Angespielt: Wo Welten ineinander stürzen: „Control Resonant“ im Test

"Control Resonant" is a new game from Remedy Entertainment, known for its imaginative and engaging worlds. In this action-role-playing shooter, the player assumes the role of Dylan Faden, who awakens from a coma with unusual sensitivity to paranormal threats and resonances. Dylan, along with his sister Jesse, has been a "Prime Candidate 'P6'" for years, imprisoned by the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) after causing a paranormal event in their hometown. The FBC's headquarters, the Oldest House, is a constantly changing building in Manhattan.

In the 2019 game "Control," the Oldest House was attacked by a menacing entity called the Hiss. Dylan allied with the Hiss to escape, hoping to find freedom. In "Control Resonant," Jesse, now the FBC Director, gives Dylan an aberrant object, which is followed by the disappearance of the Hiss and the takeover of Manhattan by the Hiss. The Hiss can take over people, manipulate their thoughts and behavior, and spread through resonances.

The game features a destructive Hiss represented by sung or whispered text, contrasting with the protective resonance of Polaris, which Jesse is connected to. The city is cut off from the outside world, with buildings collapsing, gravity failing, and strange objects appearing due to rifts, which are unstable transitions to other dimensions.

The game follows the protagonists as they search for the cause of the rifts in dimensions: why are the worlds colliding? Manhattan is not a single, open world but consists of several large zones stacked on top of each other. Dylan and Zoe must save the city, aided by the FBC agent Zoe and the Aberrant, a power object connected to Dylan.

The game features a unique melee combat system with various weapons that can be unlocked and enhanced. Players earn ability points by defeating enemies in each zone, which can be used in a gap, a dream-like space connected to Dylan's psyche. These abilities are gained primarily through optional battles against zone bosses, called "Nachhall," who have different mechanics.

As players progress, the zones become more challenging, with stronger enemies and new abilities. The "Defect" is a border area where Jesse attempts to close rifts before they allow other dimensions to enter the real world, affecting the memories and connections of the players' siblings. The Defect serves as a flashback, puzzle, and progress motor, providing important narrative elements and unlocking new movement abilities.