FBC: Firebreak - The Year's Weirdest Shooter Unveiled

Mere hours after diving into FBC: Firebreak, I found myself indulging in a delicious cream cake. In a clumsy moment, a dollop of cream fell into my blood orange cocktail, swirling and blending in. This unexpected mix transported me back to the halls of the Federal Bureau of Control, firing bursts of liquid at the glowing red enemies. Such whimsical connections are the hallmark of a visit to Remedy’s headquarters, where imagination runs wild.

Remedy Entertainment, known for titles like Alan Wake and Max Payne, consistently blends genres from horror to sci-fi and neo-noir detective stories. What sets Remedy apart is its fearless embrace of the absurd. Firebreak, their latest venture into first-person and co-op multiplayer, is a testament to this. In just two hours, I obliterated foes with a garden gnome and battled a giant sticky note monster. This playful approach makes Remedy a standout in the often serious world of online shooters, injecting a dose of the weird into every game.

FBC: Firebreak - Gameplay Screenshots

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Set six years after the events of Control, Firebreak returns to The Oldest House, a setting familiar to fans. The game retains the brutalist architecture and Finnish folk music from its predecessor, creating a mix of comfort and unease. Players, in teams of up to three, act as a sort of Ghostbusters unit, tackling outbreaks of the Hiss, an inter-dimensional threat that can possess both living and non-living entities. Unlike the classic Ghostbusters, however, Firebreak encourages players to "cross the streams" for devastating effects.

Firebreak introduces three unique "kits," functioning as classes that enhance team dynamics. The Fix Kit allows quick repairs of essential machines like ammo stations and healing showers (yes, you restore health by getting drenched). The Splash Kit wields a hydro cannon that can heal teammates and douse enemies, while the Jump Kit features an Electro-Kinetic Charge Impactor to stun foes. These kits, when combined, create powerful synergies – imagine the chaos of electrocuting a water-soaked enemy.

While Firebreak is playable solo, the game thrives on teamwork and communication. Missions, or "jobs," follow a simple structure: enter, complete objectives, and return to the elevator. My first mission involved repairing three heat fans amidst enemy waves, a straightforward task. However, "Paper Chase" was a different beast, requiring the destruction of thousands of sticky notes while fending off Hiss attacks. The notes could attach and harm us, making the mission a literal "death by a thousand paper cuts." Effective use of the elemental kits was crucial here, showcasing the game's multiplayer synergy and solid gunplay.

The third mission in Black Rock Quarry demanded the most teamwork. We had to shoot radioactive leeches from the walls, collect the resulting pearls, and transport them safely. The mission was challenging, requiring communication and frequent "shower breaks" to rinse off radiation, all while battling enemies and astral spikes. Despite the chaos, it was a fun and engaging experience.

I'm satisfied with the mission objectives, but Firebreak's map design leaves me torn. The Oldest House in Control was a complex maze of secrets, but Firebreak opts for more linear spaces, which, while easier to navigate, lack the unpredictable charm of the original. Don't expect wonders like the Ashtray Maze; instead, you'll find more grounded environments.

Completing missions unlocks clearance levels, adding new objectives and expanding the maps with additional challenges and enemies. Bosses gate progress, ranging from bullet sponges to intriguing beasts like the giant sticky note monster, requiring teamwork and strategic thinking to defeat.

Firebreak's quirky elements, such as monsters made from everyday objects, echo the weirdness of Control. Randomly spawning corrupted items, like a rubber duck that redirects enemies or traffic lights that deal heavy damage, add unique challenges and a splash of color to the game's brutalist setting.

The game's strong foundation is occasionally overshadowed by readability issues. Navigating maps, avoiding friendly fire, and identifying bosses amidst the chaos can be challenging. The development team is aware of these concerns and plans to improve readability before the June 17 launch.

Firebreak will launch with five jobs, with two more promised by the end of 2025. These jobs are more like game modes, offering replayability and depth through evolving objectives and clearance levels. Priced at $39.99 / €39.99 / £32.99 and available on Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, Firebreak offers good value for both Control fans and newcomers seeking a fun shooter.

Navigating the competitive landscape of always-online co-op shooters is challenging, but Firebreak's strong foundation and Remedy's unique flair give it the potential to carve out its own niche. Just like that dollop of cream added an unexpected twist to my cocktail, Firebreak brings a refreshing twist to the genre. And yes, I drank it all.