Control Resonant Expands the Paranatural Universe into a Warped Manhattan in New Epic Games Store Feature

Remedy Entertainment is pushing the boundaries of its acclaimed Control universe with Control Resonant, the upcoming sequel that trades the claustrophobic Brutalist corridors of the Oldest House for a sprawling, reality-bending open world set in a transformed Manhattan. A new behind-the-scenes piece on the Epic Games Store delves into this “paranormal frontier,” highlighting how otherworldly forces clash with humanity in a city filled with mystery, awe, and shifting anomalies.

From the Oldest House to a Geophysical Nightmare

In the original 2019 game, players explored the Federal Bureau of Control’s headquarters as Jesse Faden confronted the invasive Hiss. Control Resonant flips the script: players step into the shoes of Dylan Faden (Jesse’s brother), emerging from the Oldest House into a New York City reshaped by escaped paranatural forces. The Hiss and related anomalies have warped Manhattan into a multi-layered sandbox where gravity, time, and space behave unpredictably.

Creative Director Mikael Kasurinen describes the setting as the inverse of the first game — moving from dark, confined dungeons into sunlit (yet distorted) open environments. Zones feature radical, distinctive visual styles, with elements like walkable walls and ceilings, folding cityscapes reminiscent of an Escher drawing or a living Rubik’s Cube, and broken weather/time of day across different areas. It’s not a standard post-apocalypse; instead, paranatural layers overlay the urban canvas for something fresh and surprising.

Gameplay Evolution: Melee, Powers, and Exploration

The sequel emphasizes free movement and builds. Dylan uses a massive, shape-shifting Aberrant melee weapon (tied to the Board) that forms and dissipates with each use, alongside powers gained by defeating “Resonants” — powerful Persons of Power turned monstrous. Players can equip up to three abilities at once, mixing traversal (including flight and gravity shifts), melee combat, and supernatural powers for customizable playstyles.

Exploration is a core pillar, with a rich, multi-layered world designed for discovery. The game retains Remedy’s signature narrative depth, blending supernatural sci-fi thriller elements, boss fights, and human stories amid the chaos.

Development Context and Release

Remedy is developing Control Resonant with a focused team, leveraging experience from titles like Alan Wake 2 while partnering with Annapurna Pictures for co-financing and production. Kasurinen has noted the creative independence at the studio alongside the commercial pressures inherent to a public company.

The game is slated for release in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), and Mac (Steam and App Store).

Fans of Remedy’s interconnected universe — which includes nods to the broader Remedy Connected Universe — will find plenty to unpack. The Epic feature appears to be part of ongoing dev diaries and promotional content showcasing the ambitious scope.

Control Resonant looks poised to deliver the studio’s trademark blend of mind-bending storytelling, stylish action, and atmospheric world-building on a larger scale. Stay tuned for more hands-on details as we approach launch.