Remedy Entertainment Unveils Unique Co-op Shooter FBC: Firebreak

Remedy Entertainment, known for its innovative take on third-person shooters, is venturing into new territory with a co-op first-person shooter featuring battles against a swarm of sentient Post-it notes.

New Gameplay Reveal at Future Games Show

At the Future Games Show on Thursday, Remedy showcased a trailer for FBC: Firebreak, set six years after the events of 2019’s Control. The game revolves around Firebreak, a volunteer team that serves as the crucial defense between the surviving members of the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) and the Hiss, a dangerous supernatural entity that has taken over their former colleagues. The Firebreak team finds themselves trapped in the enigmatic Oldest House with the Hiss lurking nearby, poised to strike.

Trailer Highlights and Gameplay Mechanics

The trailer, titled “Paper Chase,” features a three-player team collaborating to eliminate an invasion of diabolical sticky notes in the executive section of the Oldest House, as well as battling Hiss-infected FBC employees. Players utilize improvised weapons like an electrified pneumatic jump gun, a high-pressure water cannon to clear visibility obstructions, and a volatile piggy bank-like Object of Power, navigating through various zones to gather ammo and supplies.

Epic Confrontations Await

The trailer culminates in a dramatic showdown against anthropomorphized sticky note creatures, leading to a face-off with a formidable entity known as “Sticky Ricky.” The gameplay is described as thrilling and delightfully absurd.

Extended Playthrough and Game Philosophy

Pleading insight into the game’s development, Polygon participated in a virtual press event where Remedy presented an extended playthrough of the mission featured in the trailer. Game director Mike Kayatta highlighted the team’s commitment to creating a distinctly Remedy experience, asking whether concepts could only be realized within the realms of Control and the studio itself.

Core Gameplay Features and Accessibility

FBC: Firebreak is crafted to enhance immediate playability, foregoing the pressures of daily check-ins or battle passes that divide casual and hardcore gamers. Kayatta noted that players will have diverse options to tailor their experiences, ensuring inclusivity whether they are veterans or newcomers.

Gameplay Customization and Future Content

Players can expect various gameplay features including “jobs,” encompassing missions with specific objectives, and “Threat & Clearance Levels” that influence the combat difficulty and number of combat zones. Additionally, players can collect Research Perks to enhance their abilities, fostering a dynamic cooperative atmosphere. Post-launch content will be free for all players, promising future expansions that may bridge the narrative gap between Control and the upcoming Control 2.

Excitement Ahead of Launch

As an avid supporter of Remedy, the anticipation for FBC: Firebreak is palpable, with its launch scheduled for this summer on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. Fans of the Remedy universe are eager to once again engage with its paranormal escapades.