FBC: Firebreak Review – When Saving the World Feels Like Clocking In for Overtime
Ever wondered what it would feel like if your video game session turned into a real-life grind? That’s exactly the vibe many players are getting from Remedy Entertainment’s latest multiplayer spin-off, FBC: Firebreak. This new title, set in the universe of the acclaimed Control, tries to poke fun at corporate life, but ends up feeling more like clocking in for overtime. If you’re curious about how this satirical shooter stacks up, read on – there’s more than just sticky notes waiting for you.
- First impressions and setting in The Oldest House
- Gameplay loop and mission structure
- Progression system and grind issues
- Enemy variety and combat mechanics
- Upgrade paths and rewards
- Final verdict on replayability and fun factor
Welcome to the Bureau – Now Get to Work
Jumping into FBC: Firebreak is like being handed a mop and told to save the world – with a healthy dose of bureaucracy on the side. You and your team of cleaners are sent into the depths of The Oldest House to deal with the bizarre Hiss threat, but instead of epic story beats, you’ll mostly be focusing on the job itself. There’s no new narrative here, just a series of tasks that feel oddly familiar if you’ve ever had a dull office gig.
Jobs, Tasks, and… Sticky Notes?
Each mission, or “job”, drops you into a surreal office environment where your main enemies are the Hiss – and sometimes, killer sticky notes. You’ll be blowing up pink goop, destroying piles of memos, and even collecting irradiated pearls from giant leeches. Sounds wild? It is, at least at first. The real fun shines when you’re playing with friends and laughing about shower stalls that cure all status ailments – yes, even being on fire.
Progression Pains: When the Grind Hits Hard
Live-service games usually try to keep players hooked with a steady stream of rewards or new things to unlock. Unfortunately, Firebreak lays all its cards on the table early and doesn’t mix things up much after. Missions repeat, only changing in difficulty or size, and the grind for upgrades can feel like a second job. While you start with quirky tools like a giant wrench, a water-blasting splash kit, or a jump tool for zapping enemies, the novelty fades fast. Even the quick-time events for tasks seem designed more to slow you down than to challenge you.
Enemies and Combat: Not Much to Write Home About
Control wasn’t known for its enemy variety, and Firebreak takes that to heart – maybe too much. Most of your foes are standard zombie-like Hiss, with the occasional security guard or explosive brute to mix things up. The so-called “powerful” enemies are just regular ones with more health, and map changes rarely force you to think on your feet. If you’re hoping for Left 4 Dead levels of tactical replayability, you might be disappointed.
Upgrades and Rewards: Worth the Effort?
Unlocking new perks and weapons sounds fun, but in Firebreak, it’s a slow and sometimes frustrating process. You’ll earn points from missions, but it takes ages to save up enough for anything meaningful. Worse, you often have to unlock a bunch of cosmetic fluff just to get to the good stuff. Some upgrades, like running faster when you’re on fire, are delightfully weird. Most, however, are pretty standard fare – think stronger shields or faster sprinting. It’s a missed opportunity for more of Remedy’s signature creativity.
Final Thoughts: Best in Small Doses
While FBC: Firebreak has a strong foundation and plenty of style, its live-service structure leaves a lot to be desired. The grind feels real, and the repetition sets in quickly. Remedy might tweak things over time, adding more variety or rewards, but right now, it’s best enjoyed in short bursts – just like any real job task you don’t want to burn out on. FBC: Firebreak launches June 17 on Windows PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. If you’re looking for a quirky co-op experience, it might be worth a try – just don’t expect it to replace your day job.
