When Remedy, the studio renowned for crafting compelling single-player narratives in third-person games, announced their venture into the multiplayer realm with FBC: Firebreak, skepticism was understandable. However, after witnessing a hands-off demo of this three-player PvE first-person multiplayer shooter set six years post-Control, it's clear that my doubts were misplaced. FBC: Firebreak emerges as a refreshingly original addition to the crowded multiplayer shooter market, embracing its weirdness in a genre often dominated by generic military and sci-fi themes. Moreover, it offers a casual play experience without the grind that many modern games demand. As Mike Kayatta, the game director, succinctly put it, "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 is a three-player co-op FPS designed for flexibility, allowing players to enjoy the game for as little as 20 minutes or extend their sessions as desired. The game introduces a dynamic system of Perk unlocks and new character combinations, ensuring each playthrough feels fresh. In this sequel, players return to The Oldest House as volunteer first responders during crises, taking on roles such as secretaries and rangers. While the Federal Bureau of Control might not classify you as expendable, in practice, you very much are.
FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots
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Upon logging in, players select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (loadout), the Threat Level (difficulty), and the Clearance Level, which dictates the number of zones to navigate. These zones are separated by containment doors, progressing you through the Job. One such Job, "Paper Chase," is set in a seemingly ordinary office section of the FBC building, where players combat the spreading Hiss. The challenge is to escape with collected currencies for upgrades, making exploration a risky endeavor.
What sets FBC: Firebreak apart is its unique arsenal. The weaponry feels homebrewed, from a hand-cranked snowball launcher that can extinguish fires and defeat sticky-note monsters, to a zapper that can unleash lightning storms, and a wrench that, when fitted with a piggy bank, pelts opponents with coins. Standard weapons like machine guns and shotguns are also available, especially useful after dealing with the sticky-note monsters.
The game's mission, "Paper Chase," centers around eradicating sticky notes before they overrun the building, culminating in a battle against a gigantic sticky-note monster reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman but made of Post-It notes.
Beyond its quirky weapons, FBC: Firebreak incorporates engaging in-universe mechanics such as ammo-refilling office supply shelves, makeshift turrets, anti-Hiss stereo speakers, and rinse stations for sticky-note removal. Unlockable Perks add further depth, with effects like bullets returning to the clip upon missing or extinguishing oneself by jumping. Duplicating Perks enhances their effects, and tripling them allows sharing with teammates.
The game supports solo play and duos, in addition to trios, and aims for a lower minimum PC spec while supporting advanced features like DLSS4, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. It will be Steam Deck verified and available on Xbox and PC Game Pass, PlayStation Plus Extra, and Premium from day one. While Remedy has planned post-launch content and paid cosmetics, these will be the extent of microtransactions.
FBC FirebreakRemedy Wishlist
Although I haven't played FBC: Firebreak yet, the game's concept and design pass the eye test with flying colors. It stands out as a unique multiplayer shooter and harks back to the days when online games didn't require constant commitment, offering a welcome change in today's gaming landscape.
