In 2019, *Control* swept the awards, earning IGN's Game of the Year, and I was among the many editors who cast their vote for it. So, when Remedy Entertainment, renowned for crafting compelling single-player narratives in third-person adventures, announced a venture into multiplayer with *FBC: Firebreak*, skepticism was natural. However, after witnessing a hands-off demo, it's clear that my doubts were unfounded. *FBC: Firebreak* emerges as a refreshingly original three-player PvE first-person shooter set six years post-*Control*. It stands out in the crowded market of online shooters with its delightfully weird premise and a commitment to not demanding players' daily or monthly grinds. 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." A sentiment worth repeating for all to hear.
*FBC: Firebreak* offers a flexible co-op FPS experience where you can dive in for a quick 20-minute session or linger for hours, thanks to the engaging Perk system and dynamic character combinations. But what brings you back to The Oldest House? You play as volunteer first responders, stepping up when chaos erupts. Your characters range from secretaries to rangers, embodying the spirit of service despite being considered expendable by the Federal Bureau of Control.
FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots
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Upon logging in, you select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (loadout), set the Threat Level (difficulty), and Clearance Level, which dictates the number of zones you'll navigate. These zones are divided by containment doors, guiding you to the next phase of your Job. The demo showcased a Job named "Paper Chase," set within the mundane office corridors of the FBC building, where you and your teammates tackle the spreading Hiss threat.
While you can opt for a swift exit, lingering to gather currencies for gear upgrades adds a thrilling risk-reward dynamic. The longer you explore, the more challenging it becomes to safely return to HQ.
*FBC: Firebreak* distinguishes itself with its arsenal of quirky, homebrew-feeling weapons. From a hand-cranked snowball launcher that douses fires and sticky-note monsters to a zapper that can unleash lightning storms when modified, the game's creativity shines through. Even traditional weapons like machine guns and shotguns play a crucial role, especially when dealing with the game's unique adversaries, such as the sticky-note monsters.
The Job's core mission is to eradicate these sticky notes before they overwhelm the brutalist structure of the FBC. The number of sticky notes to destroy is tracked in the upper left corner, escalating as you progress, culminating in a battle against a colossal sticky-note behemoth reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman, but composed of Post-It notes.
Beyond the weaponry, *FBC: Firebreak* incorporates fun, in-universe mechanics like office supply shelves for ammo replenishment, makeshift turrets, stereo speakers to ward off the Hiss, and rinse stations to clear sticky notes from your face. Unlockable Perks add depth and variety, such as one that returns missed bullets to your clip or another that allows you to extinguish yourself by jumping. Duplicating Perks enhances their effect, and tripling them extends the benefit to nearby teammates.
Importantly, *FBC: Firebreak* accommodates solo and duo play alongside the three-player co-op. Remedy aims for lower minimum PC specs while supporting high-end features like DLSS4 with multi-frame generation, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. It's also Steam Deck verified and will launch on Xbox and PC Game Pass, PlayStation Plus Extra, and Premium on day one. Post-launch content plans are forthcoming, with paid cosmetics being the only microtransactions.
FBC FirebreakRemedy Wishlist
Although I haven't played *FBC: Firebreak* yet, the initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive. It's evident that this is no ordinary multiplayer shooter; it's a breath of fresh air in a genre often plagued by repetitive gameplay and time-consuming commitments. *FBC: Firebreak* harkens back to an era where quick, enjoyable sessions were the norm, and for that, it's highly anticipated.
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