Back to the Oldest House

For fans of the weird and wonderful, Remedy Entertainment’s *Control* was a breath of fresh air. Its brutalist architecture, mind-bending story, and the utterly unique Oldest House made for a gaming experience unlike anything else. So, the announcement of *Control Resonant*, the sequel slated for 2026, has understandably sent ripples of excitement through the gaming community. It’s time to dust off your Objects of Power and prepare for another descent into the unknown.

What We Know (So Far)

The details are still emerging from the depths of the Bureau of Control, but what we do know is intriguing. *Control Resonant* won’t just be a continuation of Jesse Faden’s story; it’s aiming to deepen the gameplay with action-RPG elements. What does that mean in practice? Possibly a greater focus on character progression, deeper skill trees, and more intricate crafting systems. The original *Control* already gave players a suite of telekinetic powers and a shapeshifting Service Weapon, so expanding on that foundation could lead to some truly inventive combat scenarios. The game will be available on PS5, Xbox, and Steam.

The Action-RPG Question

That action-RPG pivot is probably the biggest question mark hanging over *Control Resonant*. *Control* was already an engaging third-person shooter with light Metroidvania elements. Introducing more RPG mechanics could add a layer of depth, but it also risks diluting the focused, narrative-driven experience that made the original so compelling. Remedy has a good track record, though. They’ve successfully blended genres before, and they clearly understand the core appeal of *Control*. Hopefully, the RPG elements will enhance the core experience rather than overshadowing it. Imagine customizing Jesse’s powers to an even greater degree, tailoring your playstyle to tackle the ever-shifting threats within the Oldest House.

The Narrative Labyrinth

One of *Control*’s greatest strengths was its atmosphere and world-building. The Oldest House itself was a character, a living, breathing structure constantly changing and defying logic. The sequel needs to recapture that sense of the uncanny. Will we see new wings of the Oldest House? Will we venture outside its walls into even stranger locales? The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this announcement so exciting. The story of Jesse Faden, her struggle to understand her powers, and her fight against the Hiss resonated with many players. Continuing that narrative thread, while expanding the world and gameplay, is a tall order, but Remedy seems up to the challenge.

Expanding the Remedy-verse

It’s also worth considering *Control Resonant* in the context of Remedy’s broader ambitions. They’ve openly talked about creating a connected universe with games like *Alan Wake*. *Control* already had some subtle connections to *Alan Wake*, and it’s likely that *Control Resonant* will deepen those ties. Could we see characters from *Alan Wake* making an appearance? Will the events of Bright Falls have a direct impact on the Oldest House? These are the questions that have fans buzzing with speculation. The idea of a shared Remedy universe is incredibly appealing, and *Control Resonant* could be a major step towards realizing that vision.

A Long Wait, But Worth It?

2026 feels like a long way off, but game development takes time, especially when you’re aiming to create something truly special. Remedy has earned a lot of goodwill with their previous games, and they’ve shown a willingness to take risks and push boundaries. *Control Resonant* has the potential to be something truly extraordinary: a mind-bending action-RPG that expands on the lore, deepens the gameplay, and cements *Control*’s place as a modern classic. The wait will be difficult, but hopefully, the end result will be a game that lives up to the hype. One can only hope they have been *Altered* enough!

Final Thoughts

*Control* was a special game because it dared to be different. It embraced the weird, the unsettling, and the unexplained. *Control Resonant* has the opportunity to build upon that foundation and create an even more immersive and unforgettable experience. If Remedy can successfully blend the action-RPG elements with the unique atmosphere and narrative of the original, then we could be in for something truly special. So, mark your calendars for 2026, and prepare to dive back into the Oldest House. The Bureau awaits.