Control was crowned IGN's Game of the Year in 2019, and I was among the editors who voted for it. So, when Remedy, a studio renowned for crafting immersive single-player third-person narratives, announced a multiplayer venture for Control, I'll admit I was skeptical. However, the reveal of FBC: Firebreak, a three-player PvE first-person multiplayer shooter set six years post-Control's storyline, quickly dispelled my doubts. The hands-off demo I witnessed showcased a game that's refreshingly original in a crowded genre, delightfully quirky amidst a sea of typical military and sci-fi shooters, and crucially, doesn't demand a heavy time investment. As game director Mike Kayatta aptly put it, "We're not about daily check-ins. We're not interested in monthly grinds. We don't want to give anybody a second job." That's a sentiment worth repeating, Mike.
FBC: Firebreak is a cooperative three-player FPS designed for flexibility; you can dive in for a quick 20-minute session or enjoy longer playtimes, with Perk unlocks and character combinations keeping the experience fresh. But what's the premise? You're back in The Oldest House, wielding an array of bizarre weapons as volunteer first responders when things go awry. Your characters are everyday workers—secretaries, rangers, and more—who step up to the challenge. The Federal Bureau of Control might not call you expendable, but... let's just say you're on the front lines.
FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots
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Upon logging into FBC: Firebreak, you select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (loadout), set the Threat Level (difficulty), and the Clearance Level, which dictates the number of zones you'll navigate. These zones are segmented by containment doors, propelling you through different stages of your Job. The Job I saw, dubbed Paper Chase, unfolds in a seemingly ordinary office section of the FBC building, where you and your teammates combat the spreading Hiss.
While you can opt for a swift exit, sticking around to collect currencies for upgrades and new gear increases the challenge of returning to HQ unscathed. The longer you explore, the more thrilling the escape becomes.
What sets FBC: Firebreak apart in the multiplayer shooter landscape is its arsenal of uniquely crafted weapons. From a hand-cranked snowball launcher that douses fires and sticky-note monsters to a zapper that can unleash lightning storms, or a wrench that, when paired with a squeaky piggy bank, showers enemies with coins—these homebrew weapons add a charming twist. Don't worry, though; traditional weapons like machine guns and shotguns are also available, the latter being essential for dealing with the sticky-note monsters after soaking or zapping them.
The mission's goal is to eradicate all the sticky notes before they overrun the building. Keep an eye on the count in the upper left corner—it spikes as you progress, culminating in a showdown with a colossal sticky-note monster, reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman, but composed of Post-It notes.
Beyond the weaponry, FBC: Firebreak introduces engaging gameplay mechanics integrated into the game's universe. Ammo can be replenished at office supply shelves, makeshift turrets can be constructed from boxes, stereo speakers fend off the Hiss, and rinse stations clear sticky notes from your face. Unlockable Perks add depth and variety, such as bullets returning to your clip on misses or extinguishing yourself by jumping. Duplicating Perks amplifies their effect, and tripling them shares the benefits with nearby teammates.
You're not limited to a trio; FBC: Firebreak supports solo play and duos as well. Remedy aims for a lower minimum PC spec than usual, while also supporting advanced technologies like DLSS4 with multi-frame generation, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. The game will be Steam Deck verified and launch day-one on Xbox and PC Game Pass, alongside PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium. Post-launch content plans are in the works, though specifics remain under wraps, and while there will be paid cosmetics, microtransactions are limited to those.
FBC FirebreakRemedy Wishlist
While I haven't yet had the chance to play FBC: Firebreak, the game certainly impresses visually and conceptually. It's clear this isn't just another multiplayer shooter; it's a unique, engaging experience. The fact that it offers a casual, get-in-and-get-out approach to online gaming harks back to a time when such flexibility was the norm, making it a refreshing addition to the genre.
