When Remedy Entertainment, renowned for their compelling single-player narratives in third-person games, announced a multiplayer spin-off of their acclaimed 2019 Game of the Year, *Control*, I, like many, was initially skeptical. However, my doubts were quickly dispelled after seeing the hands-off demo of *FBC: Firebreak*, a three-player PvE first-person multiplayer shooter set six years after the events of *Control*. This game promises a refreshingly original experience in an oversaturated genre, standing out with its unique charm and minimal time commitment. As game director Mike Kayatta eloquently stated, "We're not about daily check-ins. We're not interested in monthly grinds. We don't want to give anybody a second job." This ethos sets *FBC: Firebreak* apart from its contemporaries, making it an enticing prospect for gamers looking for a quick yet engaging experience.

*FBC: Firebreak* is a cooperative FPS designed for three players, offering sessions that can last from just 20 minutes to a few hours, depending on your preference. The game introduces a dynamic system of Perk unlocks and new character combinations to keep each playthrough fresh. In this game, you step into the shoes of volunteer first responders within The Oldest House, armed with an array of bizarre weaponry. Your characters range from secretaries to rangers, ordinary folks called upon to deal with extraordinary situations. The Federal Bureau of Control may not admit it, but you're essentially expendable in this high-stakes environment.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

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Upon logging into *FBC: Firebreak*, you select a Job (mission), a Crisis Kit (loadout), set the Threat Level (difficulty), and choose your Clearance Level, which dictates the number of zones you'll navigate during a run. These zones are separated by containment doors, leading you to the next stage of the Job. The demo showcased a Job called *Paper Chase*, set in a seemingly mundane office section of the FBC building, where you and your teammates must combat the spreading Hiss. While you can choose to escape quickly, staying longer to gather currencies for gear upgrades increases the challenge of safely returning to HQ.

*FBC: Firebreak* distinguishes itself with an array of uniquely crafted weapons. From a hand-cranked snowball-launching gun that can extinguish fires and defeat sticky-note monsters, to a zapper that can summon lightning storms, and even a wrench that, when combined with a piggy bank toy, unleashes a flurry of coins, the game's arsenal is as quirky as it is effective. Traditional weapons like machine guns and shotguns are also available, particularly useful after dealing with the aforementioned sticky-note adversaries.

The game's objective in *Paper Chase* is to eliminate all sticky notes before they overrun the building, culminating in a battle against a colossal sticky-note monster reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman. Beyond its weaponry, *FBC: Firebreak* incorporates fun in-universe mechanics, such as an office supply shelf for ammo replenishment, a makeshift turret, a stereo speaker to ward off the Hiss, and a rinse station to remove aggressive sticky notes. Unlockable Perks add further depth and variety to the gameplay, with unique effects like bullets returning to your clip or extinguishing oneself by jumping. Collecting multiple instances of the same Perk enhances its effect, and three of the same Perk can be shared with teammates.

You don't need a full trio to enjoy *FBC: Firebreak*; it's playable solo or in duos as well. Remedy is aiming for a lower minimum PC spec than usual, while also supporting high-end features like DLSS4 with multi-frame generation, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. The game will be Steam Deck verified and will launch into Xbox and PC Game Pass, as well as PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium on day one. While Remedy has plans for post-launch content and paid cosmetics, microtransactions will be limited to these cosmetic items.

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While I haven't yet played *FBC: Firebreak*, the game's unique approach and design certainly pass the initial eye test. It's not your typical multiplayer shooter; it's a breath of fresh air in a genre often bogged down by repetitive gameplay and endless grinds. The ability to enjoy *FBC: Firebreak* without a massive ongoing time commitment harks back to a time when gaming was more about fun and less about obligation.