Key information
CONTROL Resonant, a major title for PlayStation 5 in 2026, features gravity-defying set pieces and a reimagined Manhattan. Lead level designer Anne-Marie Grönroos, art director Elmeri Raitanen, and lead gameplay designer Sergey Mohov highlight the inspiration behind the game's intense art direction and character design.
The developers emphasize a sense of grounded reality in protagonist Dylan’s movements to show that power comes with consequences. While Dylan possesses extraordinary abilities, his human clumsiness is intentionally depicted to foster player empathy and connection, serving as a core theme of the game.
The game expands on the dynamic destruction mechanics of its predecessor. Combat interactions now cause environmental effects like scattering debris or water spraying from hydrants. To balance this, Remedy contrasts the brutalist, enclosed spaces of the Federal Bureau of Control with the open, distorted environment of 'Strange York,' a retro-cinematic version of Manhattan.
Boss design involves a collaborative process where the team selects concepts that fit specific gameplay goals. These bosses, inspired by themes like medieval iconography and church architecture, are designed to test player skill. Additionally, the game utilizes the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, with adaptive triggers providing tactile feedback that allows players to sense ability usage without checking the interface.
