‘You Don’t Get XP, But Zones Do’ — How Control Resonant Is Rewriting the Action RPG Rule Book

Control Resonant, the latest installment from Remedy Entertainment, brings a fresh approach to the action RPG genre. Rather than awarding players with experience points for completing missions and defeating enemies, the game grants upgrades to the world itself. As you progress through the game, the zones in Manhattan grow increasingly dangerous, reflecting the increasing threat posed by the corrupted entities within.

The game's enemies have evolved since the original Control, as seen in the more violent and uncomplicated Hiss, as well as the soft, spongy Mold. These enemies present unique challenges, with the Mold requiring players to consider their positioning and attack strategy to avoid its traps and defenses.

In Control Resonant, progression is not achieved through traditional character leveling systems. Instead, zones gain experience points based on player activities within them. As zones level up, players unlock improvements such as increased health drops, loot chests, and arcade cabinets that present challenging missions for when players have grown stronger. This unique approach to progression ties the player's actions to the growth of the game world, creating a more immersive and interactive experience.