When Remedy Entertainment, renowned for crafting immersive single-player narratives in third-person games, announced their venture into multiplayer with *FBC: Firebreak*, skepticism was understandable. Yet, after a hands-off demo, it's clear that this skepticism was unfounded. *FBC: Firebreak* emerges as a refreshingly original three-player PvE first-person multiplayer shooter, set six years after the events of *Control*. This game stands out in an oversaturated market, offering a delightfully weird twist amidst the typical military and sci-fi shooters. Moreover, it promises not to demand a massive time commitment, a relief in today's gaming landscape. As game director Mike Kayatta emphasized, "We're not about daily check-ins. We're not interested in monthly grinds. We don't want to give anybody a second job."

*FBC: Firebreak* is a three-player co-op FPS designed for flexibility, allowing players to dive in for quick 20-minute sessions or longer if desired. The game keeps gameplay fresh with Perk unlocks and new character combinations. Players step into the shoes of volunteer first responders in The Oldest House, tasked with handling crises. These characters, drawn from everyday occupations like secretaries and rangers, are essentially expendable, yet crucial in maintaining order when things go awry.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

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Upon logging in, players select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (loadout), and set the Threat Level (difficulty) and Clearance Level, which dictates the number of zones to navigate. Zones are separated by containment doors, leading players through stages of the Job. In the demo, the Job named "Paper Chase" unfolds in a mundane office section of the FBC building, where players must combat the spreading Hiss. The challenge lies in balancing the search for upgrade currencies with the urgency of escaping safely.

*FBC: Firebreak* distinguishes itself with its unique weaponry. From a hand-cranked snowball-launching gun that can extinguish fires and soak sticky-note monsters to a zapper capable of summoning lightning storms, the arsenal feels homebrewed and charmingly unusual. Traditional weapons like machine guns and shotguns are also available, especially useful for dealing with the sticky-note monsters that players must eradicate to prevent them from overrunning the brutalist building.

Beyond its quirky weapons, *FBC: Firebreak* introduces engaging in-universe gameplay mechanics. Players can refill ammo from office supply shelves, construct makeshift turrets, use stereo speakers to deter the Hiss, and utilize rinse stations to remove aggressive sticky notes. Unlockable Perks add depth, such as the chance for missed bullets to return to your clip or the ability to extinguish oneself by jumping. Collecting multiple instances of the same Perk enhances its effect, and three Perks allow sharing with teammates.

The game supports solo and duo play, in addition to the three-player mode, and aims for a lower minimum PC spec while also supporting advanced features like DLSS4, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. It will be Steam Deck verified and available on day one via Xbox and PC Game Pass, as well as PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium. While details on post-launch content are forthcoming, paid cosmetics will be the only form of microtransactions.

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Although I haven't played *FBC: Firebreak* yet, the game's unique approach and design certainly impress. It promises to be more than just another multiplayer shooter, offering a refreshing experience that doesn't require a significant ongoing commitment, echoing the simpler days of gaming.