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.


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