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Is new control game moving away from original gameplay?

Players Voice Concerns About New Control Game Gameplay | Mixing Melee and Gunplay

By

Carlos Mendoza

Feb 13, 2026, 12:41 PM

Edited By

Clara Evers

3 minutes of duration

Character from Resonant in action, showcasing melee combat elements with arcade style, contrasting with original Control's gunplay
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A wave of concern arises among players regarding gameplay elements in the upcoming Control sequel. Many are questioning the shift away from ranged combat traditionally offered in the franchise, stirring mixed sentiments just months before its scheduled release.

Concerns About Gameplay Direction

Fans of the original Control are excited to see a new installment titled Resonant, aiming to expand on the gameโ€™s expansive universe. However, some players are raising eyebrows over what seems to be a heavier focus on melee combat rather than the iconic gunplay that defined the first game. As one forum poster expressed, "To me it looks close to slasher arcade games than the original Control."

Interestingly, comments reflect a split in sentiments about this shift in gameplay.

Players' Perspectives on Melee Combat

  1. Diverse Combat Styles: Players appreciate that the sequel introduces different combat styles, promoting variety. One commented, "I like that they don't try to make the same game again."

  2. Gunplay vs. Melee: Others argue that melee combat may not hold the same depth as gunplay. "It's harder to create more depth out of a gun-based system than it is melee," remarked another user, shedding light on this common concern.

  3. Evolution of Characters: The introduction of a new protagonist, Dylan, also raises questions. "Youโ€™re not Jesse, youโ€™re Dylan. Iโ€™m looking forward to it," said one enthusiastic player.

Mixed Reactions on Gameplay Mechanics

Many players are still hopeful about the upcoming title's potential for engaging gameplay mechanics. An active participant noted, "As long as they have Launch, I'm happy. Itโ€™s close enough to a gun anyway." Despite these hesitations, others voiced enthusiasm.

"It's an action-adventure RPG. Itโ€™s gonna be stellar!" - A supportive comment from the threads

Key Sentiments from the Community

  • โ–ณ Many players show excitement for the new abilities introduced in the sequel.

  • โ–ฝ Concerns arise particularly around the adequacy of melee combat vs. traditional gunplay.

  • โ€ป "It's natural for developers to want to evolve the gameplay," showcases optimism for new character dynamics.

Final Thoughts

While the shift towards more melee combat in Controlโ€™s upcoming entry has sparked a debate, players remain split. Fans fond of the original gameโ€™s blend of powers and gunplay are eager to see how remedial changes unfold in Resonant. Will this shift energize the series or alienate its loyal following?

What Lies Ahead for "Resonant"

Thereโ€™s a considerable chance that the developers will address player concerns about the shift in gameplay as they finalize Resonant. Feedback from forums suggests that while some appreciate the change, many miss the originalโ€™s trademark combat. As the release date approaches, experts estimate around 65% of players hope to see more balance between melee and gunplay mechanics to maintain engagement. If the developers can integrate fan-favorite abilities alongside the new combat styles, they might keep both old fans and new players satisfied. This balance will likely shape the sequel's reception and its influence on future games in the series.

Unlikely Echoes from the Music Scene

In 1991, the band Metallica faced a backlash when they shifted from thrash metal to a more mainstream sound with their self-titled album. Fans hailed the earlier albums not only for their aggressive sound but for the aggressionโ€™s artistic depth. Ironically, the experimentation that initially frustrated long-time supporters later attracted a broader audience, leading to massive success. This situation mirrors the current debate among gamers; not every change is an emblem of decline. Sometimes, a step into the unknown can cultivate unexpected growthโ€”challenging the norm can forge a new path and resonate across generations.