Control, IGN's 2019 Game of the Year, surprised many when developer Remedy announced a multiplayer spin-off. My initial skepticism about a multiplayer Control vanished after witnessing a hands-off demo of FBC: Firebreak. This three-player PvE first-person shooter, set six years post-Control, is refreshingly unique in a crowded market. Its delightfully strange atmosphere and commitment-free gameplay are standout features. As game director Mike Kayatta stated, "We're not about daily check-ins. We're not interested in monthly grinds. We don't want to give anybody a second job."
FBC: Firebreak offers a flexible co-op experience. Play for 20 minutes or several hours; Perk unlocks and character combinations ensure replayability. The premise? You're volunteer first responders in The Oldest House, facing escalating chaos. Your characters—secretaries, rangers, and other everyday individuals—are, shall we say, expendable.
FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots
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Gameplay begins by selecting a Job (mission), Crisis Kit (loadout), Threat Level (difficulty), and Clearance Level (number of zones). The demo showcased "Paper Chase," set in a typical FBC office. The Hiss are spreading; teamwork is crucial to repel them. Escape with currency to upgrade gear; longer exploration increases difficulty.
FBC: Firebreak distinguishes itself with unique weaponry. Expect unusual, homebrew firearms like a hand-cranked snowball launcher (extinguishes fires and enemies), a customizable zapper, and a wrench that unleashes coin barrages. Standard options like machine guns and shotguns are also available, particularly useful against sticky-note monsters.
The core objective of "Paper Chase" is eliminating sticky notes before they overwhelm the building. The number of notes increases as the mission progresses, culminating in a battle against a gigantic sticky-note monster.
Beyond weaponry, fun in-universe mechanics enhance gameplay. These include ammo-refilling office supply shelves, makeshift turrets, Hiss-deterrent speakers, and sticky-note-removing rinse stations. Unlockable Perks add variety; examples include bullet return and self-extinguishing jumps. Multiple identical Perks grant stronger effects or team-wide benefits.
Solo and duo play are supported. Remedy aims for lower-than-usual minimum PC specs while supporting DLSS 4, multi-frame generation, Nvidia Reflex, full ray tracing, and Steam Deck verification. Day-one availability includes Xbox and PC Game Pass, PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium. Post-launch content and paid cosmetics (no other microtransactions) are planned.
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While I haven't played FBC: Firebreak, initial impressions are highly positive. It's a unique multiplayer shooter, refreshingly low-commitment, and a welcome throwback to a less demanding era of online gaming.
