Control Resonant Review: How the First Ratings Stack Up

Remedy's Control Resonant is set to release on September 24 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC – and just in time for the weekend, the first international review scores have dropped. PC Gamer, Eurogamer, and Videogameschronicle published their reviews almost simultaneously, while the official PlayStation Blog provided a major developer feature. German publications like GameStar and GamePro also followed suit with their own assessments.

How Does Control Resonant Fare in Early Reviews?

The general consensus across nearly all publications ranges from positive to very positive. Praise is primarily directed at the bold genre shift away from the pure Metroidvania horror of the first installment towards more action-heavy third-person combat mechanics, as well as the new, denser setting in the heart of Manhattan. PC Gamer additionally highlights that lower graphics presets perform surprisingly well, and players don't necessarily have to force the game onto maximum settings to achieve impressive visuals.

How Does Control Resonant Differ from the First Game?

Unlike the original, released in 2019, which took place entirely within the mysterious "Oldest House" office complex, Resonant shifts the action to the streets of Manhattan. The protagonist also changes: Instead of Jesse Faden, her brother Dylan Faden now takes control of the Federal Bureau of Control's supernatural powers. For fans of the first game, this represents a noticeable break with the previous area and puzzle structure in favor of a more direct, combat-oriented gameplay feel – a gamble that, according to early reviews, appears to be paying off.

Are There Technical Issues with Control Resonant?

A recurring point of criticism concerns the performance on the standard PS5: GamePro reports noticeable image flickering in certain scenes, suggesting a need for optimization before release. Those who own a PS5 Pro or a powerful PC are expected to be less affected, according to current reports. Important for buyers: Remedy might still implement improvements before the September 24 release; a day-one patch is not out of the question.