Review - FBC: Firebreak

Developer: Remedy Entertainment

Publisher: Remedy Entertainment

Available on: PC (Epic Games Store, Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Review Platform: PC via Steamdeck

Since 2010, Remedy Entertainment has sent the gaming world awash in gripping supernatural adventure mysteries. This began in the Summer of 2010 with a little game called Alan Wake, which put its dukes up against Red Dead Redemption at the same time. The same team did it again with the time-manipulation adventure Quantum Break and again with the thriller, Control. Coming off of Alan Wake II, the team is at it again with their own take on shooters, FBC: Firebreak. 

FBC: Firebreak puts players on the front lines in the world of Control, six years after the events of the game. Leaning into the cosmic weirdness of it all, FBC Firebreak leans in on the weirdness to be a very fun and chaotic co-op shooter that will keep players coming back. 

The Walls Speak

FBC: Firebreak is a co-op extraction shooter where players enter The Oldest House to fight The Hiss and take on emergencies dwelling within the brutalist-looking base of operations. The word firebreak comes from a definition that means to create an obstacle to stop the spread of a wild fire. The Hiss have taken control of several sections of The Oldest House. It's up to players to quell and shut down these anomalies. 

The gameplay of FBC: Firebreak is self-explanatory. Enter, complete objectives, and then get the hell out. At the beginning of the game, players partake in one operation solo. Players can customize their characters' armor and voice to have them stand out from the squad. Upon playing the opening tutorial, players are introduced to the basic mechanics. 

Firebreakers

FBC Firebreak is played in a trio. One player uses a jump kit with a giant electric machine to power items. Another player can use a Splash kit and use a water cannon to extinguish flames. Finally, the last player uses a Fixer Kit that uses a wrench to fix things. A balanced team makes things easier, but it's possible to complete all the level objectives without a kit. If a squad is entirely equipped with Fixer, that doesn't mean it can’t complete water objectives such as putting out fires, though it will be harder. 

FBC: Firebreak begins with five operations. Each operation is designed to be relatable based on the clearance level. Clearance level one is quick and easy. Clearance level 2 is a moderately experienced difficulty. Clearance level 3 is the longest an operation can take with multiple objectives and a finale involving a boss-level event. 

Support tickets

The operations are varied and do offer different objectives. One operation involves shutting down vents from burning out of control. Another operation sees players grabbing radioactive orbs from alien leeches. One operation even has players battling a ham-colored goo. Naturally, the Hiss are determined to stop you. 

The Hiss comes in various ways, but the most common form will be zombie-like swarms that attempt to overwhelm players with their numbers. FBC: Firebreak does lean into its weirdness, introducing flying enemies in office chairs and walking garbage bags with hammers. The larger enemies, like the garbage bag men, are bullet sponges that will require coordinated teamwork to take down. 

Tools of the Trade

The volunteers of FBC: Firebreak are resourceful, but the environment is essential to survive. Players use a shower unit to decon themselves from fire or supernatural entities, like the infamous demonic sticky notes seen in the trailer. Shooting fire sprinklers on the ceiling helps in this endeavor. Fixing a turret in the field helps in taking down waves of enemies. An armory in the field allows players to replenish their ammunition for their sidearms. These range from rustic revolvers to coin-shooting crank guns and WWI-era machine guns. 

When played with a full squad, FBC: Firebreak is a chaotic good time where the weirdness lends itself to exciting gameplay and solid satire. The moment-to-moment gameplay is tremendous fun and keeps players on their toes. Fighting as absurd as sticky note monsters is equal parts funny and fun. During my time, I found playing with a full squad to be the best way to go about playing FBC Firebreak. 

Finding Control

In a way, playing FBC: Firebreak puts players as the maintenance and janitorial staff in the Control world. The objectives are usually to fix something and prevent things from going wrong, like a maintenance team working for a major company. It's a mix of fun and chaos that few games can deliver. Taking on the Hiss with a squad is a barrel of fun, and this 1.0 release is sharp. 

When everything comes together, FBC: Firebreak is a chaotic good time. Being a janitor with a gun in this strange world heightens the chaos and thrills that the game offers. Fighting giant sticky note monsters and battling other horror feels fun and responsive. Everything feels frantic, humorous, and horrifying at the same time for a truly unique multiplayer experience. 

Corporate Resources

FBC: Firebreak has a solid experience going for it, but there are some aspects to consider. fBC Firebreak is a live service game, and while there are no micro transactions, the game is designed to be grindy, as well as has a limited scope at the moment. 

The game only has 5 operations, all designed to be replayed repeatedly to unlock perks and upgrades. The progression is rather stiff, requiring players to continuously replay to unlock upgrades and perks. The upgrades appear on a rewards page, similar to Helldivers II. These perks and upgrades do change up the formula, such as being able to run faster while on fire or using the electric machine to jump higher. However, to get there takes some time. With the limited operations and the grinding of the system, this makes FBC Firebreak best in short bursts. 

Supervisor Needed

Additionally, while the game does lean into the weirdness and sense of humor, that too is limited. This is a good opportunity to introduce new Hiss enemy types or even wield strange weapons. However, at the moment, the scope is limited. After going through the 5 operations, the only grind left is to continuously play each stage and unlock more upgrades and perks. 

I wouldn't call FBC Firebreak a chore, but I'd say what exists currently is solid enough to get started with, room to grow. I can easily imagine more missions, weapons, and Hiss types. For those put off by the limited scope, I would encourage you not to put off the game but play into it in short sessions, especially with friends and other players. 

I am an FBC Firebreak agent

I'm a firm believer in trying new things, and FBC: Firebreak is a strong co-op multiplayer shooter with room to grow. Leaning into the weirdness, the game provides frantic, chaotic experiences. While it may be light on content, it's a strong start, especially for those who enjoyed Control. Hopefully, in the coming week, FBC: Firebreak can unlock more of its secrets. Grab your gear, Firebreaker. There's a world to save.

FBC: FIREBREAK IS RECOMMENDED

A review key was provided for the purpose of review.