Control: Resonant Makes a Strong First Impression in Debut PS5 Gameplay Reveal

A New Look at the Control Universe

Push Square recently highlighted the first PlayStation 5 gameplay footage of Control: Resonant, the latest project set within the world established by Remedy Entertainment. The early gameplay reveal has sparked discussion among PlayStation fans, particularly those who enjoyed the original Control on PS4 and PS5.

While the footage represents an early look rather than a full breakdown of mechanics, it offers enough detail to understand how the new entry may expand on its predecessor. The setting remains grounded in the strange and shifting environments that defined the earlier game, but the PS5 hardware appears to bring greater clarity, smoother movement, and more stable performance.

For returning players, the reveal suggests familiarity combined with meaningful refinement. For newcomers, it positions Control: Resonant as an action-focused experience with a distinctive tone.



Visual Presentation on PS5

The gameplay clip demonstrates improvements that are expected from a current-generation exclusive or optimized title. Lighting effects appear more consistent, character animations are fluid, and environmental detail is sharper. The shifting architecture, which was central to the original Control, remains a key visual feature.

On PlayStation 5, the use of faster loading times is noticeable. Scene transitions appear smooth, with little interruption between combat encounters and exploration segments. Ray tracing and improved particle effects contribute to a more immersive environment without overwhelming the screen.

Importantly, the footage does not rely on quick cuts to mask performance issues. Instead, it presents extended sequences of gameplay, suggesting confidence in how the title runs on Sony’s hardware.



Combat Evolution and Familiar Powers

Combat remains a core focus. In the footage, the player character demonstrates telekinetic abilities similar to those seen in the original game. Objects are lifted, thrown, and used strategically during encounters. Gunplay also appears refined, with improved recoil handling and clearer feedback during impact.

However, there are subtle changes. Movement feels more responsive, with quicker transitions between abilities and weapon use. Enemy design seems varied, including airborne threats and ground-based units that require different tactics.

The balance between supernatural abilities and traditional shooting mechanics appears central once again. Remedy’s design philosophy seems to favor player experimentation rather than rigid combat structures.



Expanding the Narrative Framework

Although the gameplay reveal focuses primarily on mechanics, brief dialogue segments hint at an expanded storyline. The Federal Bureau of Control remains central to the setting, but the tone suggests that new layers of mystery will be introduced.

Remedy has previously demonstrated a talent for blending psychological storytelling with action gameplay. In Control, players uncovered documents and recordings that deepened the narrative. If Control: Resonant continues this approach, players can expect layered storytelling rather than straightforward exposition.

Push Square’s coverage notes that fans are already speculating about connections to Remedy’s broader universe, which includes overlapping themes and references across its titles. Whether Control: Resonant strengthens those links remains to be seen.



Technical Performance and Frame Stability

One of the key takeaways from the first PS5 gameplay look is performance stability. The original Control had well-documented performance challenges on last-generation consoles, particularly during intense combat scenes.

On PS5, those concerns appear addressed. Frame rates look stable even during sequences with multiple effects on screen. Particle systems, debris physics, and lighting shifts occur without noticeable slowdown.

The DualSense controller may also play a role in immersion. While the footage does not explicitly detail adaptive trigger usage or haptic feedback, PS5-exclusive features often incorporate these elements to enhance player interaction.



Level Design and Environmental Shifts

Environmental design remains one of the franchise’s defining features. The new footage highlights corridors that transform mid-exploration and rooms that alter geometry unexpectedly. These shifting spaces create a sense of unpredictability without relying on jump scares.

The PS5’s processing power appears to support more seamless environmental changes. Walls slide into place, floors tilt, and spaces reconfigure in real time. This dynamic approach to level design supports both exploration and combat.

Players seem encouraged to use the environment strategically. Elevation changes and destructible objects add layers to encounter design, allowing creative problem-solving rather than linear combat sequences.



Community Reaction and Early Impressions

Following Push Square’s coverage, the PlayStation community response has been largely positive. Long-time fans appreciate that the sequel or spin-off retains the identity of the original while refining its mechanics.

Some players have expressed curiosity about the game’s scope. It remains unclear whether Control: Resonant is a full sequel or a smaller-scale project within the same universe. Pricing, campaign length, and additional modes have not yet been detailed.

Online discussions also reflect cautious optimism. While the gameplay looks promising, players are waiting for extended previews and developer commentary before forming final judgments.



Remedy Entertainment’s Development Approach

Remedy Entertainment has built a reputation for blending narrative depth with mechanical experimentation. In past projects, the studio has focused on atmosphere and psychological tension as much as action.

The early gameplay reveal suggests that this philosophy continues. Rather than abandoning its identity for broader appeal, the studio appears to be refining its established strengths.

Transparency in development will likely play a role in shaping expectations. As more gameplay details emerge, players will gain a clearer understanding of progression systems, difficulty balancing, and replay value.



Positioning Within the PS5 Library

The PlayStation 5 library continues to expand with a mix of first-party exclusives and third-party titles. Control: Resonant positions itself as a visually driven action experience with narrative depth.

Its success may depend on timing and competition within the release calendar. However, its established brand identity provides a foundation that newer intellectual properties may not have.

For PlayStation users who value atmospheric storytelling combined with action mechanics, this title could fill a distinct niche.



What We Still Don’t Know

Despite the strong first impression, several questions remain unanswered. Release date confirmation, gameplay length, multiplayer features (if any), and pricing structure have not been disclosed.

It is also unclear how progression systems will evolve. The original Control allowed players to upgrade abilities and weapons. Whether Resonant expands on skill trees or introduces new customization options is still unknown.

As development continues, official updates will clarify these details.



A Measured but Promising Debut

The first PS5 gameplay reveal of Control: Resonant presents a polished and technically stable experience. Visual improvements, refined combat mechanics, and dynamic environments indicate that Remedy has learned from its previous release.

At this stage, it is too early to assess the full scope of the project. However, the footage suggests a confident continuation of the franchise’s identity.

For PlayStation players seeking a blend of action and narrative complexity, Control: Resonant has made a positive initial impression. As more information becomes available, expectations will likely become clearer.

For now, the gameplay reveal serves its purpose: it shows progress, technical capability, and a clear creative direction. Whether it ultimately surpasses its predecessor will depend on execution across the full experience.

In the evolving PS5 landscape, first impressions matter. Based on what has been shown so far, Control: Resonant has positioned itself as a title worth watching.