"FBC: Firebreak Surprises as Must-Play Control Multiplayer FPS"

Control, named IGN's Game of the Year in 2019, had me and many other editors casting our votes in its favor. So, when Remedy Entertainment, a studio renowned for its captivating single-player narratives in third-person games, announced a multiplayer project, my skepticism was palpable. The project, named FBC: Firebreak, is a three-player PvE first-person multiplayer shooter set six years post-Control's events. Yet, after witnessing a hands-off demo, it was clear that my doubts were misplaced. Firebreak emerges as a refreshingly original title in the crowded genre of multiplayer shooters, standing out with its delightfully quirky elements amidst a sea of similar military and sci-fi games. Moreover, it doesn't demand the extensive time commitment that many of its contemporaries do. As game director Mike Kayatta aptly 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 those at the back.

FBC: Firebreak offers a three-player cooperative FPS experience that promises to be free of unnecessary complexity. Whether you choose to play for just 20 minutes or indulge for a few hours, the game keeps things engaging with Perk unlocks and new character combinations. But what brings you back to The Oldest House, armed with an array of bizarre weapons? You step into the shoes of volunteer first responders, ordinary folks like secretaries and rangers, called upon to manage crises when things take a turn for the worse. The Federal Bureau of Control might not label you as expendable, but let's be real, you're expendable.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

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Upon logging into FBC: Firebreak, you select a Job (mission) and a Crisis Kit (your loadout), setting the Threat Level (difficulty) and Clearance Level, which dictates the number of zones you'll navigate. These zones, separated by containment doors, guide you through different stages of the Job. The demo showcased "Paper Chase," set in an unassuming office section of the FBC building. Here, you and your teammates must combat the spreading Hiss. While you can make a quick exit, staying longer to gather currency for upgrades and new gear increases the challenge of safely returning to HQ.

FBC: Firebreak distinguishes itself with its arsenal of uniquely crafted weapons. From a hand-cranked snowball launcher that can douse fires and sticky-note monsters to a zapper that can summon lightning storms when equipped correctly, and even a wrench enhanced with a piggy bank toy to unleash a storm of coins, the weapons have a charmingly homemade feel. Traditional options like machine guns and shotguns are also available, the latter being crucial for dealing with the sticky-note monsters after they've been soaked or zapped.

The mission's core objective is to eliminate the sticky notes before they overrun the building. The number of notes to destroy is displayed in the upper left corner, increasing as the mission progresses, culminating in a battle against a colossal sticky-note monster reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman, but composed of Post-It notes.

Beyond the quirky weapons, FBC: Firebreak introduces engaging in-universe mechanics. From an office supply shelf that replenishes ammo to a makeshift turret assembled from a box, a stereo speaker that repels the Hiss, and a rinse station to remove aggressive sticky notes, the game is rich with inventive gameplay elements. Unlockable Perks add further depth and variety, such as one that returns missed bullets to your clip or another that lets you extinguish yourself by jumping. Collecting multiple instances of the same Perk enhances its effect, and three of the same Perk can be shared with nearby teammates.

You don't need a full trio to enjoy FBC: Firebreak; solo and duo play are also supported. Remedy aims for a lower minimum PC spec while also supporting advanced 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, as well as PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium from day one. While a post-launch content plan remains under wraps, paid cosmetics will be the only microtransactions.

FBC FirebreakRemedyTBA 2025 Wishlist

While I haven't yet played FBC: Firebreak, the game certainly passes the visual test. It's clear that this is no ordinary multiplayer shooter, and in the best possible way. The fact that it offers a flexible, get-in-and-get-out experience without requiring a massive ongoing time commitment is a refreshing nod to the days when such gameplay was the norm.