FBC: Firebreak emerges as a chaotic yet intriguing addition to the cooperative shooter genre, inviting players into a world where disorder reigns supreme. The game is a vibrant tapestry of messy mechanics, where players find themselves entangled in a whirlwind of water, sticky notes, and an array of bizarre substances reminiscent of a quirky British gameshow from the 1990s. If one were to envision a first-person shooter crafted by Noel Edmonds, it would undoubtedly bear a striking resemblance to Firebreak.
What to Expect
This cooperative shooter challenges players to tackle the most peculiar maintenance dilemmas while fending off hordes of possessed foes. Set for release on June 17, 2025, Firebreak is priced at /£33 and is developed and published by Remedy Entertainment. It has been reviewed on an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 with an Nvidia 2080 Super and 32 GB RAM, and it is verified for Steam Deck.
At its core, Firebreak thrives on the concept of trial and error, encouraging players to navigate through chaotic encounters while attempting to avoid inadvertently harming their teammates. This often leads to exhilarating moments of discovery amidst the pandemonium, though the game’s inherent messiness can also lead to frustration, particularly due to some notable balancing issues.
As a cooperative spinoff of Remedy’s acclaimed 2019 title, Control, Firebreak retains its setting within The Oldest House—a foreboding, brutalist structure that serves as the headquarters for the Federal Bureau of Control. This interdimensional nexus is a surreal blend of stark concrete and bizarre anomalies, creating an atmosphere that is both unsettling and captivating.
Players step into the shoes of the FBC’s ‘Firebreakers,’ a group of seemingly expendable janitors clad in rubber suits and acoustic foam armor. Their mission? To resolve the reality-bending maintenance challenges posed by the Hiss, a hostile force that has taken control of the Bureau’s own personnel.
However, newcomers to the franchise may find themselves at a disadvantage, as Firebreak does not provide extensive tutorials or explanations. Instead, it assumes familiarity with Control, leaving those unacquainted with the original game to grapple with confusion as they dive into the action.
Structurally, the game unfolds across five distinct “jobs,” each presenting a linear sequence of objectives that players must complete while battling the Hiss. These tasks range from the bizarre—such as repairing malfunctioning air conditioning units—to the outright absurd, like clearing an infestation of pink goo from electrical turbines. This blend of frantic firefights and peculiar objectives creates a unique experience that straddles the line between traditional FPS gameplay and exploration.
What truly sets Firebreak apart are the inventive ideas behind each job, many of which incorporate mission-specific mechanics. For instance, the Paper Chase mission requires players to collect sticky notes while avoiding sticky-note creatures that can overwhelm them. The challenge lies in managing the accumulation of sticky notes on the screen, which can obscure vision and lead to a comical demise.
While the majority of jobs are conceptually engaging, not all are equally successful. One particular job, which involves managing flame-spewing heaters in a snowy environment, falls short due to its cumbersome mechanics and lackluster execution. Nevertheless, the overarching emphasis on systemic interaction—where elements like fire, water, and electricity play pivotal roles—adds depth to the gameplay. Players can equip various kits to exploit these elements, enhancing their combat strategies.
Despite its creative concepts, Firebreak’s combat experience may leave some players wanting. The slower, more whimsical feel contrasts sharply with the high-octane action of Control, making encounters with the Hiss less exhilarating. The effectiveness of weapons varies significantly, with some proving underwhelming while others, like the hunting rifle, deliver satisfying results.
However, the game’s balancing issues can detract from the overall enjoyment. The difficulty levels fluctuate dramatically, with early stages often feeling too easy, while later segments can become frustratingly challenging. This inconsistency is particularly evident in missions like Paper Chase, where players may find themselves overwhelmed by relentless waves of enemies.
Moreover, the clearance system, designed to enhance replayability, inadvertently reduces the overall experience. Players must traverse segments of each job multiple times, leading to a sense of fatigue before reaching the climactic encounters.
While Firebreak’s current state reveals several areas in need of refinement, many of its challenges are surmountable. A thorough balancing overhaul could significantly enhance gameplay, and the promise of new levels later in the year may alleviate some of the current concerns. With time and adjustments, Firebreak has the potential to evolve into a commendable cooperative shooter, though it remains a work in progress for now.
