Control Resonant’s Influences Include Southern Reach Series, The X-Files, Roadside Picnic, and More

Just like its predecessor, Remedy's sequel borrows from the New Weird movement for its otherworldly themes and paranatural sights.

Posted By | On 19th, Feb. 2026

Control Resonant

The Remedy-verse is a bewildering yet compelling thing, packing influences from the likes of Twin Peaks (Alan Wake series) to the SCP Foundation (Control). Control Resonant is no different, and Remedy Entertainment discusses the influences that shape it and the series as a whole in a new video.

While The X-Files influence is obvious – substitute aliens for paranatural phenomena – it’s also interesting how Jeff VanderMeer’s Southern Reach series of novels also played a part. Many will likely be familiar with the film adaptation of the first book, Annihilation, which received critical acclaim. Another novel that served as an influence is Roadside Picnic, which went on to inspire Andrei Tarkovsky’s Stalker, which itself inspired GSC Game World’s S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl.

Of course, there are other influences that Remedy is likely keeping under wraps. For now, all we know is that following the failed containment of The Hiss by the Federal Bureau of Control, Manhattan has been turned upside down. With the end of the world imminent and Director Jesse Faden missing, it’s up to her brother, Dylan, to set things right.

Control Resonant will release for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Check out the first extensive gameplay courtesy of the latest State of Play.


Amazing Articles You Might Want To Check Out!

Keep On Reading!

NieR: Automata Has Sold Over 10 Million Units, NieR Replicant ver.1.22 Crosses 2 Million Sales

NieR: Automata Has Sold Over 10 Million Units, NieR Replicant ver.1.22 Crosses 2 Million Sales

A new celebratory trailer also teases "NieR: Automata to be continued" at the end, though a sequel has not bee...

Splinter Cell Remake Development Continues Despite Studio Being Hit by Lay-Offs, Says Ubisoft

Splinter Cell Remake Development Continues Despite Studio Being Hit by Lay-Offs, Says Ubisoft

Ubisoft Toronto saw its workforce reduced by 40 roles, said a spokesperson, while work on Splinter Cell and Ra...

Skate Season 3 Brings Expansion to Isle of Grom, Available to Premium Pass Holders on March 10

Skate Season 3 Brings Expansion to Isle of Grom, Available to Premium Pass Holders on March 10

The new Isle of Grom is better designed for exploration, and will also be part of a limited-time weeks-long ev...

Seven Years Later, Mr. X Is Still Resident Evil’s Scariest Stalker

Seven Years Later, Mr. X Is Still Resident Evil’s Scariest Stalker

Others try, but no-one gets close to Mr X’s gravitas. We look at how modern tech makes his threat persistent...

God of War (2018) Actor Has “Zero Involvement” in Original Trilogy, Teases Info on “Other Projects”

God of War (2018) Actor Has “Zero Involvement” in Original Trilogy, Teases Info on “Other Projects”

Christopher Judge says he has "other projects" that he's "super excited about" with more information to be rev...

Resident Evil’s Scariest Stalkers Ranked (Least to Most Deadly)

Resident Evil’s Scariest Stalkers Ranked (Least to Most Deadly)

From scripted terrors to relentless hunters, we rank every one of Resident Evil’s stalkers by how effectivel...