Control Resonant’s otherworldly bosses revealed in exclusive interview
Step into a world where reality is anything but predictable. Remedy has unveiled the next evolution of their acclaimed universe with Control Resonant, an upcoming ARPG sequel that promises to shatter conventional notions of physics, art, and gameplay.
The story begins in the wake of chaos. Protagonist Dylan Faden, brother of director Jesse Faden, awakens from a coma only to discover that the forces of the Patterning have unleashed a terrifying, otherworldly threat across Manhattan. The city itself is topsy-turvy; light bends, time shifts, and reality is actively warping, forcing Dylan to master bizarre abilities, including the seemingly impossible feat of flipping gravity and walking on ceilings.
Remedy didn’t simply rely on existing game tropes for inspiration. Instead, they drew heavily from the surreal genius of M.C. Escher, the dreamlike quality of films like Paprika, and the experiential flow of real-world trips like A Field in England. This blend of artistic inspiration is evident in the game’s sprawling, impossible cityscape, where the very rules of existence are constantly in flux.
The core gameplay revolves around confronting the Resonants—monstrous entities twisted by the Patterning. While Dylan can harness the power of these bosses, the game embraces unpredictable outcomes. Developers have intentionally designed the world to be fluid, meaning players won’t only face a set number of challenges, but discover evolving abilities and dynamic encounters that keep the experience fresh and exciting.
This visual and narrative philosophy extends deeply into the auditory experience. Composer Petri Alanko utilized mathematical precision to build the game’s score, basing the rhythm and structure on the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13…). This mathematical underpinning is echoed in the character’s evolution; as Dylan redefines himself, the sound shifts from simple sine waves to increasingly complex frequencies, reflecting his transformation into a new being.
The artistic direction is equally meticulous. Working with real dancers ensured the movements of the Resonants felt organic and expressive. This commitment to visceral, kinetic art sets a high bar for the world of Control Resonant.
Beyond the immediate adventure, the creative team envisions a universe far grander than just one story. Creative director Mikael Kasurinen aims to build a complete world filled with diverse characters and rules, inspired by the depth of pen and paper roleplaying games, allowing players to view the reality from countless perspectives.
Control Resonant is set to launch on September 24, allowing players to pre-order the experience on Steam. For those eager to dive into the chaos, mark your calendars and prepare to explore a reality that is truly.weird.