When Remedy Entertainment, the creators behind the critically acclaimed single-player game Control, announced their venture into multiplayer territory with FBC: Firebreak, skepticism was natural. Yet, after a hands-off demo, it's clear that Remedy has crafted something truly unique. FBC: Firebreak is a three-player PvE first-person shooter set six years after the events of Control, and it stands out in a crowded genre with its originality and weird charm. It's not just another military or sci-fi shooter; it's a breath of fresh air that doesn't demand a huge time investment. As game director Mike Kayatta emphasizes, "We're not about daily check-ins. We're not interested in monthly grinds. We don't want to give anybody a second job."

In FBC: Firebreak, you play as volunteer first responders in The Oldest House, tackling crises with a mix of bizarre and inventive weaponry. Whether you're a secretary, ranger, or another "normal" profession, you're stepping into the fray with an array of oddball guns. From hand-cranked snowball launchers to zappers that can summon lightning storms, the arsenal is as quirky as it is functional. The game allows for flexible play sessions, whether you want to dive in for 20 minutes or a few hours, with Perk unlocks and character combinations keeping the gameplay fresh.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

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When you log in to play, you select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (loadout), and set the Threat Level (difficulty) and Clearance Level, which decides the number of zones you'll navigate. These zones are separated by containment doors, leading you through stages of the Job. For example, the "Paper Chase" Job I saw takes place in an ordinary office section of the FBC building, where you and your teammates combat the spreading Hiss.

Escaping with valuable currencies is key to upgrading and purchasing new gear, but the longer you explore, the riskier the return to HQ becomes. FBC: Firebreak differentiates itself further with its unique weaponry and in-universe gameplay mechanics. Ammo refills from office supply shelves, makeshift turrets, and stereo speakers to repel the Hiss add to the game's charm. Unlockable Perks like bullets returning to your clip or extinguishing yourself by jumping add variety and spice to the gameplay. If you obtain duplicates of a Perk, you get enhanced versions, and with three, you can share the effect with teammates.

The game supports solo and duo play as well, not just three-player co-op. Remedy is aiming for lower minimum PC specs, yet it will also support high-end features like DLSS4, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. It's Steam Deck verified and will launch on Xbox and PC Game Pass, as well as PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium on day one. While there will be a post-launch content plan and paid cosmetics, microtransactions are limited to cosmetics only.

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Although I haven't yet played FBC: Firebreak, the game's originality and design suggest it's far from a typical multiplayer shooter. It's a refreshing return to simpler, more accessible online gaming, reminiscent of a time when games didn't demand endless hours of commitment.