Get ready to dive back into the mind-bending world of Control, but this time, everything you thought you knew is about to change. Remedy Entertainment just dropped a bombshell at The Game Awards 2025: Control: Resonant is coming in 2026, and it’s not your typical sequel. Boldly stepping away from the formula that made the original IGN’s 2019 Game of the Year, this new installment is a fresh, daring take on the franchise. But here’s where it gets controversial: Jesse Faden is out, and her younger brother, Dylan, is stepping into the spotlight—seven years after the events of the first game. And this is the part most people miss: Dylan’s journey begins with a dark twist. Taken by the Federal Bureau of Control at just 10 years old, he’s been in a coma since being infected by The Hiss. Speaking of The Hiss, it’s broken free from The Oldest House and is wreaking havoc on the streets of Manhattan, turning the city into a surreal, supernatural nightmare. Imagine a world where reality itself is twisted and folded—that’s your new playground.
But the changes don’t stop there. Combat in Control: Resonant is a whole new beast. Say goodbye to Jesse’s sleek Service Weapon and hello to the Aberrant, a brutal, shape-shifting melee weapon that feels like a blend of raw power and unpredictability. Paired with Dylan’s supernatural abilities, it’s a combat system that demands agility, strategy, and a willingness to get up close and personal. Creative Director Mikael Kasurinen describes it as ‘push-forward, fast, and proactive,’ emphasizing the seamless blend of weapon strikes and supernatural powers. Think of it as a lightsaber meets Force powers, but with a Control twist. And this is where it gets even more intriguing: preparation and tactical thinking are key. You’ll need to master the art of combining shape-shifting attacks with supernatural abilities while on the move, all while customizing your build to suit your playstyle. It’s a system that rewards versatility and creativity, with multiple progression paths to explore.
Here’s the kicker: Control: Resonant is designed to stand on its own. You don’t need to have played the first game to jump in, though fans of the original will find plenty of nods to the broader universe. Remedy calls the two games ‘siblings’—connected yet distinct. ‘This is not a safe sequel,’ Kasurinen promises, and it’s clear they’re delivering on that. With side quests, new factions, and enemies that are just as fast and paranaturally powered as you are, Control: Resonant is shaping up to be a wild ride.
So, what do you think? Is Dylan’s story a bold evolution or a risky departure from what made Control great? Are you excited to trade in Jesse’s gun for a melee weapon, or do you miss the old combat style? Let’s debate it in the comments—and while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out all the announcements from The Game Awards 2025 and the full list of winners. As for me, I’m already counting down the days until 2026. Taylor ham or pork roll? That’s a debate for another day—but Control: Resonant? That’s a conversation that’s just getting started.
