Let’s Get Nuts
Pictured Above: Dylan Faden (Sean Durrie), Control Resonant, Remedy Entertainment 2026
7 years after the oldest house was first infected and contained, the bubble burst, and players are thrust back into the Faden family along with the chaos derived from the FBC (Federal Bureau of Control). Shaping up to be one of 2026’s biggest titles, Remedy Entertainment has moved fast and furious with the announcement and consultancy of revealing new information, leading many to believe that release is fast approaching. Following The original announcement at the game awards in December 2025, initial gameplay was unveiled at Sony’s date of play in February, with further details unveiled earlier today.
The World is Always changing:
One of the most interesting aspects revealed in the previews that select companies, including IGN[1] and Kotaku[2] were able to encounter, is a metaphysical space known as the gap, serving a similar niche as the Mind place or Writers room from Remedy’s previous game, Alan Wake 2. This space is as it sounds, a void outside of reality. Here Dylan can upgrade skill trees, adjust play styles and make alterations to his new weapon of choice, the Abhorrent. Alongside this, players can further explore the supernatural abilities you gain from defeating the threats that the game is named after, Resonants. An diversified change of approach to the primary combat structure finds a place in Control, switching up to be melee focused, opposed to the traditional third-person shooter style Remedy is known for. If done well, change can be as good as a holiday.
A brief transition animation was shown in the gameplay demo, indicating that you must be in a secure environment to use the Directional pad on your controller to drop into the Gap. Remedy has shifted their ambition to offer a structured narrative while offering as much player choice as possible. Hence the leap into the action – RPG genre. Character customization will return from it’s predecessor, With different outfits and hairstyle awaiting us and FBC field bases that can be found across the city, helmed by returning character, security chief Simon Arish. Understanding that Arish is still alive does raise some interesting questions, as the reveal trailer seemingly showed the front of the oldest house in tragedy.
A significant update was made to the mapping system. In the former entry, I found the map at times fiddly, though it’s ease of access was appreciated. As above, it is evident the sequel is offering far more detail without being overcrowded. The open-ended design is a balanced approach to world access. It’s good to have space to explore, especially if you can ensure the overall experience will benefit from it. Remedy has listened to fan feedback, that is admirable.
Some of these new icons that we can see are reflective of “Dylan’s Journey”, Which is the main questline. others will stem from “World Quests”, Side activities to do at an individual pace. Outside of these, there will be miscellaneous encounters that occur in the world, some big some small, but all impacted by the narrative. One can only imagine the items that are awaiting in the “Lore” tab of the menu. Seeing as we are now exploring a city scape, maybe items such as phones or headsets will join the manuscripts that always find a home in Remedy’s worldbuilding.
A positive asset within the first control was allowing the side content to be experienced from various points in the story. Though some questions did sit with me about Ludo narrative dissonance on occasion, they seemed to meld well with the pace of the game, provided you start what you finish without breaking your own path. As a successor, any minor creases that lurked before have had an iron taken to them. Soon enough we will find out.
Worlds Apart – The Faden Siblings:
Pictured Above: Jesse Faden (Courtney Hope), Control Resonant, 2026.
One of the most curious things that was discussed amongst this private demo, was the inclusion of Jesse Faden, director of the FBC and protagonist of the first game. Jesse’s pragmatism is what allowed her to navigate the weirdness of the oldest house, but she will not be playable this time around, though she will have a significant role within the narrative. I’d wager this was safe to expect, but hearing confirmation from Remedy is usually a good day. She can be seen in the reveal trailer, floating off towards a mystical entity , what appears to be a type of gateway. Or… Maybe it’s a big giant jellyfish, after all, while speaking to Dylan in the announcement trailer, the Board said that she has gone rogue/fishing….Either way, a tantalising visual.
Ever since the announcement trailer, I have theorised that she was going to seek out the board in a more direct manner. I don’t believe she would abandon her brother again for a light reason, so to say she is seeking help, or more powerful weaponry is what I’m leaning toward.
Then of course, the Alan Wake of it all. How will he tie into the world this time? How will his actions effect the wider world? Without a doubt some very direct reference to Alan’s journey will be made, the extent of his presence could be higher than expected. While I don’t think we will see Alan in the main game, it is a possibility that is who Jesse seeks out one her travels while her brother storms through the city. The Remedy Connected universe is deeply wild and unpredictable, one of it’s greatest strengths. A primary element to it’s success is finding the carrot to dangle. So far, that’s been crafting a mystery that is never completely answered, while remaining understandable on an individual level.
Launching sometime in 2026, players questions will soon be (somewhat) answered. Doing the logic, it would be safe to assume that Resonant will be releasing around August, a similar period of the previous entry. This will allow it to avoid the November 19 blast zone of GTA VI, securing a window just for themselves.
Considering how much has been presented at a rather rapid rate, it’s time to prepare to explore the quirky, hectic and wonderful next chapter of the Remedy-Verse. You can check out the original Announcement trailer below!
– Nick Roberts, March 2026
[1] Mccaffery, R, March 2026, Control Resonant First-Look Preview – This Is No Soulslike. It’s Faster, IGN, https://www.ign.com/articles/control-resonant-first-look-preview-this-is-no-soulslike-its-faster
[2] Zwiezen, Z, March 2026, Control 2 Doesn’t Feature A Parry Button And 6 Other Things We Just Learned About It, KOTAKU, https://kotaku.com/control-2-resonant-dylan-faden-jesse-open-world-rpg-soulslike-map-2000675548
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