Get Ready for FBC Firebreak: The Exciting New Co-Op Shooter from Remedy!

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For approximately ten years, developer Remedy Entertainment has been intertwining stories through games like Control and Alan Wake to create a connected universe. The upcoming cooperative shooter FBC Firebreak is the next installment in this narrative, even though its theme and gameplay differ significantly from earlier titles, it remains deeply rooted within Remedy’s shared universe at its core.

Recently, Game Rant had a sneak peek at FBC Firebreak through a demonstration. Similar to other games created by Remedy, it aspires to offer unique gameplay that sets it apart in the first-person shooter genre. Unlike Remedy’s traditional story-focused experiences, it encourages players to tailor their gaming session each time they launch the game, veering away from the norm.

FBC Firebreak is a Co-Op Shooter With a Simple Premise

In terms of storytelling, Remedy’s approach can sometimes be intricate; nonetheless, the concept of FBC: Firebreak is straightforward. Six years after the occurrences in 2019’s Control, the FBI headquarters, The Oldest House, remains sealed off and populated by formidable adversaries called The Hiss. A diverse team of first responders from within the Bureau takes it upon themselves to eliminate the Hiss using any method available.

FBC: Firebreak’s Core Design Philosophy Explained

In creating the game titled “FBC: Firebreak“, Remedy strictly followed a design philosophy that centered around four key principles.

  • Only in Control: While it is a standalone game, FBC: Firebreak is still very much a part of Remedy’s shared universe, and the team was keen to ensure the game’s general look and feel, as well as the aesthetic, reflect this connectivity with sights and sounds that could only be found within the world of Control.
  • Pick Up and Play: The game is first and foremost a co-op shooter. Remedy deemed it extremely important for players to be able to get straight into the action as quickly as possible, without the pitfalls of others in the genre, such as daily check-ins and battle passes. The fewer barriers between players booting FBC: Firebreak up and actually launching into a mission, the better.
  • Better Together: Remedy wanted players to benefit from sharing the experience with their allies, ensuring that everything players do within the game organically will help the entire team progress in some shape or form.
  • Fun on Repeat: Having fun is at the core of FBC: Firebreak, and the developer has tried to ensure that the minute-to-minute systems and mechanics are engaging and enjoyable, full of impactful moments in-game. The gameplay experience is highly customizable to ensure each session is as diverse as players want.

In essence, Remedy aimed to craft a game where players would primarily shape their own narrative, offering distinct interactions among participants based on their chosen initial settings. This approach stemmed from the conviction that followers of games like Control and Alan Wake shouldn’t be forced to transition into an entirely new genre just to follow the storyline. Therefore, it was crucial for the studio that FBC: Firebreak functioned as a self-contained title.

The game can be played alone, with a partner, or in a group of three, but it works best for three-player interactions. The developers haven’t revealed anything about potential Alan Wake/Control crossovers or hidden references, but considering the game’s environment and Remedy Entertainment’s history with cross-references, it wouldn’t be unexpected to find frequent allusions to both titles.

FBC Firebreak Offers a Variety of Ways to Play

In Firebreak, players will select tasks or missions, followed by personalizing the mission environment, objectives, and gear before diving in. Players get to decide on the difficulty level of each task (combat intensity) as well as the number of zones involved (clearance level), both factors that influence the potential rewards.

In the game FBC: Firebreak, the term “Gear” is often referred to as a player’s crisis management toolkit. A player can have up to three unique toolkits (or loadouts) at their disposal, allowing them to adapt their playing style based on different long or short-range weaponry, and enhancing this with a variety of perks and modifications. These toolkits can be swapped during gameplay, providing players with even more flexibility in their strategy.

FBC: Firebreak Gameplay Breakdown

A video was presented to Game Rant featuring a job titled “Paper Chase”. In this job, participants aimed to dismantle multitudes of yellow sticky notes that filled up the Bureau. Remedy’s signature quirky visual aesthetics were evident, as monsters of assorted sizes, entirely constructed from these yellow sticky notes, emerged. The gameplay became chaotic as players raced against time to eradicate vast areas of Hiss, which kept on spawning, and the sticky notes themselves.

The game demonstrates some intriguing weaponry, featuring a potent shotgun that electrifies Hiss upon impact, and its gunplay appears smooth and swift. The environments appear to preserve the verticality seen in Control, showcasing The Old House’s tall ceilings, expansive corridors, and substantial offices. After accomplishing the mission goals, players must hastily rush back to the elevator to wrap up the task. In essence, FBC: Firebreak emphasizes efficiency, pushing players to complete objectives swiftly as more Hiss continue to emerge.

FBC: Firebreak is Expected to Arrive in Summer 2025

In addition, Remedy discussed the post-launch strategies for Firebreak, their upcoming game. They mentioned that all additional content after launch would be free, although they will offer paid cosmetic items for those interested. The game is set to release in summer 2025 and will be available on PS Plus Extra/Premium as well as Xbox Game Pass from the first day. More specific details are anticipated to be revealed sooner rather than later.

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2025-03-21 00:58