FBC: Firebreak, the cooperative shooter from Remedy, faced a lukewarm reception upon its release in June. While the concept of navigating the brutalist expanse of The Oldest House as a janitor held promise, the execution fell short. My review highlighted several shortcomings: the gameplay felt overly simplistic, repetitive, and unbalanced, compounded by the absence of essential features such as a comprehensive tutorial.
Breakpoint Update: A Turning Point
In response to the initial feedback, Remedy has dedicated the past few months to addressing these concerns. The upcoming Breakpoint update, set to launch next week, marks a significant effort to revitalize the Firebreak experience. This update promises a thorough reworking of the game’s core mechanics, alongside the introduction of a new mission and various enhancements.
One of the standout features of the Breakpoint update is a new mission inspired by the eerie atmosphere of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide and the unsettling narrative of Resident Evil 7. Players will face the challenge of containing a rapidly spreading mold epidemic within the research sector of The Oldest House. This fungal threat brings with it two new adversaries: the stationary Mold Turrets and the lumbering Mold Walkers. These foes not only attack players but can also spread the contagion, transforming both enemies and teammates into Mold-infested versions of themselves.
Another significant addition is a more structured onboarding process for newcomers. Breakpoint introduces a playable Orientation level designed to familiarize rookie firebreakers with the game’s fundamentals. Additionally, a ‘Welcome to Firebreak’ video provides an overview of the game’s premise, complemented by detailed videos for each job role. This is a welcome change, as the original game assumed a level of familiarity with Control that many players may not have had. By providing context, Remedy enhances the overall experience, making the peculiarities of The Oldest House even more engaging.
Beyond these major updates, Breakpoint also includes a variety of smaller tweaks and enhancements. Players can look forward to new weapons, the introduction of three additional Hiss enemies, a gun modification system, and a reworked in-game economy.
Remedy’s overarching aim with the Breakpoint update is to “improve everything about the FBC: Firebreak experience” and establish a solid foundation for future updates. The next major patch is anticipated in November, and the studio’s long-term support for Firebreak will largely depend on player reactions to these changes. Given that Remedy has expressed dissatisfaction with the game’s sales figures and its limited PC player base, the success of Breakpoint and the forthcoming November update will be crucial in re-engaging the FBC community.
