Remedy Entertainment’s 2019 game Control is a brilliant mix of third-person combat and paranormal government intrigue. But the question remained: Where would the story go from here? I’ve gotten playtime with the sequel, Control Resonant, which spills the story into a chaotic Manhattan and follows the redemption of the first game’s final villain.
Control’s story left off with the new director of the Federal Bureau of Control, Jesse Faden, trying to stamp out the infestation of extradimensional beings, called the Hiss, which possess agents and her empowered brother Dylan, who she defeats in a climactic showdown. While it was unclear what would lay in store for the sequel to Control when it was confirmed in 2022, the first trailer of Control Resonant, which debuted at The Game Awards last December, confirmed that the new game would star Dylan. Fans will get a chance to discover more about the game themselves on September 24 when the game comes out.
Control Resonant picks up seven years later, and despite Faden’s best efforts (alongside agents, as seen in FBC Firebreak), the Hiss have broken containment and flood the streets of New York City. Dylan, awakening from his cell, exits the agency looking for his sister — and perhaps some revenge on his former possessors.
Ahead of the game’s new trailer reveal during the Summer Game Fest showcase, I went to Hollywood to visit the offices of Annapurna, the arthouse film and games studio that co-produced Control Resonant. I was given a rundown on the upcoming game’s themes ushered into a cozy but completely darkened office to play a few sections. As should be expected for Remedy, where it could have zigged with another story about Jesse Faden inside the Oldest House, the Finnish studio zagged with a game about the redemption of her brother as he rediscovers his humanity.
It also dispenses with the ranged combat of the last game for a full melee slash-and-slam fest. My preview started at the beginning of the game as Dylan wakes up in a glass-walled containment center, where he finds the FBC’s headquarters, the Oldest House, in disarray. It’s not long before he leaves the house and starts clashing with the Hiss, now loose and corrupting the city.
Remedy Entertainment
Slicing and stabbing toward redemption
While his sister had the amorphous Service Pistol, Dylan is given the Aberrant, a melee weapon that morphs on the fly, assembling metal and stone to form different modes. These take the form of familiar weapons from other games — twin daggers for quick stabs, a scythe for wide area slashes, a massive hammer for slow, colossal hits and so on.
The melee combat gets deeper with secondary modes, like nunchucks that could attack at a distance, and finisher modes that appear at the end of a combo. Players can switch between these at will and slowly unlock more, as well as retreat to a hub area called The Gap where they can upgrade their stats, abilities and weapon forms.
Let loose on the streets, Dylan hears a radio call for help and starts working with Zoe, an FBC supervisor who’d been held out of the locked-down Oldest House and has little trust for Dylan but needs to rely on him regardless. Together, they try to bring some order to the invasion of the Hiss.
As much as I loved the original Control’s gunplay, it didn’t take long for me to get in the swing of slashing and slamming things around. Soon enough, I’d unlocked the ability to jump, float and dash around levels — and this was essential to staying alive for the first boss fight.
If I had any doubts that this was a Remedy game, they were extinguished when I hit the first boss. As I walked Dylan through an art gallery, I came face-to-face with a massive sculpture shaped like a woman’s face from the mouth up. Dashing around a big arena, dodging rocks and flung taxis, the boss tested my endurance — if it’s representative of the rest of the game, it should have difficulty spikes that challenge players.
But the best Remedy magic came at the end of the demo. If you liked the Ashtray Maze and We Sing, I got a taste of what’s in store.
Remedy Entertainment
New frontiers in Remedy weirdness
The third and final part of my preview was a mission called The Sinkhole, where Zoe asks Dylan to descend into a deep pit to settle a chaotic anomaly. After climbing onto a circular platform held up by a crane, Dylan uses his makeshift diving bell and descends through the abyss of what had been an apartment complex.
While defeating some Hiss along the way, the platform at last reaches a depth where the anomaly has warped the former housing units — and they’ve been rearranged up, down, left and right like an M.C. Escher drawing. Unfortunately, some of those former apartment dwellers have become violent, invisible Hiss, forcing Dylan to hunt them down.
What followed was a gravity-bending puzzle, a joyful if occasionally difficult journey through a complex dollhouse where I had to keep resetting what was “up” while hunting down invisible foes. With them defeated, I still had to descend to reach the bottom — where a colossal flying boss awaited me.
The section ended with a run through an even more complex multioriented dollhouse, where Dylan gets a bit lost but gets a lifeline from Zoe as she calls him through music and static TVs. When I surfaced, I just wanted to keep playing.
Ultimately, Control Resonant feels like a new take on a familiar world, a zag in a direction that’s bigger and more expansive than expected. Remedy could’ve rested on its laurels with more exploration of Jesse Faden and by diving deeper into the lore of the Oldest House, but by unleashing that weirdness on New York City, the studio continues taking us where we least expect.
Major hotel companies have seen the value in investing in all-inclusive resorts in recent years, refreshing a formula that once felt tired. Thanks to their efforts, these properties routinely feature fresh, modern design, fantastic restaurants and curated experiences from snorkeling excursions to guided tours of historical sites, all for one reasonable price.
While Hilton’s all-inclusive portfolio is smaller than those of its competitors, its resorts pack a powerful, value-added punch. So, whether you’re a die-hard Hilton Honors member or a free agent just looking for a good deal, chances are there’s a Hilton all-inclusive for you.
Here are TPG’s favorite Hilton all-inclusive resorts to consider for your next warm-weather getaway.
Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort
CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
One of Hilton’s properties in Cancun, Mexico, this all-inclusive resort is a winner with its views and amazing restaurant lineup — as TPG found out when we checked in to the property. The Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort is just the place for you if you’re looking for a sunny getaway that earns top marks for service, has spacious rooms and suites, and keeps guests well fed.
All of the resort’s 540 guest rooms and suites come with balconies, and some suites even have private plunge pools. Modern furnishings with tropical flair, a complimentary minibar restocked daily, and either ocean or pool views are offered across all rooms and suites. If you’re in the mood to splurge, book an Enclave room or suite for a private lounge and pools, as well as special welcome amenities — some Enclave suites even feature direct beach access.
From the international breakfast buffet to poolside bites at Seasalt, the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe keeps you well fed and hydrated all day long. We’re especially fond of Maxal, the resort’s Mexican fine dining restaurant. Of course, don’t forget to have fun in the sun: The resort features 13 swimming pools, kids and teens clubs, and a spa for those looking for a little more tranquility and rejuvenation in their getaway.
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When we sent a reviewer out a few months after opening back in 2021, one thing was immediately clear at the Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort: This place is wonderful for families.
About 20 minutes from Cancun’s Hotel Zone, this all-inclusive resort is in a shared complex with Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya. Both resorts occupy more than 100 acres, giving visitors plenty of room to stretch out while vacationing in Mexico.
At the 715-room Hilton Cancun, guests are treated to modern accommodations with at least 430 square feet of space and amenities like wardrobes and spacious bathrooms. Plus, most rooms and suites have balconies or patios. Book a swim-up room for an even more memorable experience so you don’t have to go far to cool off.
With 12 different restaurants, bars and specialty snack shops, nobody will go hungry. The Hilton Cancun’s restaurants have a much more upscale vibe than what you’d expect to find at an older-generation all-inclusive resort, with options ranging from an international buffet to a taqueria with a walk-up window to an open-flame grill serving sizzling steaks and seafood. Should you crave a sweet treat, there’s even an ice cream and churro shop.
During the day, visitors can swim in two infinity pools or post up at the beach, where activities like soccer and volleyball are scheduled at regular intervals. Families will particularly love that teens and kids clubs have various activities to entertain younger guests throughout the day. Hilton Cancun also specializes in immersive experiences like a Full Moon Dining Series, snorkeling excursions to Isla Mujeres and guided tours of Chichen Itza.
Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio by Hilton
MANGROVE BEACH CORENDON CURUCAO ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT/FACEBOOK
The Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao begs travelers to grab a beach chair and enjoy the crystalline waters of the Caribbean. This resort, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, is another excellent family-friendly affair. It has a water park with a cobra-themed waterslide, four pristine swimming pools, a scuba diving center and sports like volleyball on the private stretch of sand. Kids can enjoy a playground and various daily activities specifically tailored to younger guests.
When we say this 399-room resort was built for families, we mean it, especially when you factor in that one of the room setups features a king-size bed plus two twins. But no matter what size of room you need, from a standard king to the two-bedroom presidential suite, expect modern decor with bold colors, private outdoor spaces and air conditioning.
There’s a restaurant to satisfy every palate, including Dushi Sushi Club, Ristorante Siciliano and Cor & Don’s BBQ Restaurant. Grab a drink at Pera Lobby Bar & Patisserie until midnight, while the Flamingo Beach Bar stays open 24-hours. Don’t miss The Don Cigar Lounge, where cigars and cognac are offered.
Guests can book a beachside massage in one of several thatched-roof cabanas to unwind. Bike rentals are also available for those who’d rather venture off-site to check out their surroundings.
Hilton’s first all-inclusive resort in Tulum, the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort has a wow factor, and our reviewer was impressed with the laid-back vibe, top-notch amenities and eco-sensitive design.
Across the resort’s 735 rooms and suites, all of which have balconies or patios, guests will find natural touches reflecting the property’s environment and modern amenities like high-definition TVs and ample storage space. For a more premium experience, reserve an Enclave-level room with access to a private lounge with food, drinks and a concierge; exclusive reservations and dining options; two private pool areas; and special fitness and wellness activities.
There are a whopping 13 bars and restaurants to enjoy, ranging from the chic La Luce Italian restaurant and must-have sushi at Noriku to an elegant steakhouse and a poolside seafood restaurant. If you prefer lots of options, be sure to visit Vela Norte, where a variety of international and Mexican dishes are available buffet-style.
Activities are seemingly endless at this Mexican resort. You can relax by the pools (one of which has a special splash zone for kids), hit up the neighboring Conrad’s spa for a treatment, take advantage of the kids and teens clubs, partake in a yoga class, learn about local art and so much more.
The Rif at Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive, Curio by Hilton
The Rif at Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao. FACEBOOK
If you feel like you’ve already read about Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive, Curio by Hilton above, you have. The Rif is that resort’s sister property, but with a more adult-leaning attitude (though technically it’s family-friendly).
The 384-room beachfront resort feels more intimate than some all-inclusives, with four restaurants and one centerpiece pool framed with palm trees and rows of sun beds. When The Rif guests want more dining options and family-friendly amenities such as a water park and playground, they only have to walk next door to the sister resort, Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao. Meanwhile, The Rif remains a haven of calm. The private beach, where guests sometimes swim with sea turtles, is a tropical paradise surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and lush mangrove forests. Thatched-roof cabanas and wood loungers with cushions are tastefully tropical. On-property restaurant options at The Rif include the Turkish restaurant Sofra and the colorful Mexican restaurant Maya, specializing in shareable small plates.
Many of The Rif’s bright, modern guest rooms have balconies or swim-up pool terraces. The resort is just over a mile from UNESCO-protected Willemstad, Curacao’s capital, known for pastel-colored colonial buildings and a 19th-century fort.
All 444 rooms and suites have balconies with ocean views. Each accommodation has a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower, a minibar, a Nespresso machine and a smart TV to help you catch some z’s in comfort. Should you wish to upgrade your experience, book an Enclave room to receive a welcome amenity, nightly turndown service, a minibar with premium goodies, and access to the Enclave Lounge. Breakfast, coffee, snacks and happy hour beverages are served there daily.
Activities and amenities abound, but nothing tops sidling up to one of the two oceanfront infinity pools and grabbing an ice-cold margarita from the swim-up bar. The Eforea Spa deserves praise for its impressive treatment menu, plus rejuvenating hydrotherapy pools. For more action, participate in beach sports competitions or attend the resort’s nightly pool parties.
Make sure to bring a healthy appetite. Maxal is the place to go for authentic Mexican dishes, while La Luce will satisfy your craving for trattoria-style Italian fare. If you’d rather savor a mix of Southeast Asian flavors, check out Sunan. Not to be missed are the Mojito Lounge, where you can sip a cocktail from an indoor swing, and the chic Sky Bar.
Whether you’re traveling as a family or a couple without kids, know that there’s space for everyone. The resort has an adults-only wing and kids and teen clubs with age-appropriate activities.
DoubleTree by Hilton Bodrum Isil Club All-Inclusive Resort
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON BODRUM ISIL CLUB RESORT/FACEBOOK
Not all of Hilton’s all-inclusive resorts are in Mexico and the Caribbean; a handful can be found in Turkey, including in stylish, A-lister-approved Bodrum. One of the region’s best resorts is an all-inclusive take on the popular DoubleTree brand.
At the DoubleTree by Hilton Bodrum Isil Club All-Inclusive Resort, you can practice your backhand swing on a tennis court, play table tennis and lounge on the beach facing the Aegean Sea. Other highlights include a pool that looks out over turquoise waters and a kiddie pool with waterslides. There’s even an elevated spa with a full menu of treatments and a Turkish hammam.
When your stomach starts to grumble, you’ll have four dining outlets to choose from: an indoor-outdoor buffet open throughout the day, an Italian restaurant with beautiful outdoor seating, a seafood restaurant by the water, and a casual poolside spot for breakfast and snacks. The Sunset Lounge Bar is the most memorable of the three bars due to its location on a massive outdoor terrace.
Inside the 277 guest rooms and suites, you’ll find all you need for a restful night’s sleep. The predominantly white spaces come outfitted with minifridges, high-definition TVs, walk-in showers, and attached balconies or terraces, among other modern-day amenities.
Another great Turkish Hilton all-inclusive resort is on the Aegean in Mugla, east of Bodrum. The Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa also sits at the mouth of the Dalaman River, so the views are stunning.
At this 538-room resort, accommodations come in all shapes and sizes, from entry-level king guest rooms with balconies to luxurious Lake House villas with swim-up pool access, living rooms and soaking tubs. If you need to accommodate a large group, the three-bedroom presidential suite sleeps 10 and comes with butler service and round-trip ground transportation from the airport, plus a kitchen and four bathrooms.
Getting bored at the Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme is practically impossible. There are 10 pools to explore, waterslides to whiz down, a private beach, a kids club and a sprawling 24-hour fitness center. Adrenaline junkies can try water sports like kiteboarding and windsurfing. If relaxation is what’s calling, skip the adventure and plan a day of pampering at the Elysion Spa.
Food and beverage options range from an Instagram-cool teppanyaki restaurant and a glitzy Italian eatery to a piano bar and an international buffet. If you feel sluggish, head to Citrus Coffee & Bar for an authentic Turkish coffee pick-me-up.
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