FBC: Firebreak Review: Triumphant and Tragic

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Remedy Entertainment is widely admired as one of the top game developers in today’s gaming industry. Known for crafting exceptional, one-of-a-kind gaming experiences, they have successfully brought to life the captivating worlds seen in “Control” and “Alan Wake.” Regardless of personal preferences, Remedy’s unusual yet chilling storytelling approach sets them apart from other game studios. As a result, there has been a significant level of anticipation for their upcoming project, “FBC: Firebreak.

The latest game from Remedy, titled FBC: Firebreak, represents a notable shift from their traditional games. This cooperative first-person shooter is set within The Oldest House, the backdrop of 2019’s Control. Players assume the role of Firebreakers, the Federal Bureau of Control’s emergency response team, tasked with combating the ongoing Hiss threat using both standard and extraordinary weaponry. Given the current trend of multiplayer, live-service games struggling significantly, it’s intriguing that Remedy chose to explore a genre where few games have thrived. Although it achieves the intended experience, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of their other releases, and I’m unsure if it can attract the necessary audience in such a cutthroat market.

Without a doubt, the core element that makes or breaks any multiplayer game is its gameplay. This is particularly true for team-based shooters like “FBC: Firebreak”, which resembles games such as “Left 4 Dead” and “Warhammer 40,000: Darktide”. For a game like “FBC: Firebreak” to be enjoyable, it needs to be entertaining, captivating, and challenging. If players are willing to invest time in understanding the nuances of “FBC: Firebreak”, I believe those characteristics are present. However, it’s important to note that the game can feel overwhelming when first starting out due to its complexity.

In the game FBC: Firebreak, each player selects a Kit, offering a distinctive weapon alongside their main firearm. Initially, there are three Kits: Jump, Fix, and Splash. Each Kit includes a Tool, an Improvised Device, and an Altered Augment (or the player’s ultimate ability), essentially defining the role of the player. The Jump Kit harnesses electricity to power generators and unleash chain lightning attacks on enemies. The Fix Kit equips a large wrench for repairing machinery and momentarily disorienting enemies. Lastly, the Splash Kit allows players to extinguish fires and make enemies more vulnerable to damage.

In the game Firebreak, while it’s not strictly necessary according to the rules, it seems crucial that each member of a three-person squad should possess one of every Kit. Each Kit serves a unique purpose that can facilitate smooth progress through a Job (the name given to missions in the game). This shared use of Kits encourages teamwork, which is vital in a cooperative shooter like this as it helps complete tasks efficiently and effectively.

In the early stages of playing FBC: Firebreak, the game might seem relatively simple due to its moment-to-moment gameplay. However, it’s the intricate systems surrounding this simplicity that make it somewhat complex. Mastering these systems, particularly understanding various status effects and managing them promptly, is crucial for completing jobs successfully. Players often find themselves unknowingly standing in fire, taking continuous damage, and eventually fainting. These status effects can be neutralized with water, but staying vigilant is essential for success.

Furthermore, mastering the utilization of your surroundings for a tactical edge is crucial. For instance, a Splash Kit enables you to drench adversaries with water, followed by the Jump Kit which can halt them in their tracks with a solitary shot, triggering a chain lightning effect. Additionally, there are environmental tools that can activate these effects, such as firing at a fire sprinkler to douse yourself when your health is low, or shooting at oil on the ground to ignite it at the Hiss’ feet. It’s incredibly rewarding when these effects work in your favor, but with the unpredictable nature of the enemies that appear, it can be challenging to manage your buffs and their debuffs effectively and capitalize on them advantageously.

In addition to its unique status effects, the gameplay mechanics and additional features, such as uncovering Shelters for a checkpoint, swiftly repairing Showers and Ammo Stations with particular Kit tools, perks, and utilizing ziplines for speedy item transportation, set FBC: Firebreak apart from other games in the competitive cooperative multiplayer genre. The combination of these elements gives a distinct Remedy-style experience, complete with their signature quirks.

Despite its unique qualities, these aspects can sometimes work against it. Initially, the experience may be tough, and without comprehensive onboarding, I fear players might become irritated and abandon the game altogether. However, once everyone grasps the original vision for this game, I see its potential. Unfortunately, when playing with strangers, particularly during launch when everyone is still learning, it can lead to a chaotic situation.

In the game FBC: Firebreak, I’ve found it quite perplexing and exasperating that there is no in-game voice chat option. This seems odd, especially for a cooperative game like this one, as effective communication is crucial for teamwork. The ping function can be useful, but during intense gameplay, the notifications can easily get lost amidst the ensuing chaos. Furthermore, the game’s complexity and lack of in-game tools for communicating instructions make it challenging to play with random players, as they may not always respond or understand your intentions.

For those seeking an extensive gameplay journey, they may find themselves falling short. Upon release, there are only five Jobs to explore, each offering a specific number of zones based on their level (indicating the depth players will traverse), four difficulty levels referred to as threats, and three corruption options that alter the Job’s characteristics, such as boosting enemy speed. While it’s exciting that players can tailor each Job according to their preferences, experiencing the unique aspects of each Job doesn’t require much time. In normal threat level, with level 3 clearance, and a team of three, I expect players to finish all five Jobs within a few hours.

It appears that Remedy intended FBC: Firebreak for shorter gaming sessions, but once players reach the maximum level for both Kits and characters, there seems to be little incentive to keep playing. A leaderboard system could potentially re-engage players by encouraging them to complete jobs and beat their personal best scores. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be anything compelling players to return after they’ve finished everything the game offers.

Firebreak: Firebreak Command is an enjoyable team-based first-person shooter, and Remedy has successfully met its intended goal. Players seeking occasional gameplay sessions for a few missions will find some fun if they have friends to play with. However, the absence of in-game voice chat may make it challenging for those who primarily play with random teams. If you’re a fan of Remedy’s games, enjoy gaming with friends, and have access to PS Plus Extra or Xbox Game Pass, Firebreak: Firebreak Command could offer a refreshing change from typical cooperative experiences over the weekend. However, anyone searching for a game that offers more than just this might want to look elsewhere.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

The firebreak, referred to as FBC, is currently accessible on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and personal computers. I received a PC code from the publisher specifically for writing this review.

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2025-06-18 22:18