FBC: Firebreak - The Year's Weirdest Shooter Unveiled

Mere hours after diving into FBC: Firebreak, I found myself indulging in a delicious cream cake. Unfortunately, my clumsiness led to a dollop of cream landing in my blood orange cocktail, swirling and blending into it. As I stared at the mixture, I was transported back to the eerie halls of the Federal Bureau of Control, firing bursts of liquid at the glowing red enemies. This twisted leap of logic is a testament to the surreal experience that a visit to Remedy's headquarters can induce.

Remedy Entertainment, known for its eclectic mix of horror, sci-fi, and neo-noir detective games, has always embraced a touch of silliness. Firebreak, their latest venture into first-person and co-op multiplayer action, is no exception. During my two-hour play session, I unleashed chaos with a murderous garden gnome and battled a towering sticky note behemoth. This playful absurdity is what sets Remedy apart in the often serious world of online shooters.

FBC: Firebreak - Gameplay Screenshots

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Set six years after the events of Remedy's 2019 hit, Control, Firebreak returns to The Oldest House. Fans will recognize the brutalist architecture and Finnish folk music that echo through the corridors, creating a familiar yet unsettling atmosphere. In Firebreak, you and up to two teammates act as a sort of Ghostbusters unit, tackling outbreaks of the Hiss, the inter-dimensional threat from Control, armed with shotguns rather than proton packs. The twist? Crossing the streams is not just allowed; it's encouraged.

Beyond the standard arsenal of pistols and rifles, players can choose from three specialized "kits." The Fix Kit lets you repair machines like ammo stations and healing showers—yes, FBC employees heal by getting drenched in water. The Splash Kit equips you with a hydro cannon for both healing allies and dousing foes. Lastly, the Jump Kit features an Electro-Kinetic Charge Impactor to shock and immobilize enemies. When combined, these kits create powerful synergies—imagine the devastation of a high-voltage bolt hitting a soaked enemy.

While Firebreak can be played solo, it's designed for three players to work together, especially when missions intensify. Each mission, or "job," follows a simple structure: enter, complete objectives, and return to the elevator. My first mission involved fixing three faulty heat fans while fending off waves of enemies. Then came "Paper Chase," where we had to destroy thousands of sticky notes amidst relentless Hiss attacks. These notes could attach to us and cause damage, making the phrase "a death by a thousand paper cuts" quite literal. They were easily destroyed by melee attacks but more effectively neutralized with a combination of water and electricity, showcasing the game's elemental synergy.

The third mission in Black Rock Quarry required the most teamwork. We had to shoot radioactive leeches to collect lethal pearls, then transport them safely along a track. The mission was challenging, with the need for frequent showers to cleanse radiation and constant enemy pressure, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.

Firebreak's map design is less complex than Control's labyrinthine corridors, which is beneficial for first-person navigation but diminishes some of the unpredictable charm of The Oldest House. Don't expect something as mesmerizing as the Ashtray Maze; the maps here are simpler and more grounded.

Completing missions unlocks clearance levels, which introduce more objectives and extend playtime. Maps expand with new chambers and tougher foes, and bosses like the giant sticky note monster require both strategy and teamwork to defeat, blending puzzle elements with combat.

The game's quirky elements, such as corrupted items like a rubber duck that redirects enemies or traffic lights that deal heavy damage, add to its unique flavor. Unlock tokens earned from missions allow players to acquire new, zany tools, including ultimate abilities like the Splash Kit’s Teapot and the Jump Kit’s garden gnome, which unleash chaotic electrical storms.

Despite its strong foundations, readability remains a concern. The maps can be confusing to navigate, and distinguishing allies from enemies or identifying bosses in the chaotic fray can be challenging. However, the developers are actively working to improve this before the June 17 launch.

Firebreak will launch with five jobs, with two more promised by the end of 2025. These are considered more like game modes, offering depth and replayability through multiple clearance levels and evolving objectives. Priced at $39.99 / €39.99 / £32.99 and available on Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, Firebreak offers substantial 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 solid foundation and Remedy's unique, quirky personality could carve out a niche. Just as that dollop of cream found its place in my cocktail, Firebreak has the potential to blend seamlessly into the gaming world.