When Remedy Entertainment announced a multiplayer game set in the universe of *Control*, skepticism was natural, especially considering their reputation for crafting compelling single-player narratives. Yet, after witnessing a hands-off demo of *FBC: Firebreak*, it's clear that those doubts were misplaced. This three-player PvE first-person shooter, set six years after *Control*, stands out as a breath of fresh air in the crowded market of multiplayer shooters. Mike Kayatta, the game director, emphasized a design philosophy that avoids the grind of daily check-ins or monthly commitments, stating, "We're not about daily check-ins. We're not interested in monthly grinds. We don't want to give anybody a second job." This approach promises a game that players can enjoy without a heavy time investment.
In *FBC: Firebreak*, players dive back into The Oldest House, not as elite agents, but as volunteer first responders with everyday jobs like secretaries and rangers. The game offers a flexible experience where you can play for 20 minutes or several hours, with Perk unlocks and new character combinations keeping the gameplay fresh. The premise is simple yet engaging: you're tasked with handling crises within The Oldest House, using an array of quirky, homebrewed weapons to combat threats like the spreading Hiss.
FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots
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Upon starting *FBC: Firebreak*, players select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (loadout), and set the Threat and Clearance Levels, which determine the difficulty and number of zones to navigate. Each zone is separated by containment doors, leading to the next stage of the Job. The demo showcased the "Paper Chase" Job, set in a seemingly ordinary office section of the FBC building, where players must combat the Hiss and manage the threat of sticky-note monsters.
The game's weaponry is delightfully unconventional, featuring items like a hand-cranked snowball launcher that can extinguish fires and a zapper that can trigger lightning storms. These unique tools are essential for dealing with the sticky-note monsters that threaten to overrun the building. The gameplay is further enriched by in-universe mechanics such as office supply shelves that refill ammo and makeshift turrets built from dumped-out boxes.
Unlockable Perks add layers of strategy and variety, with effects like bullets returning to your clip upon missing or extinguishing yourself by jumping. These Perks can be enhanced or shared with teammates, adding a cooperative element to the gameplay. *FBC: Firebreak* also supports solo and duo play, catering to different player preferences.
On the technical side, Remedy aims for a lower minimum PC spec while supporting advanced features like DLSS4, 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 details on post-launch content are pending, paid cosmetics will be the only form of microtransactions.
FBC FirebreakRemedy Wishlist
While I haven't yet played *FBC: Firebreak*, the demo certainly passed the eye test. It's clear that this isn't just another multiplayer shooter; it's a unique and engaging experience that harkens back to the days when online games didn't demand endless hours of commitment.
