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Control Resonant Review: Remedy's Ambition Overshoots the Federal Bureau of Control

Remedy Entertainment returns to the Federal Bureau of Control with Control Resonant, attempting to evoke everything from Infamous to Devil May Cry. Critics note that despite moments of sheer absurdity, the sequel struggles to live up to its 2019 predecessor.

Sep 18, 2026 · 10:05 AM·7 min read

Stepping back into the shifting halls of the Federal Bureau of Control always promises mind-bending weirdness, but Remedy Entertainment's latest venture pushes the envelope into chaotic territory. As noted by Polygon, the studio attempts to channel fast-paced action icons ranging from Infamous to Devil May Cry, yet stumbles when trying to recapture the tight, atmospheric brilliance of the 2019 original.

The Weird World of Dylan Faden and Mycology Gone Wrong

Control Resonant plunges players directly into surreal scenarios that test both combat reflexes and psychological endurance, famously introducing bizarrely mundane yet grotesque tropes like eating mold in boarding schools as bizarre rite-of-passage rituals. According to Eurogamer, players take on the role of Dylan Faden, interacting with handlers over comms while confronting deeply unsettling Bureau anomalies under the banner of high-weirdness narrative delivery.

Key Takeaways
  • Remedy attempts to expand combat mechanics by pulling inspiration from classic action titles like Devil May Cry and Infamous.
  • Critical reception highlights a noticeable departure from the focused, atmospheric tension of the 2019 original Polygon.
  • Surreal narrative beats and psychological absurdity take center stage through protagonist Dylan Faden Eurogamer.

Technical Ambitions Versus Combat Realities in the Oldest House

The core mechanical shift in Control Resonant moves away from methodical telekinetic combat toward high-velocity encounters that demand constant movement and aggressive engagement. While the mobility upgrades feel fluid on paper, the enemy design and level architecture frequently struggle to accommodate this frantic pacing, leading to disjointed encounters that dilute the signature Remedy atmosphere.

Combat CriterionControl (2019)Control Resonant
PacingMethodical & AtmosphericFrantic & Overstuffed
Combat StyleTelekinesis & Cover ManagementHigh-Velocity Melee & Agility
Narrative ToneSCP-Inspired Psychological ThrillerSurreal Action-Heavy Experiment

Veredito: When High-Concept Experimentation Misses the Mark

Control Resonant stands as a fascinating misfire for a studio known for narrative precision. While it refuses to play it safe and delivers memorable moments of gonzo horror and surreal humor, it ultimately fails to stick the landing as a cohesive follow-up to one of modern gaming's defining paranormal masterpieces.

Sources:PolygonEurogamer

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