- Control Resonant replaces gunplay with melee combat in its latest demo.
The Remedy sequel, shown at Summer Games Fest, trades the series’ trademark firearms for a sword‑centric hack‑and‑slash system. The early build lets players slash through enemies, chain attacks, and use a limited set of powers. Enemy AI reacts differently, but animation polish and hit detection still feel rough. The demo runs for roughly fifteen minutes before looping back to the main hub.
If the change works, it could broaden the franchise’s appeal beyond fans of supernatural shooters. So far, the melee feels cramped and the new powers feel less impactful than the original’s gun‑based mechanics. The lack of balance testing suggests the system is still experimental, which may explain the uneven feel.
Remedy’s gamble is clear: swap a proven formula for something fresh, but the demo leaves the core question unanswered—does the new combat actually improve the experience, or is it a gimmick waiting for refinement?