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"Firebreak: The Unexpected Control FPS Multiplayer Hit"

By JasonApr 11,2025

When Remedy Entertainment, the studio behind the critically acclaimed single-player game Control, announced they were venturing into multiplayer with FBC: Firebreak, skepticism was understandable. After all, Control was a standout title, earning IGN's Game of the Year in 2019. Yet, after witnessing a hands-off demo of FBC: Firebreak, a three-player PvE first-person multiplayer shooter set six years post-Control, my doubts vanished. This game stands out as a breath of fresh air in the crowded landscape of multiplayer shooters, offering a unique twist with its delightfully quirky setting and mechanics. As game director Mike Kayatta emphasized, FBC: Firebreak isn't about daily check-ins or monthly grinds; it's designed to avoid turning gaming into a second job.

FBC: Firebreak invites players into The Oldest House as volunteer first responders tackling crises. You step into the shoes of ordinary workers like secretaries and rangers, who become the frontline defense against chaos. This co-op FPS promises flexibility, allowing you to play for as little as 20 minutes or extend your sessions with engaging Perk unlocks and character combinations that keep the gameplay fresh.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

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Upon logging into FBC: Firebreak, players select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (loadout), set the Threat Level (difficulty), and Clearance Level, which dictates the number of zones to navigate. A mission called "Paper Chase" exemplifies this, set in an office section of the FBC building where players combat the spreading Hiss. The goal is to escape with valuable currencies for gear upgrades, though lingering too long increases the challenge of a safe return to HQ.

What truly sets FBC: Firebreak apart are its innovative weapons and gameplay mechanics. From hand-cranked snowball launchers that can douse fires and sticky-note monsters to zappers that unleash lightning storms, the arsenal is both unusual and charming. Traditional weapons like machine guns and shotguns are also available, essential for dealing with unique threats like the gigantic sticky-note monster, a nod to iconic villains reimagined in a surreal way.

Beyond weaponry, the game incorporates in-universe mechanics such as office supply shelves for ammo refills, makeshift turrets, and stereo speakers to fend off the Hiss. Unlockable Perks further enhance gameplay, offering quirky abilities like bullet return chances or self-extinguishing jumps, with the potential for stronger effects and team sharing when duplicates are acquired.

FBC: Firebreak is designed to be accessible, supporting solo and duo play alongside its three-player co-op. It targets a lower minimum PC spec but will also leverage advanced technologies like DLSS4, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. The game will be Steam Deck verified and launch on Xbox and PC Game Pass, as well as PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium on day one. While post-launch content plans remain under wraps, paid cosmetics will be the only microtransactions.

FBC FirebreakRemedyPCPlayStation 5Xbox Series X|S Wishlist

While I haven't yet played FBC: Firebreak, the game's unique approach and design philosophy are promising. It's a refreshing departure from the norm, offering a multiplayer experience that doesn't demand a significant time investment, harking back to a simpler era of gaming.

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