Control was crowned IGN's Game of the Year in 2019, a title I proudly supported in the voting process. Yet, when Remedy Entertainment, renowned for their compelling single-player, third-person narratives, announced their venture into multiplayer gaming with FBC: Firebreak, I was initially skeptical. This new project is a three-player PvE first-person shooter, set six years post-Control, and my doubts quickly dissolved upon witnessing the hands-off demo. Firebreak distinguishes itself with its originality in a crowded genre, infusing a delightful weirdness that sets it apart from the typical military and sci-fi shooters. Perhaps most appealingly, it doesn't demand the extensive time commitment that many modern games require. As Mike Kayatta, the game director, emphasized, "We're not about daily check-ins. We're not interested in monthly grinds. We don't want to give anybody a second job."
FBC: Firebreak offers a streamlined co-op FPS experience, where you can dive in for a quick 20-minute session or extend your playtime for hours, with Perk unlocks and character combinations keeping the gameplay fresh. But what exactly is your role in this adventure? You step into the shoes of volunteer first responders within The Oldest House, equipped with an array of bizarre weaponry. Your characters range from secretaries to rangers, ordinary folks answering an extraordinary call. While the Federal Bureau of Control might not label you as expendable, the reality is you're on the front lines when things go awry.
FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots
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Upon logging into FBC: Firebreak, you select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (loadout), and set the Threat Level (difficulty) and Clearance Level, which dictates the number of zones you'll navigate. These zones are segmented by containment doors, leading you to the next phase of your Job. The mission I saw, dubbed Paper Chase, unfolds in a seemingly mundane office section of the FBC building, where your task, alongside two teammates, is to combat the spreading Hiss.
You have the option to swiftly exit if you wish, but for those aiming to upgrade and purchase new gear, escaping safely with currencies is key. The longer you spend exploring for these resources, the more challenging it becomes to return to HQ unscathed.
FBC: Firebreak distinguishes itself with its arsenal of uniquely crafted weapons, many of which have a homebrew charm. Consider the hand-cranked snowball launcher, which not only douses fires (or your flaming comrades) but also neutralizes the sticky-note monster. Another highlight is the makeshift zapper that, with the appropriate nozzle, can unleash a room-clearing lightning storm. Then there's the large wrench, enhanced by a squeaky piggy bank, which sends a shower of coins against your foes. Don't fret; traditional weaponry like machine guns and shotguns remain available, the latter being essential for dealing with the aftermath of soaking or zapping the sticky-note adversaries.
The core objective of the Paper Chase Job is to eradicate all sticky notes before they overrun the brutalist building. Keep an eye on the counter in the upper left corner, as the number of notes to destroy will escalate throughout the mission, culminating in a showdown against a colossal sticky-note monster reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman, but composed of Post-It notes.
Beyond the quirky weaponry, FBC: Firebreak incorporates engaging in-universe mechanics. From office supply shelves that replenish ammo to makeshift turrets assembled from boxes, and stereo speakers that repel the Hiss, to rinse stations that cleanse aggressive sticky notes from your face, the game is rich with inventive features. Unlockable Perks further enhance gameplay variety, such as one that allows missed bullets to potentially return to your clip, or another where you can douse flames by jumping up and down. Collecting multiple identical Perks amplifies their effect, and with three, you can share the benefits with nearby teammates.
You're not limited to a trio; FBC: Firebreak can be enjoyed solo or in duos as well. Remedy aims for a lower minimum PC spec, yet the game will support advanced features like DLSS4 with multi-frame generation, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. It's also Steam Deck verified and will launch on day one on Xbox and PC Game Pass, PlayStation Plus Extra, and Premium. While Remedy has plans for post-launch content, details remain under wraps. Paid cosmetics will be the only microtransactions available.
FBC FirebreakRemedy Wishlist
Although I haven't played FBC: Firebreak myself, the initial impressions are promising. It's clear this isn't just another multiplayer shooter; it's a refreshing return to games that don't require a significant ongoing investment of time, echoing the gaming experiences of yesteryear.
