A Fresh Era for Remedy’s Interconnected Universe

For the past ten years, Remedy Entertainment has been steadily building a shared universe through hits like Control and Alan Wake. These games are cleverly intertwined to weave a grand narrative, and the forthcoming co-op shooter, FBC Firebreak, marks the latest installment in this expanding saga. Despite its new direction in terms of concept and gameplay, FBC Firebreak remains true to its roots, staying deeply connected to Remedy’s overarching universe.

Recently, Game Rant had the chance to witness FBC Firebreak in action during a hands-off preview session. True to Remedy’s style, the game sets itself apart from typical FPS shooters by emphasizing a unique customization element. Players will find themselves tailoring their experience every time they dive in, a noticeable departure from Remedy’s traditionally narrative-heavy adventures.

Unlike some of Remedy’s more complex storytelling endeavors, FBC: Firebreak keeps things quite straightforward. Set six years post-Control, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s headquarters, The Oldest House, remains under siege by formidable entities known as The Hiss. This time, it’s up to a band of first responders, drafted from various internal Bureau departments, to eliminate the Hiss threat by any means available.

So, what underpins FBC: Firebreak’s design philosophy? Remedy adheres to four core principles:

1. Only in Control: Though it stands alone, FBC: Firebreak is undeniably part of the Control universe. Remedy wanted to ensure that its aesthetic and atmosphere were unmistakably linked to this world.

2. Pick Up and Play: As a dedicated co-op shooter, Remedy prioritized a gameplay experience that lets players jump right into action, bypassing genre staples like daily check-ins and battle passes.

3. Better Together: The game encourages cooperation, where every action contributes to the team’s success in a natural, seamless way.

4. Fun on Repeat: At its heart, FBC: Firebreak is about enjoyment. Remedy crafted mechanics and experiences that are not only engaging but can be tailored, keeping each playthrough as varied as the player desires.

These principles drive the game, ensuring it remains a player-guided narrative. It was crucial that fans of Control or Alan Wake felt they could enjoy an evolving story without venturing too far from their comfort zone, hence standing alone was paramount for Remedy.

FBC: Firebreak accommodates solo players and duos but is optimized for three-player teams. While Remedy hasn’t spilled the beans on any Alan Wake or Control Easter eggs, don’t be surprised if crossover nods frequently pop up given past tendencies from the developer.

Delving into the game, players will find themselves selecting missions and customizing each run. By adjusting the threat and clearance levels, they can influence both the challenge and the rewards. The gear, termed crisis kits, allow for diverse loadouts, adaptable mid-mission for dynamic gameplay experiences.

During a preview, Game Rant observed a mission dubbed Paper Chase, where players had to clear masses of sticky notes transforming into bizarre note-covered foes. The action was intense, with players needing to swiftly tackle waves of Hiss while dealing with the quirky paper hazards. This mission highlighted not just creative weaponry, like an electrifying shotgun, but also the verticality of environments, maintaining the signature Control style with its sprawling halls and towering ceilings. The urgency to complete objectives quickly was a clear design focus, with players racing back to elevators to conclude their missions.

Looking ahead, Remedy plans for all post-launch content for FBC: Firebreak to be free, with optional purchase options for cosmetics. It’s set to debut in the summer of 2025, available immediately on PS Plus Extra, Premium, and Xbox Game Pass. Keep an eye out as more details are likely to drop soon!