FBC: Firebreak - The Year's Weirdest Shooter Unveiled

Mere hours after diving into FBC: Firebreak, I found myself indulging in a scrumptious cream cake. In a clumsy moment, a dollop of cream fell into my blood orange cocktail, blending seamlessly into it. As I watched the swirls, my mind drifted back to the Federal Bureau of Control, firing bursts of energy at the glowing red enemies that haunt its corridors. This whimsical connection is a testament to the unique impact that a visit to Remedy's headquarters has on the imagination.

Remedy Entertainment is renowned for its diverse portfolio, spanning horror, sci-fi, and neo-noir detective fiction. What I've always admired about the creators of Alan Wake and Max Payne is their fearless embrace of the absurd. Firebreak, their latest venture into first-person shooting and co-op multiplayer, epitomizes this playful spirit. In just two hours of gameplay, I wielded a deadly garden gnome and battled a towering sticky note monster, reinforcing my belief that Remedy's knack for injecting the bizarre into their work sets them apart in the competitive world of online shooters.

FBC: Firebreak - Gameplay Screenshots

View 16 ImagesSet six years after the events of Remedy's 2019 hit, Control, Firebreak returns players to the familiar setting of The Oldest House. The iconic brutalist architecture and Finnish folk music create a nostalgic yet eerie atmosphere. In Firebreak, teams of up to three players re-enter this X-Files-inspired government complex to tackle localized outbreaks of the Hiss, the inter-dimensional threat from Control. Think of yourselves as the universe's Ghostbusters, equipped with shotguns instead of proton packs—and here, crossing the streams is encouraged.

Let me delve into the mechanics. Beyond standard firearms, players can choose from three "kits," essentially the game's classes, each enhancing team dynamics in unique ways. The Fix Kit lets you repair machines like ammo stations and healing showers—a humorous touch where FBC employees boost their health by getting soaked. The Splash Kit comes with a hydro cannon, useful for healing teammates and drenching foes. Lastly, the Jump Kit includes an Electro-Kinetic Charge Impactor to stun enemies. When combined, these kits create powerful synergies—imagine the havoc of electrocuting a wet enemy.

Although Firebreak can be played solo, it's designed for cooperative play. Teamwork and communication are crucial, particularly as missions, called "jobs," escalate in intensity. Each job follows a similar structure: infiltrate, complete objectives, and retreat to the elevator. My initial mission involved fixing three malfunctioning heat fans in the furnace, all while fending off enemy waves.

However, missions can quickly escalate. "Paper Chase," for example, required us to destroy thousands of sticky notes scattered across the office. Hordes of Hiss interrupted our progress, and the notes themselves could latch onto us, inflicting damage. The phrase "death by a thousand paper cuts" took on a literal meaning. These notes could be eliminated through melee attacks, but using the elemental kits to soak and shock them was far more effective. The solid gunplay complemented this cooperative synergy, with the machine gun becoming my go-to tool for annihilating the red-glowing Hiss.

The third mission, set in The Oldest House's Black Rock Quarry, demanded the most teamwork. We had to shoot leeches off the cavern walls to collect lethal radioactive pearls, which we then secured in a shuttle and transported deeper into the quarry. The mission was challenging, requiring frequent showers to cleanse radiation, battling swarms of enemies, and avoiding astral spikes. Despite the chaos, it was immensely enjoyable.

While the mission objectives are satisfying, I have mixed feelings about Firebreak's map design. Control's Oldest House was a labyrinth of shifting corridors and secrets, whereas Firebreak's maps are more straightforward and linear. This design makes navigation easier in first-person, but it diminishes some of the unpredictable charm of the original. Don't expect the wonder of the Ashtray Maze; Firebreak offers simpler, more grounded environments.

Though these missions seem straightforward, completing them unlocks higher clearance levels, extending playtime with more complex objectives and expanded areas. Bosses, ranging from bullet sponges to intriguing creatures like the giant sticky note monster, gate your progress. These encounters, blending puzzle-solving with combat, remind me of the strategic elements in Space Marine 2's expeditions.

Are you planning on playing FBC: Firebreak? -------------------------------------------

Yes, I'll buy it for $40Yes, on Game Pass/PS PlusNo

AnswerSee ResultsThe everyday objects turned into monsters are among my favorite elements from Control, and it's thrilling to see them return in Firebreak. The game also features randomly spawning corrupted items, which add an extra layer of unpredictability. While I didn't encounter them during my playtime, the idea of a rubber duck that could divert enemies or traffic lights that inflict damage with a red gaze promises a delightful twist on the brutalist setting.

Firebreak's core is strong, but my primary concern revolves around readability. Remedy's creative flourishes give the game its unique identity, which extends to loadout customization. Completing missions earns you unlock tokens, which you can use to acquire quirky new tools. The Splash Kit's Teapot, for instance, burns enemies with superheated droplets, while the Jump Kit's garden gnome unleashes an electrical storm. These abilities often lead to chaotic fun, but occasionally, the screen can become too cluttered, making strategic gameplay challenging. The development team is actively addressing these readability issues before the June 17 launch.

At launch, Firebreak will offer five jobs, with two more planned before the end of 2025. Game director Mike Kayatta views these as game modes rather than simple missions, given their replayability and evolving objectives. Priced at $39.99 / €39.99 / £32.99 and available on both Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, Firebreak offers substantial value for both Control enthusiasts and newcomers seeking a fun shooter.

Navigating the always-online co-op shooter landscape is challenging, but after experiencing Firebreak, I'm optimistic about its potential. With a solid foundation and Remedy's distinctive, quirky charm, Firebreak has the makings to carve out its niche—just as that dollop of cream found its place in my cocktail. And yes, I drank it all.