"FBC: Firebreak - The Year's Strangest Shooter"

Just hours after diving into FBC: Firebreak, I found myself indulging in a delicious cream cake. Clumsiness struck, and a dollop of cream landed in my blood orange cocktail, swirling and melting into it. As I watched, I was transported back to the Federal Bureau of Control, firing bursts of liquid at the glowing red enemies within its halls. This bizarre connection is a testament to the unique impact that a visit to Remedy's headquarters can have on one's mind.

Remedy, known for their eclectic mix of horror, sci-fi, and neo-noir games, has always embraced a touch of silliness in their creations. Firebreak, their latest venture into first-person co-op multiplayer, is no exception. In just a two-hour session, I unleashed havoc with a murderous garden gnome and battled a towering sticky note behemoth. This blend of humor and chaos convinces me that Remedy can truly stand out in the crowded world of online shooters with their distinctive flair.

FBC: Firebreak - Gameplay Screenshots

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Set six years after the events of Remedy's 2019 hit, Control, Firebreak returns to The Oldest House, a setting familiar to fans of Jesse Faden's story. The brutalist architecture and Finnish folk music create a comforting yet unsettling atmosphere. In Firebreak, squads reenter this X-Files-inspired government building to tackle outbreaks of the Hiss, an inter-dimensional threat. Armed with double-barreled shotguns, players become this universe's Ghostbusters, where crossing streams is not just allowed—it's encouraged.

Beyond the standard arsenal of pistols and rifles, players can choose from three distinct "kits," each serving different roles. The Fix Kit allows you to repair machines like ammo stations and healing showers—a quirky mechanic where FBC employees replenish health by getting drenched. The Splash Kit wields a hydro cannon to heal teammates and douse enemies, while the Jump Kit features an Electro-Kinetic Charge Impactor to shock foes. These kits, when combined, create powerful synergies, like electrifying a water-soaked enemy for devastating effects.

Though playable solo, Firebreak shines with three players collaborating. Missions, or "jobs," follow a simple structure: enter, complete objectives, and return to the elevator. My first task was to fix three faulty heat fans amidst enemy waves, a straightforward yet engaging mission. "Paper Chase," however, was a whirlwind of chaos as we cleared thousands of sticky notes while fending off Hiss attacks. The notes could attach and harm us, making the phrase "death by a thousand paper cuts" fittingly literal. Utilizing the game's elemental kits, we efficiently destroyed these notes, showcasing the importance of teamwork and strategy.

The third mission in Black Rock Quarry demanded even more coordination. We shot radioactive leeches from the walls, collected lethal pearls, and moved them via shuttle to deeper areas. The need for communication was critical, with radiation showers, enemy hordes, and astral spikes complicating our progress. Despite the hectic nature, the mission remained enjoyable and highlighted Firebreak's cooperative essence.

While satisfied with the mission objectives, I found the map design in Firebreak less labyrinthine than in Control. The more linear spaces are easier to navigate in first-person, though occasionally disorienting without a minimap. This simplification, while helpful, strips away some of The Oldest House's unpredictable charm. Don't expect wonders like the Ashtray Maze; instead, you'll find more grounded, straightforward environments.

Completing missions unlocks clearance levels, adding further objectives and extending playtime. Maps evolve with additional chambers and more complex foes, including bosses that can lock down areas. From bullet sponges to intriguing beasts like the giant sticky note monster, these encounters require both teamwork and strategic thinking, reminiscent of Space Marine 2's challenging expeditions.

The game's quirky elements, like monsters made from everyday objects, add to its charm. Randomly spawning corrupted items, such as a rubber duck that redirects enemies or traffic lights that deal heavy damage, inject a playful twist into the brutalist setting. These elements enhance the game's replayability and depth.

Unlock tokens earned from missions allow players to acquire zany new tools and ultimate abilities. The Splash Kit's Teapot burns enemies with superheated globules, while the Jump Kit's garden gnome conjures a destructive electrical storm. These abilities add chaos and fun but can sometimes overwhelm the screen, making it challenging to play tactically. The Firebreak team is actively addressing these readability issues before the game's June 17 launch.

Firebreak will launch with five jobs, with two more promised by the end of 2025. These are considered more like game modes, offering replayability through multiple clearance levels and evolving objectives. Priced at $39.99 / €39.99 / £32.99 and included on Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, Firebreak offers substantial value for both Control veterans and newcomers seeking a fun shooter.

Navigating the competitive landscape of online co-op shooters is challenging, but Firebreak's solid foundation and Remedy's unique personality give it the potential to carve a niche. Much like that dollop of cream found its place in my cocktail, Firebreak aims to blend seamlessly into the gaming world—and I'm eager to see how it unfolds.