FBC: Firebreak review – A shallow shooter wearing Control’s skin

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I enjoy Firebreak, but I’m not keen on playing it again just yet. Playing an online game like Firebreak doesn’t always guarantee you’ll team up with people who make you laugh, but in this case, I was fortunate enough to complete each of the five mission types with a group that made me chuckle when I fell. It was relaxed, full of laughter, and easy to understand. However, we’ve played many games together and are content to revisit some modes, but we’re glad not to play Firebreak again anytime soon.

Even with an excellent team, any game can become enjoyable, yet that doesn’t make it a high-quality game in itself. Firebreak, however, seems like a decent game; it’s well-crafted, runs smoothly, and has good visuals. However, it fails to excite as its gameplay is incredibly dull. Regardless of the weapon, loadout kit, or mission type you choose, the experience remains monotonous.

In this reimagined version, the game Firebreak grants The Oldest House to Control, allowing small groups of ordinary individuals to explore its haunting depths, tackling the supernatural predicaments that arise at a focal point of otherworldly activity. Typically, you’re assigned routine maintenance tasks such as repairing generators or ventilation systems, but soon find yourself under siege by waves of enemies infected with the Hiss, attacking from all sides.

Equipped with a variety of traditional weapons such as revolvers, shotguns, bolt-action rifles, and more (with the revolver being particularly effective), you’ll also find a utility pack containing three specialized kits: Fix, Jump, and Splash. Each kit offers distinct advantages for navigating different stages more efficiently. The Splash Kit is handy for dealing with frequent fire issues, while the Fix Kit can repair broken items, and the Jump Kit can electrify devices, which is beneficial in almost every mission scenario. While it’s possible to handle most of these problems manually, it would be a time-consuming process that involves playing a mini-game where you rapidly press two buttons.

Firebreak shares several aspects with Helldivers 2, such as the method for unlocking new equipment and gameplay fundamentals. In Firebreak, you venture into hostile territories to gather currency to acquire new tools, while working towards a basic objective. This is all while being chased by countless enemies. The main differences between the two games are that Firebreak’s levels follow a more linear and predictable path, whereas Helldivers’ unlockable tools are entertaining to utilize.

After completing two rounds of each mission category, it’s clear which ones are enjoyable versus those that prompt your teammates to express disdain for a repeat performance. Regrettably, none of them bring genuine delight; they merely seem less aggravating than the others. At no point did anyone show enthusiasm for revisiting any of these missions, and while they’re typically short and seldom frustrating, there are no standout qualities that make them particularly memorable or appealing.

In simpler terms, if you haven’t played other games by Remedy Entertainment, especially Control, much of Alan Wake 2 may seem strange and nonsensical. For instance, why is there a monster made from post-it notes? Or why does a mission require you to put mannequins on a ski lift? It can be confusing, but since I have some recollection of the objects of power, I’m going along with it. If this is your first Remedy game, it might feel utterly bizarre and meaningless.

Since the Firebreak press preview, there have been some strategic adjustments in both balance and gameplay, which indicates that the developers will be prompt in addressing any issues or problematic areas that may arise at launch. However, even if the game is impeccably polished, it won’t make a difference if the gameplay remains tedious. Essentially, you shoot enemies, observe their health diminish, gather items, and find yourself frequently returning to the respawn point. To be clear, it’s not flawed or unplayable; it’s simply monotonous.

Firebreak” is a first-person PvE shooter that resembles a game people enjoy playing. While it’s not terrible, my teammates don’t seem keen on playing it again. I can only hope that when Alan Wake 3 and Control 2 are released, the characters from FBC: Firebreak won’t matter much because I’ll likely forget about this game in less than six months, and it will just become another supernatural occurrence for conspiracy theories.

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2025-06-17 15:16