Control Resonant Reviews Revealed—Remedy Delivered One of the Best Games of 2026

Remedy's new project, Control Resonant—a sequel to the original 2019 game—is coming out next week on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5. But the embargo on critics' reviews has already been lifted, and you can now check out the journalists' ratings.

As expected, the studio has once again managed to deliver a solid product. Currently, Control: Resonant has a score of 85 on Metacritic, which is slightly lower than Alan Wake II (89) but higher than the original Control (82). The situation is similar on OpenCritic —an 84 Top Critic Average and 85% Critics Recommended. Journalists highlight the excellent combat system and the shift toward an action RPG, which have benefited the universe by making battles more dynamic and visually spectacular. Additionally, Control Resonant continues to delight with its atmosphere. Among the potential drawbacks, some note that the shift toward the RPG genre may not appeal to everyone, as well as a plot that drags in places. Some of the reviews from gaming publications are available below:

VGC – 100/100:

Control Resonant gambles on a new genre and it pays off. A stellar cast and some of the strongest art direction you'll find in a game this year make for a sequel that builds on the promise of the original, and delivers even more special moments. Make time for Control Resonant this year. You won't regret it.

PSX Brazil – 90/100:

CONTROL Resonant is an excellent sequel that expands the universe of the first game, changing and adding things in a unique way without losing the essence we knew and loved. You can spend hours delving into the text and audio files scattered across the map to better understand the story. The musical elements are very appealing, making the gameplay even more immersive, as are every visual detail in the environments, some perhaps irrelevant, but still satisfying. On the other hand, the difficulty can make the experience frustrating, causing the player to feel stuck and have to leave some things behind until later. In any case, it's a must-have title for fans of the first CONTROL.

Screen Rant – 90/100:

Control Resonant ambitiously reframes its predecessor's gameplay to mixed results, but Remedy Entertainment's undeniable style still captivates.

DualShockers – 85/100:

Control Resonant is yet another piece of evidence that we need to protect Remedy Entertainment at all costs. The studio understands and openly embraces its identity, one that smells of coffee and creative weirdness, and this sequel proves they know how to reinvent themselves without losing an ounce of their soul.

Push Square – 80/100:

Control Resonant is an impeccably confident and tantalising sequel that has all the hallmarks of a Remedy classic. It’s endlessly stylish and playful; it looks gorgeous, especially on the PS5 Pro, and it manages to address many of the woes that I had with the original Control. Repetitive combat is the big hitch, however, holding the game back from true greatness. Ultimately, though, it's not enough to overrule all that Remedy is doing right with this sequel.

IGN – 80/100:

Control Resonant may not be quite as deep as its RPG mechanics would lead you to believe and gets tedious the later hours, but the responsive stylish-action is foundationally sound, even when its sharp edge eventually dulls. And like most of Remedy’s games, its greatest strengths are the things built around that combat anyway. If anything, the fights are simply a slick vehicle for building up Dylan as a character and funneling you through one of the more inventive open worlds I’ve seen. Surprisingly, this is one of Remedy's most conventional stories, but that doesn't mean it doesn't dare to be bold at times. Control Resonant is a game bolstered by a compilation of powerful moments – from the finer details in its superb world design to the twists that elevate its characters beyond the paranormal happenings that dictate their lives. Collectively, it's hard to escape Control Resonant's gravitational pull.

Insider Gaming – 80/100:

Control Resonant expands Remedy's surreal world with a fascinating new setting, compelling story, and stunning art direction, but repetitive combat and enemy encounters hold it back from reaching loftier heights than its predecessor.

• Gamespot – 9/10
• GiantBomb – 9/10
• MondoXbox – 9/10
• DayOne – 8.5/10
• GamePro – 8/10
• TechRaptor – 8/10
• MonsterVine – 8/10
• Press Start – 7.5/10
• PSLS – 7/10
• Gameliner – 7/10
• GamesRadar - 6/10

Remedy has repeatedly stated Control Resonant is the studio’s biggest and most ambitious game, and the studio’s CEO, Jean-Charles Gaudechon, has called it “a must-have day-one purchase.” Judging by the critics’ reviews, it’s likely that pre-order numbers could increase shortly.

Also speaking of the studio, the company recently updated the trademark associated with its other franchise, Alan Wake, which is called ‘Alan Wake Returns.’ Fans have speculated this might be a hint at a potential third installment, since something similar was happening in 2016, several years before the announcement of Alan Wake II. Perhaps Control Resonant will set up events for Alan Wake III, since both franchises are part of the same shared universe.

Control Resonant releases on September 25 for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5.