FBC: Firebreak – Remedy’s Chaotic Co-op Shooter Arrives: Is it the Next Helldivers 2?

Remedy Entertainment, known for its story-driven single-player titles like Alan Wake and Control, is venturing into the multiplayer arena with FBC: Firebreak, a three-player co-op shooter set within the unsettling world of the Federal Bureau of Control. But can this departure from their single-player roots capture the same magic, and potentially rival the breakout success of games like Helldivers 2? Let's dive into what makes Firebreak unique and whether it lives up to the hype.

A Systemic Symphony of Chaos

FBC: Firebreak sets players as members of the Firebreakers, tasked with solving problems within the sealed-off Oldest House – the FBC headquarters overrun by the Hiss. The game thrives on systemic design, creating a world where actions have consequences. As Mike Kayatta, the game's director, puts it, the "controlled chaos of development" is essential to the game's inherently chaotic nature. This design is evident both in the game's development and its gameplay.

One of the standout features is how Firebreak encourages improvisation and rewards teamwork. Each player selects a "Crisis Kit" – a class that defines their role and abilities, such as the Jump Kit for crowd control, the Fix Kit for repairs, and the Splash Kit for support:

• Jump Kit: excels at crowd control and power management.
• Fix Kit: a tech expert specializing in repairs.
• Splash Kit: Offers status support by manipulating the water

These kits are not just classes; they are critical tools for navigating the Oldest House. Players must coordinate and combine their abilities to overcome challenges, or hilariously fail trying. A prime example: electrifying a soaked enemy becomes a devastating combo, emphasizing the importance of collaborative play.

Narrative Through Environment and Gameplay

Firebreak deviates from Remedy's traditional narrative approach. Instead of relying on cutscenes or audio logs, the story unfolds through the environment and player interactions. The Oldest House itself becomes a character, with its unsettling atmosphere and strange occurrences. Why is there a gigantic rubber duck following you? The game trusts players to piece together the narrative through observation and the chatter between characters. This approach allows both Control veterans and newcomers to enjoy the game without feeling lost or pressured to dive into existing lore.

A Nod to Co-op Giants

The influence of other successful co-op shooters like Helldivers 2, Darktide, Payday, and Deep Rock Galactic is evident in Firebreak's design. The concept of friendly fire is controversially brought into gameplay, players must be careful not to harm their teammates amid the enemy swarm in the field. Thomas Puha from Remedy mentioned that within the game's environment players actions will affect the gameplay, for example, shooting the ceiling sprinkler will result in dousing anyone or thing under it with water.

The game's run-based structure, with its escalating difficulty and potential rewards, creates a sense of risk and reward reminiscent of Helldivers 2. Random elements, such as the Corruption Level modifier that introduces hazards like low gravity or super-fast enemies, keep each playthrough fresh and unpredictable.

A Last-Minute Assembly?

Interestingly, Firebreak's development seems to have coalesced in the final months leading up to its mid-June launch. Anssi Hyytiäinen, Remedy's lead designer, joined the team relatively late but played a pivotal role in shaping the game's vision. This last-minute assembly might sound concerning, but it seems to have contributed to the game's chaotic and systemic nature.

Will Firebreak Ignite the Co-op World?

FBC: Firebreak is poised to be a compelling and ever-evolving experience for fans of co-op shooters. With its unique blend of systemic gameplay, environmental storytelling, and a touch of Remedy's signature weirdness, it has the potential to carve out its own niche in the crowded genre.

Will you venture into the Oldest House with your friends? What do you think about the friendly fire being implemented into the gameplay in the game? Share your thoughts and excitement for FBC: Firebreak in the comments below!

• Control
• FBC: Firebreak
• Remedy Entertainment