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CONTROL Resonant is worth buying on PS5 if you want Remedy’s atmosphere, lore, and performances inside a stranger, warped Manhattan, and you can accept a melee-heavy combat loop that at least one independent critic found to be the game’s weakest part. Remedy set a worldwide launch for September 24, 2026, across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and the PS5 version is available now.
This review draws on Remedy’s published material, the PlayStation Store listing, and an independent review of the PC version. It is not based on hands-on PS5 testing. The performance figures below are Remedy’s announced targets, not measured frame rates, and prices and editions can change by region after this was prepared.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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CONTROL Resonant - PlayStation 5 | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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PRAGMATA - PlayStation 5 | $59.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Control Resonant - PS5 | $97.53 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Perp The Persistence Enhanced Amélioré(e) Anglais PlayStation 5 | $18.18 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Burnhouse Lane - PlayStation 5 | $29.96 | Buy on Amazon |
What CONTROL Resonant is
CONTROL Resonant is a sequel to CONTROL that moves the story out of the Oldest House and into a paranaturally distorted Manhattan. The protagonist is Dylan Faden. According to the official PlayStation Store listing, his former captors at the Federal Bureau of Control deploy him during a paranatural crisis, as a cosmic entity alters reality and threats overwhelm the city. He is searching for his sister, Jesse Faden, who is identified in the listing as the FBC Director. The listing names the Hiss and the Mold among the threats.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The game is built for the moment you arrive, not for players who have memorized the first game. Remedy’s PlayStation editorial coverage notes that a recap trailer is available for people who have not played CONTROL. That makes the recap a useful orientation. The materials do not establish whether every narrative thread stands on its own, so players who care about the first game’s backstory will get more from the sequel if they know it.
#1 Best Overall
- STEP INTO A WARPED REALITY: Explore multiple areas of a ravaged Manhattan in an expansive, unfamiliar, and exciting world. Traverse perception-bending locations and grapple with gravity anomalies that distort the vertical and horizontal plane, adding additional dimensions to puzzles and new tactical decisions to combat. Meet faces old and new on a path fraught with risk but rich in opportunity as the cityscape is reshaped and reality is redefined by a godlike force.
- MASTER THE PARANATURAL: Channel the raw experiences of Dylan’s past to help understand his present and dig deeper into the inner workings of the FBC and reveal the horrors threatening humankind. Tap into power he must learn to master and take choices to shape how his abilities manifest and grow. Explore a deep progression system to define how Dylan adapts to emerging dangers. Forge connections crucial to Dylan’s fight to retain his humanity as he journeys from former test subject to paranatural superweapon
- THE FIGHT SHIFTS. YOUR WEAPON SHIFTS WITH IT: Meet constantly evolving threats head-on, utilising the environment, deploying elemental abilities and using the raw force Dylan’s shapeshifting melee weapon, the Aberrant. Wield the Aberrant in its many deadly forms. Deliver bone-crunching blows with a two-handed hammer and flow seamlessly into the swift precision of dual-wielded blades as this paranatural weapon morphs on demand to meet each new challenge.
- SHARED LEGACY. NEW THREAT: FBC Director Jesse Faden's lockdown is no longer holding. A paranatural catastrophe has spilled beyond the Oldest House and onto the streets of Manhattan, and the Bureau's grip on containment is failing. Jesse Faden walked into the Oldest House to confront the threat within. Now Dylan must walk out of it to contain the threat beyond.
Environments, lore, and performances
Remedy’s strongest case rests on how the game looks, reads, and sounds. Its developer materials describe visually distinct Zones, handcrafted city areas, and the Gap, a liminal space where players unlock upgrades, test builds, and craft Artifacts. Near-instant fast travel connects these areas, according to Remedy’s PS5 feature article.
An independent view supports that emphasis. PC Gamer’s review, played on PC hardware, praised the uncanny environments, the lore collectibles, and the performances. Those are the parts of the game that most clearly reflect Remedy’s identity, and they are the strongest argument for buying it.
Combat and progression
The combat system is the review’s central tension. Remedy describes it as melee-led, built around Dylan’s shapeshifting weapon, the Aberrant, paranormal abilities, and build choices. Compared with the first game’s shooter identity, this is a change in emphasis rather than a simple upgrade or downgrade.
Rank #2
- Out-of-This-World Adventure – Stranded on a lunar space station, Hugh encounters Diana, a mysterious android resembling a young girl. While searching for a way back to Earth, they fight to survive against Bots directed to “neutralize” intruders.
- Hack & Shoot – Use each character’s distinct abilities to take down enemies. In combat, Diana can hack foes to expose weaknesses so Hugh can blast them with weapons. This unique fusion of gameplay offers an action-packed experience like no other.
- Space Exploration – Teamwork also extends to traversing the station. Utilize the thrusters in Hugh’s futuristic suit to dash and hover around while Diana hacks security systems to solve puzzles. Only together can they overcome all obstacles.
- Collect and Customize – Gather materials while exploring the station to unlock upgrades, build out a diverse arsenal of weapons, obtain new outfits, and more. Once you’re ready, use the new gear in battle and take on even greater challenges!
The Aberrant and melee
Remedy’s combat deep dive describes several weapon forms for the Aberrant and talents that amplify the synergy between abilities and melee attacks. The developer presents this as the game’s core loop.
PC Gamer’s review argues that melee combat is the weakest element, and that the problem is more noticeable because the open-world structure asks players to fight often. That criticism comes from a PC playthrough. It does not establish how the same combat feels on a DualSense, so PS5 players should treat it as a warning about pacing and repetition rather than a verdict on controller feel.
Resonant bosses and builds
Remedy says the major Resonant boss encounters are part of story progression. Defeating one grants a unique ability. Some encounters offer branching choices that support different playstyles. Remedy also states that a single playthrough will not unlock every system, so a first run is a partial look at the build options.
Rank #3
- The action RPG sequel to Control, developed and published by Remedy Entertainment.
How long the main story takes
Remedy Communications Director Thomas Puha gives the main story an estimated length of 25 to 35 hours. This is the developer’s estimate for the main story only, not an independently timed result, and it does not include the extra time players may spend on side content or completion.
Performance on PS5 and PS5 Pro
Remedy says the game was designed with 60fps performance in mind. Puha wrote: “Control Resonant is a gameplay-driven experience, built with 60fps performance in mind from the beginning, as feel and responsiveness take top priority.” The game also supports DualSense adaptive triggers and vibration, and 3D Audio when paired with a compatible headset.
Remedy has announced the following targets. They are developer targets, and no independent PS5 frame-rate or resolution measurements were available for this review.
Rank #4
- PS5 Features include raytracing modes and immersive haptic feedback for DualSense
- Use darkness and cover to avoid being overwhelmed by the ship's deadly new inhabitants
- Seek out the weapon fabricators to increase your firepower as you journey deeper, into the dark and terrifying depths, but beware ammo is limited
- Gather materials & schematics for weapon upgrades and suit customizations with buffs
- Harvest DNA material to improve health, toughness and defensive capabilities.Survive an ever changing labyrinth. Each and every expedition into The Persistence will be disorienting and different.Death is just the beginning. Fatal encounters will result in Zimri's consciousness being uploaded into a new cloned body, ready to try again, with any upgraded stats, suits & weapon schematics kept to aid the next attempt to save the ship
| Console mode | Announced frame-rate target | Announced resolution | Ray tracing | Display requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 Performance | 60fps | 1440p | Not stated | Not stated |
| PS5 Quality | 30fps | 2160p | Not stated | Not stated |
| PS5 Pro Performance | 60fps | 2160p | Not stated | Not stated |
| PS5 Pro Quality | 30fps | 2160p | Yes | Not stated |
| PS5 Pro Balanced | 40fps | 2160p | Yes | 120Hz-compatible display |
The practical choice is between smoothness and image detail. Performance is the mode Remedy aligned with its stated focus on responsiveness, while Quality prioritizes resolution at a lower frame rate. On PS5 Pro, Balanced is the middle option, but it is only relevant if your television or monitor supports 120Hz. The store listing tags the game as PS5 Pro Enhanced.
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The official PlayStation Store listing includes the following options:
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- Volume controls and mono audio
- Basic and large subtitles
- Full control remapping
- Adjustable stick sensitivity and inversion
- Adjustable difficulty, with individually configurable assists
- Pausing during gameplay or cinematics, in offline play
The listing states that basic subtitles cover only the main story and main characters. Players who depend on subtitles for side content should check the live listing and in-game settings before buying.
Best Value
- Adventure-style inventory puzzles. Light platforming and combat sections
- Original soundtrack by micAmic and guests. Chess - Solve classic adventure-style inventory puzzles.
- Soundscapes From the Void - Original soundtrack by mimic and guests. Branching dialogues and decisions that shape how the story plays out
- Hands On the Wheel - Play through light platforming and combat sections. Mind Your Tongue - Experience branching dialogues and make decisions that shape how the story plays out.
Editions, availability, and price
Remedy announced both digital and physical editions. The PlayStation Store lists a PS5 Standard Edition and a Digital Deluxe Edition. When this article was prepared, the US store listed the prices below. Prices differ by region and change over time, so confirm them before purchase.
| Edition | US price when prepared | Listed extras |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $59.99 | Not stated beyond the base game |
| Digital Deluxe Edition | $69.99 | AWE Mission Outfit, Untapped Artifact (Wallet), Starter Resource Bundle, Digital Artbook, Original Soundtrack |
Remedy has announced that Mac will follow later in 2026. No specific Mac date was stated in the materials reviewed, and the PS5 release is not affected by that timing.
Should you buy it on PS5?
The decision comes down to what you want from the game. Use this checklist:
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Quick Recap
- Buy it if you value Remedy’s environments, lore collectibles, and character performances, and you want a sequel that is set in a new location with a new lead.
- Buy it if you like building around abilities and weapon forms, and you are happy to replay for different builds, since one playthrough does not unlock everything.
- Wait or check reviews if repetitive melee combat in an open-world structure will wear on you, as the PC Gamer review suggests it may.
- Wait or check reviews if smooth, consistent frame rates are your priority and you have no way to verify the targets yourself, since the figures here are developer targets.
- Check the store before buying if you need full subtitles or a specific edition, as coverage and contents are listed by Sony and Remedy and can change.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
