Almost exactly eight months after announcing it, Finnish game developer Remedy Entertainment has released its co-op action title FBC Firebreak.
The game is now available on Windows PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5, priced at around €40. It’s also part of the PC and Xbox Game Pass from day one, giving subscribers instant access.
FBC Firebreak is built upon the critically acclaimed single-player hit Control. However, early player feedback suggests that this new entry hasn’t quite struck the same chord. On Steam, the game currently holds an average rating of “Mixed,” reflecting a split in community sentiment.
Much of the criticism centers around the gameplay mechanics, particularly the gunplay. Many players describe the combat as lacking impact and dynamism, with shootouts feeling underwhelming rather than intense or satisfying. Another common complaint is the relatively limited amount of content available at launch, leaving some players wanting more from the experience.
Despite these drawbacks, the game’s setting and overall atmosphere have been well received. Fans of Control especially seem to appreciate the return to its distinctive world and the creative design of its environments. The eerie and surreal tone that defined Control is alive and well in FBC Firebreak, and many players say the team at Remedy has done a solid job translating that into a co-op format.
Set within the headquarters of the mysterious Federal Bureau of Control, FBC Firebreak unfolds largely inside The Oldest House—the same strange, shape-shifting building featured in Control. Known for its supernatural, ever-changing interiors, this location remains a key narrative and gameplay element, offering an unpredictable and unsettling backdrop for the co-op action.
In FBC Firebreak, players form a squad tasked with battling paranormal threats lurking in the Bureau’s shifting corridors and sectors. The game features a mix of conventional weapons like machine guns and shotguns, alongside more unconventional tools—such as a garden gnome that lures enemies in before detonating in a massive explosion.
With its mix of eerie storytelling and offbeat weaponry, FBC Firebreak carves out a unique space in the co-op shooter genre. However, if Remedy hopes to replicate the success of Control, it may need to address feedback around gameplay depth and combat responsiveness in future updates.