Control Resonant Hands-on Preview

June 15, 2026 - 06:07

We recently spent some time with an early build of Control Resonant, the upcoming expansion to Remedy Entertainment's surreal action game, and it delivers exactly the kind of psychological chaos fans have been craving. Set for release later this year, this hands-on session confirmed that the developers have doubled down on the unsettling atmosphere and mind-bending mechanics that made the original so memorable.

The demo dropped us into a new section of the Oldest House, the shifting government building that serves as the game's central setting. The environment felt more claustrophobic and hostile than before, with flickering lights and distorted audio cues that kept us on edge. The new Resonant abilities allow for a different kind of combat flow. Instead of just throwing objects telekinetically, you can now manipulate sound waves to disorient enemies or create temporary shields. It adds a layer of strategy that feels fresh without breaking the core loop.

One standout moment involved a boss-like encounter with a Hiss-corrupted entity that used our own echoes against us. The fight demanded quick thinking and constant movement, rewarding players who mastered the new sound-based powers. The narrative snippets we uncovered hinted at a deeper connection to the Bureau's darker experiments, tying back to the main game's lore in satisfying ways.

Graphically, the game looks sharp on current hardware, with particle effects and lighting that make the supernatural elements pop. The audio design remains a highlight, with a soundtrack that shifts from industrial drone to haunting melodies as the action intensifies. If this slice is any indication, Control Resonant will be a must-play for anyone who enjoys their action with a heavy dose of dread.