Control was named IGN’s Game of the Year in 2019, and I, like many others, voted for it. However, when Remedy Entertainment, renowned for their engaging single-player third-person narratives, announced a multiplayer project for Control, skepticism was inevitable. This project turned out to be FBC: Firebreak, a three-player PvE first-person shooter set six years after the events of Control. After witnessing a hands-off demo, my doubts were quickly dispelled. Firebreak stands out as a refreshingly original title in a genre often flooded with similar military and sci-fi shooters. It's delightfully unique and doesn't demand the extensive time commitment that many of its peers do. As game director Mike Kayatta stated, "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 is a three-player cooperative FPS that promises straightforward gameplay. Whether you have 20 minutes or a few hours, you can dive in with fresh Perk unlocks and character combinations to keep each session engaging. But what's your role in The Oldest House? You're essentially volunteer first responders stepping in when chaos erupts. Your characters might be secretaries or rangers—ordinary folks responding to extraordinary circumstances. The Federal Bureau of Control might not call you expendable, but let's be real—you're expendable.
FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots
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When you log in, you select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (your loadout), and set the Threat Level (difficulty) and Clearance Level, which determines the number of zones you'll navigate. Zones are separated by containment doors, leading you through different stages of the Job. The demo showcased a Job called Paper Chase, set in an office section of the FBC building, where you and your teammates tackle the spreading Hiss.
You can exit quickly if you wish, but to upgrade and buy new gear, you'll need to escape with currencies, making exploration a risky yet rewarding endeavor.
FBC: Firebreak distinguishes itself with its arsenal of quirky, homebrew weapons. Consider the hand-cranked snowball launcher that extinguishes fires and neutralizes sticky-note monsters, or the zapper that can summon lightning storms when fitted with the right nozzle. Even a wrench, when combined with a piggy bank toy, can unleash a coin storm on enemies. Classic weapons like machine guns and shotguns are also present, serving as reliable options after dealing with the quirky adversaries.
Speaking of which, the objective of the Paper Chase Job is to eliminate the sticky notes before they overrun the building. The number of notes to destroy increases as you progress, culminating in a battle against a gigantic sticky-note monster reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman, but made of Post-It notes.
Beyond the unusual weapons, Firebreak introduces engaging in-universe mechanics. From office supply shelves that replenish ammo to makeshift turrets assembled from boxes, and stereo speakers that repel the Hiss, these elements enrich the gameplay. Additionally, unlockable Perks add variety, such as bullets returning to your clip if missed or extinguishing yourself by jumping. Combining duplicate Perks enhances their effects, and triplicates allow sharing with teammates.
You don't need a full team to enjoy Firebreak; solo and duo play are also available. Remedy aims for accessible minimum PC specs, while also supporting advanced technologies like DLSS4, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. The game will be Steam Deck verified and will launch on Xbox and PC Game Pass, as well as PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium on day one. While post-launch content plans remain under wraps, paid cosmetics will be the only microtransactions.
FBC FirebreakRemedy Wishlist
While I haven't played FBC: Firebreak yet, it certainly looks promising. It's clear this isn't just another multiplayer shooter—it's a unique experience that respects players' time, harking back to an era when games didn't require constant engagement to be enjoyable.
