave you food for thought. Whist some core gameplay design aspects remain, Resonant is a completely different animal. Once again, from a third person perspective, this time Dylan uses the Aberrant, a melee weapon. Melee combat is the entire focus of Resonant and though, like the narrative, it loses a little bit of steam near the end, this is still a fantastic and incredible experience.
Dylan can hack and slash his way through hordes and hordes of enemies with different abilities and powers. You can equip two different weapon styles for Dylan to strike down his foes. Alongside these styles are ‘Forms’, which allow you to morph the weapon into a set of blades, scythe or cleaver. Remedy have done a superb job in giving the player so much freedom in how they choose to combat the Hiss. I loved experimenting and innovating my playstyle, alongside the powers Dylan unlocks throughout the game. However, the game could do a better job at explaining some of its RPG systems, such as the power aspect. I had originally thought it better to focus on one style to level my power but I stumbled upon the fact that unlocking all types of abilities, levels your overall power. The game tends to throw a lot of enemies at you throughout Manhattan, so be well prepared, since this can be a punishing experience. Combat can lose its way a little towards the end of the game as it feels quite repetitive, but overall this is a fantastic melee system.
The Real Star
Control Resonant is billed as an open world title, and in many ways, this is the real star of the show. It is absolutely incredible to traverse the streets and buildings of Manhattan. Dylan unlocks different powers and abilities throughout the game, but the clear highlight is the gravity shift. This ability literally lets you walk on walls and ceilings. The first time this moment occurs in the game will stay with me forever. It was like I was playing Inception. The work the team have done at perfecting this should be lauded; camera angles effortlessly shift when changing from one aspect to another. It is a pure work of art. Puzzles return from the original title and these again are thoughtful and sometimes head scratching. Simply wandering around the weird and wonderful world is a marvel in itself, with some of the scripted moments the game shows off.
Remedy have opted for a new unique approach to unlocking and upgrading abilities through the zones system. There are seven zones for you to traverse, and these each have their own individual progression levels. Instead of levelling up Dylan, you level up the zone and unlock rewards for each level. I love this design so much, since, as a perfectionist, I strived to unlock everything in each area. These rewards range from more upgrade materials being dropped, to new in game side quests becoming available, and much more. This is an ingenious system which sets Remedy out from the rest. They are never afraid to do something different.
Unequivocally Remedy
I may have some minor issues with narrative and story but when it comes to presentation and performance I am simply blown away. Remedy have always had their own unique style, and Resonant only enhances their legacy. Every area is dripping in detail, and when things get weird, the game only looks more beautiful. If I could only be a fly on the wall watching how these artists have created these worlds! It’s bold, colourful and jaw dropping. Furthermore, the final area of the game is something simply astonishing. As previously mentioned, the gravity shift ability is incredible and its cinematic moments are a real highlight. Add in gorgeous character models, brilliant smooth animations and some mind bending boss fights and you have what is some of the best art style and presentation in gaming. Bravo, Remedy you are the kings of crafting something no one else could even dream of.
Similarly, the audio design and soundtrack are top notch. Dylan is voiced superbly by Sean Durrie; his exhausted, weary tone is hauntingly beautiful during some of the monologues. Enemies sound unique and distorted; every swing of the Aberrant sounds delicious. This is industry leading sound design and I expected nothing less. After Alan Wake 2, I had no doubt Remedy would return with a killer soundtrack and boy have they ever! Sprinkled in throughout conversations with your main ally Zoe, are moments where she’ll play music tracks for Dylan. These are whacky and bizarre tracks which just seamlessly fit into the events taking place. I will always love a Remedy game when it comes to presentation. Superb!
Verdict
I have mentioned before how I adore developers who take risks, and Remedy are the founding fathers of this approach. Control Resonant is a vastly different prospect to the original title, yet somehow, they have pulled it off. An engaging story full of weird and downright bizarre moments is propelled by a wonderful protagonist. A solid combat system and mind bending level design make this game truly unforgettable. Play this game and experience it for yourself. Yes, the final act and some repetitive combat moments grated on me by credits roll but ultimately, this is a game like no other, made by a team like no other. Inception meets Twin Peaks meets Alan Wake. Long live Remedy!
