Control Resonant gameplay designer says 'this not a soulslike' but an 'action-driven' sequel that leans heavily on melee and supernatural abilities
'The player is very much in charge'

Date:
Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:01:10 +0000

Description:
Remedy Entertainment has confirmed that Control Resonant will lean into melee action compared to the first game, but that it's "not a soulslike".

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Tech Radar Get the TechRadar Newsletter Sign up for
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now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletter Remedy says Control Resonant is an action RPG but "not a soulslike" Lead gameplay designer Sergey Mohov says, "The player is very much in charge and not [simply] reacting" The game also leans more heavily into melee and supernatural abilities compared to the first game Remedy Entertainment has confirmed that Control Resonant will lean into melee action compared to the first game, but that it's "not a soulslike".

A new gameplay trailer for the Control sequel debuted during last month's
Sony State of Play, showcasing protagonist Dylan Faden wielding all sorts of weapons to defeat enemies in the supernaturally warped Manhattan. Now, new details have emerged thanks to press previews, and according to IGN , the melee combat is faster-paced than its predecessor and comparable to the style of Devil May Cry and Bayonetta . You may like The latest Control Resonant gameplay trailer showcases new zones, abilities, and progression, which
Remedy says 'is all about building your perfect combat flow' Remedy confirms that Control Resonant is the sequel to its critically acclaimed paranormal action game, and it's coming in 2026 'There is varied interest in different crafts at Remedy into investigating these AI tools', says Remedy interim CEO, but confirms Control Resonant 'does not use generative AI content at all'

You'll be fighting through a lot of enemies in Control Resonant using Dylan's primary shapeshifting melee weapon, the Aberrant, which can shift into numerous other forms, including Hammer, Blades, Scythe, and Fists.

It's a big change from Control 's main Service Weapon pistol and will mean getting up close and personal with enemies. But according to lead gameplay designer Sergey Mohov, Resonant isn't like action games like Elden Ring or Dark Souls .

"This is not a soulslike," said Mohov. "Its a push-forward, action-driven, aggressive-playstyle action game. The player is very much in charge and not [simply] reacting. The main driver of combat is you."

Remedy described the game as an action role-playing game (RPG) without the inventory management, but insists "it's not a survival game, its an action game," according to creative director Mikael Kasurinen. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

In a separate PlayStation Blog post, senior communications manager Miika Huttunen offered more details on Resonant 's action, saying, "Expanding
player expression in combat was central to our design."

Huttunen said the game's action "leans more heavily into melee and supernatural synergy", meaning players will need to utilize both the Aberrant and Dylan's skills that can be unlocked in the talent tree.

"It [The Aberrant] shifts between distinct Primary and Secondary Forms, along with powerful Combo Enders, allowing you to tailor speed, range, and combat role within a single build," Huttunen said. What to read next Remedy confirms that Control Resonant is the sequel to its critically acclaimed paranormal action game, and it's coming in 2026 'There is varied interest in different crafts at Remedy into investigating these AI tools', says Remedy interim CEO, but confirms Control Resonant 'does not use generative AI content at all' There are really two elements that we looked to improve with this game: we talk all things Nioh 3 with the games producers

In Control Resonant , melee attacks also restore Dylan's Combat Ability resource, abilities can stun enemies to open them up for executions, and the latter can temporarily boost melee damage.

Different playstyles are also fully supported, like a heavy close-range build or a more tactical setup using summons like Mold Turrets; it's up to the player.

"The more you commit to close-range pressure, the more tools you gain to stay in control. Its a loop designed to reward decisiveness and flow," the developer explained.

Control Resonant is expected to launch this year for PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , and PC. The best gaming consoles All the best consoles of
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