During yesterday’s Future Game Show event, Remedy Entertainment unveiled new gameplay details and information about FBC: Firebreak, their most varied game to date.
As soon as I saw the first gameplay teaser for Remedy’s upcoming multiplayer shooter, I knew it felt familiar. It was just Left 4 Dead with a different skin. But I don’t see any problem with that. In fact, I’m actually excited to see what this game is all about.
As a big fan of Remedy’s titles, especially Alan Wake and Control, I’ve been obsessed with its lore for days on end, waiting for Sam Lake and his team to drop a significant lore bomb down the line.
Here’s why I think I’m so excited for FBC: Firebreak, despite it being just a different version of Left 4 Dead:
Same, Same, But Different
Don’t get me wrong—being compared to Left 4 Dead is a good thing. Both games excel in cooperative play and shooting enemies in mindless, first-person shootouts.
Remedy does a great job connecting it to its acclaimed Remedy Connected Universe. It takes place within the consistent lore of Alan Wake, Control, and, in the future, Max Payne.
The game is still set in the Oldest House, packed with Altered Items that will make you feel inadequate and helpless for the job. Thankfully, the FBC is excellent at handling these supernatural threats, so they’re well-equipped to deal with them.
Six Years After Control
If you’re looking for something related to Control beyond just the setting, the game takes place six years after Jesse Faden visits the Bureau. These six years are crucial because they raise big questions: Why is the Federal Bureau of Control still in lockdown? Jesse managed to quell the Hiss threat before, so why is it happening again?
Guess we’ll have to play to find out.
Three Players
Unlike Left 4 Dead’s classic four-player co-op, FBC: Firebreak features only three players, though it’s always playable solo or with a duo. But there’s always a certain magic in threes, and you should find a group of friends to team up with and slay the Hiss.
Three players is a solid choice, as the game’s first-person perspective and claustrophobic hallways might feel overwhelming with an extra player. Besides, with only three characters, a wide variety of weapons and tools are available for each, encouraging synergy and letting you find your own footing as you take on odd jobs across the Oldest House. Now that I think about it, FBC: Firebreak could fit the 'friendslop' model of games.
Free On Game Pass / PlayStation Plus
The good news for those who can’t afford to buy FBC: Firebreak is free for PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass subscribers. Games like these are always a tough sell, especially in an already saturated shooter market. We’ve seen similar cases with Redfall and Back 4 Blood before, so Remedy’s decision to include it in subscription services is a smart move, rewarding longtime subscribers with access to the game.
I’m genuinely excited to try out FBC: Firebreak. It’s not usually my cup of tea, but I’ve had my fair share of fun with games like Left 4 Dead. This might turn out to be a great experience with friends, and the sheer amount of insanity in the latest trailer is growing on me. I mean, Evil Sticky Notes? Now that’s something.