When Remedy Entertainment, celebrated for its compelling single-player narratives in third-person games, announced the development of a multiplayer game set in the universe of *Control*, skepticism was understandable. Yet, the reveal of *FBC: Firebreak*, a three-player PvE first-person shooter set six years after the events of *Control*, quickly dispelled any doubts. Having seen a hands-off demo, it's clear that *FBC: Firebreak* brings a refreshing originality to the crowded genre of online shooters. Its delightfully bizarre setting stands out amidst the typical military and sci-fi themes, and crucially, it doesn't demand the kind of extensive time commitment that many similar games do. As game director Mike Kayatta 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 that resonates well with players seeking a more flexible gaming experience.
*FBC: Firebreak* is a cooperative FPS designed for three players, promising a no-nonsense approach to gaming. You can dive in for a quick 20-minute session or indulge for hours, thanks to the variety of Perk unlocks and character combinations that keep the gameplay fresh. In *FBC: Firebreak*, you find yourself back in The Oldest House, not as a seasoned agent but as a volunteer first responder—perhaps a secretary or ranger—called upon when things go awry. The Federal Bureau of Control might not call you expendable, but in the grand scheme of things, you kind of are.
FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots
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Upon logging in, you select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (your loadout), set the Threat Level (difficulty), and choose a Clearance Level, which dictates the number of zones you'll navigate. These zones are divided by containment doors, leading you to the next phase of the Job. In the demo, the Job was "Paper Chase," set in an ordinary office section of the FBC building, where you and your team tackle the spreading Hiss.
The game encourages exploration for in-game currencies, which can be risky but rewarding for upgrading and purchasing new gear. However, the longer you explore, the more challenging it becomes to safely return to HQ.
*FBC: Firebreak* distinguishes itself with its uniquely crafted weaponry, embodying a homebrew aesthetic. From a hand-cranked snowball launcher that can douse fires and sticky-note monsters, to a makeshift zapper capable of unleashing lightning storms, and a wrench adorned with a piggy bank that flings coins at foes, the arsenal is anything but standard. Yet, traditional options like machine guns and shotguns remain available, particularly useful against the formidable sticky-note monsters.
These monsters are central to the "Paper Chase" Job, where your mission is to eliminate all sticky notes before they overrun the building. The number of sticky notes left to destroy is displayed in the upper left corner, escalating throughout the mission until you confront a colossal sticky-note beast reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman, but made of Post-It notes.
Beyond the quirky weapons, *FBC: Firebreak* features engaging in-universe mechanics. From an office supply shelf that replenishes ammo to a DIY turret assembled from a dumped-out box, a stereo speaker that repels the Hiss, and a rinse station to cleanse sticky notes, these elements enrich the gameplay. Unlockable Perks further enhance variety, such as one that allows missed bullets to return to your clip, or another that enables you to extinguish yourself by jumping. Collecting multiple instances of the same Perk not only strengthens its effect but also allows you to share it with teammates.
You don't need three players to enjoy *FBC: Firebreak*; solo and duo play are also supported. Remedy aims for a lower minimum PC spec while also supporting high-end features like DLSS4 with multi-frame generation, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. The game will be Steam Deck verified and available on Xbox and PC Game Pass, PlayStation Plus Extra, and Premium from day one. Post-launch content plans are under wraps, but expect paid cosmetics to be the only microtransactions.
FBC FirebreakRemedy Wishlist
Although I haven't played *FBC: Firebreak* yet, my initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive. It's not just another multiplayer shooter; it's an innovative and engaging experience. The game's design, allowing for short, enjoyable sessions without the need for a significant time investment, harkens back to a time when gaming was less about grinding and more about pure enjoyment.
