Control: Resonant Evolves into Action RPG Territory with Deep RPG Roots

Remedy Entertainment's Control: Resonant, scheduled for release on PS5 and PC later this year, marks a significant genre shift for the series, embracing its inner Action RPG. This move, however, isn't as unexpected as it seems, given the original Control's latent RPG elements. According to Mikael Kasurinen, Creative Director of Control: Resonant, the series has always been envisioned as "the Remedy version of an RPG experience," with Control being the studio's first foray into non-linear map design and side quests.

The transition to a more traditional Action RPG format with Control: Resonant is rooted in Kasurinen's long-held ambition, expressed in a recent interview:

"When I was thinking about Control, and it wasn't called Control or anything like that, but I had this kind of thinking in my head that I wanted to create an RPG franchise."

Mikael Kasurinen, Creative Director of Control: Resonant

This vision drove the incorporation of innovative elements for Remedy at the time, including dialog choices, a feature that was new to the studio. Kasurinen reflects, "My intent was, 'I want to find out what is the Remedy version of an RPG experience.' That's what Control was." For players, this meant an unprecedented level of immersion and choice, setting the stage for Resonant's more pronounced RPG mechanics.

About Control: Resonant's RPG Evolution

Kasurinen's statement, "Control is 'Remedy's RPG franchise,'" underscores the studio's commitment to fully embracing the RPG genre with Control: Resonant. This is evident in the game's key features, designed to enhance the player's experience with deeper RPG elements:

• Skill Trees: Allowing for personalized character development, a significant leap from the original's more linear progression system. Players can now tailor their gameplay experience, focusing on abilities that suit their preferred combat style.
• Class Builds: Enabling players to craft unique roles for themselves, adding a layer of strategy and replayability. This feature promises to redefine how players approach challenges, encouraging experimentation with different combat and exploration strategies.
• Non-linear Map: Building upon the original's foundation, promising even more freedom in exploration. The expanded map design will challenge players to navigate and discover new areas, leveraging the game's paranormal themes.
• Side Quests: Further enriching the game world with more narrative depth and player engagement. Side quests will delve deeper into the game's lore, providing insights into the Federal Bureau of Control and its mysteries.
• Dialog Choices: Enhancing the narrative experience with more impactful player decisions. These choices will influence relationships with NPCs and potentially alter the game's outcome, adding a personal touch to the story.
• Shapeshifting Melee: A paradigm shift in combat mechanics, blending the paranormal with intense, adaptive fighting. This ability will not only enhance combat variability but also serve as a tool for puzzle-solving and navigation.

What This Means for Players

The shift towards a more defined Action RPG genre with Control: Resonant is both a bold move and a natural evolution. For fans of the original, the addition of skill trees, class builds, and the emphasis on player choice and character customization will likely be welcomed as a significant enhancement to the gameplay experience. The shapeshifting melee mechanic, in particular, promises to revolutionize combat, making encounters more dynamic and challenging. New players, meanwhile, are promised an accessible entry point, with the game designed to be playable without prior knowledge of the first Control.

Kasurinen's vision for an RPG franchise, coupled with the studio's growth in experience with RPG elements, positions Control: Resonant to potentially set a new benchmark for Action RPGs with a strong narrative focus. The question remains whether the "Remedy version of an RPG experience" will resonate with both RPG enthusiasts and fans of the more shooter-oriented original. As the game's release approaches later this year, anticipation builds around how these elements will coalesce to define what a Control game truly is.

Quote Analysis: Understanding Remedy's RPG Ambition

Mikael Kasurinen's reflections on Control's inception and evolution provide deep insight into Remedy's long-term vision. His statement, "I wanted to create an RPG franchise," highlights an ambition that has guided the series' development from the outset. The original Control, with its non-linear design and side quests, laid the groundwork for Resonant's more overt RPG identity. This progression indicates a studio not just experimenting with genres but methodically building towards a distinct RPG vision.

The classification of Control as "Remedy's RPG franchise" is more than a label; it's a mission statement. With Control: Resonant, the studio aims to fully realize this mission, blending the paranormal intrigue and intense action of the original with the depth and customization of an Action RPG. For players, this means a richer, more immersive experience that challenges and rewards in new ways.

Closing Thoughts and What to Watch For

As Control: Resonant prepares for its release, the gaming community will be closely watching how Remedy's fully fleshed-out RPG vision is received. Will the blend of paranormal horror, sci-fi elements, and deep RPG mechanics resonate with a broad audience? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Control: Resonant is poised to make a significant statement in the Action RPG genre. Keep an eye on The Bad Gamer for in-depth reviews and post-launch analysis as more details emerge throughout the year.