A new installment in the popular video game series Control, titled Control Resonant, offers players a surreal and unsettling experience that blends elements of psychological horror with supernatural themes. Developed by Finnish studio Remedy Entertainment, the game expands on the franchise's distinct narrative and visual style, delivering a setting that is both eerily familiar and deeply distorted.
Set in a decayed and fragmented version of New York City, the story follows Dylan Faden, a character recently awakened from a seven-year coma and still marked by vulnerability. Unlike his portrayal in the original game, in which Jesse Faden was the protagonist, Dylan is shown struggling to reclaim his humanity amid a chaotic reality that has been overtaken by a mysterious and malevolent force known as the Hiss. This entity attempts to reshape human reality but fails, resulting in violence and upheaval.
The game’s director, Mikael Kasurinen, describes Control Resonant’s tone as one of “true fear,” drawing inspiration from the works of filmmaker David Lynch to create moments that are unexpectedly terrifying and psychologically complex. The narrative explores themes of identity, control, and resilience, with Dylan’s journey reflecting a deeper struggle with past trauma and possession by dark influences. Actor Sean Durrie, who voices Dylan, noted the emotional intensity required to portray a character grappling with anxiety and a fractured sense of self.
Visually, Control Resonant offers a blend of digital and analog artistry, with the game’s art director, Elmeri Raitanen, recounting the creative process that involved filming physical phenomena such as Tesla coil sparks through prisms to produce kaleidoscopic effects. These techniques contribute to the game’s signature aesthetic—an environment where architectural paradoxes and surreal imagery evoke a sense of disorientation and mystery. Fellow game director Raul Siqueira praised the game’s art direction for its ability to immediately immerse players in an uncanny, dreamlike world.
Control Resonant also connects to the broader Remedy universe, including references to Alan Wake, another of the studio’s titles. This crossover emphasizes the shared themes of supernatural disruption and psychological depth that characterize Remedy's storytelling.
Accompanying the game's atmospheric design is a soundtrack that shifts from the electronic drone of the original Control to a more acoustic and vocal arrangement, featuring tracks like Vilma Jaa’s “Mamalan Mailla.” This shift underscores the sequel's exploration of Dylan’s evolving humanity.
As players navigate Dylan’s tentative abilities—such as his unsteady jumps across rooftops—and confront a range of shadowy, often grotesque enemies, they encounter a narrative that challenges traditional hero tropes. Rather than a confident savior, Dylan is portrayed as a conflicted figure learning to cope with loss, guilt, and the complexities of what it means to be human in an altered and hostile world.