Mr Viral
We’ve had a couple of new day one launches on Xbox Game Pass today — one being Remedy’s FBC: Firebreak — and so far, it’s not quite living up to the high standards that the Control & Alan Wake developer has set itself.
That’s not to say that impressions are wholly negative so far, more mixed, but it seems as though the Finnish studio has some way to win over its fans with this new multiplayer title.
With that in mind, we’ll gather up some of the early reviews for FBC: Firebreak down below, and you can decide if it’s worth a whirl on Xbox Game Pass:
GamingTrend (8/10)
“Remedy games are about the experience, and the team nailed that with FBC: Firebreak. While I wouldn’t say it’s in the upper echelon of their titles, Firebreak succeeds in being an entertaining cooperative adventure into the depths of the Oldest House. It’s fresh in a way only Remedy can make; a worthwhile experiment. Thanks to them, I’ll never look at sticky notes the same again.”
Shacknews (8/10)
“FBC: Firebreak is an impressive multiplayer take on the Control universe. Each Job is cleverly designed to make the most of the game’s various playstyles, while also enjoying a steep amount of replayability thanks to Job customization. It’s a multiplayer game that can give you chill, casual vibes and intense, challenging gameplay; it’s all about what you want to get out of it.”
GamingBolt (7/10)
“As Remedy’s first co-op shooter, FBC: Firebreak is a successful experiment, and while it doesn’t quite match up to the best in the genre, the Oldest House is still a good stage for some creepy, frenetic action.”
Push Square (6/10)
“FBC: Firebreak stings a little, because it has so much of what we’re looking for in a co-op shooter. It’s got the killer world and aesthetic, it’s got quirky powers and role based kits, it’s got tight first-person gameplay, and doesn’t require you to grind things out for dozens of hours. However, despite all of that, Firebreak’s just fine, and ironically lacks the fire that we expect from Remedy’s output. It’s a fun, casual time, but you’ll play it, you’ll finish it, and before long you’ll forget about it and wish you had been playing Control 2 instead.”
Checkpoint Gaming (6/10)
“Despite being competent on many levels, FBC: Firebreak is an exceedingly familiar cooperative experience you have likely played before. Remedy’s signature flair for visual design and return to a familiar and beloved video game locale might be enough for absolute die-hard fans, but it is tough to see who the target audience for this entry into the RCU was envisioned for. While not a total misfire, FBC: Firebreak feels destined to be a footnote from the world of Alan Wake.”
But Why Tho? (5.5/10)
“FBC Firebreak delivers an experience that is, at best, competent and, at worst, tedious. Given the glut of options in the multiplayer FPS market and the $40 price tag this game carries, it is hard to suggest it to anyone.”
Screen Rant (4/10)
“As it stands, FBC: Firebreak is an interesting bundle of concepts that coalesces into an underwhelming whole. While I love the idea of mounting an offensive against sticky notes, after a few runs of the job, I’ve already had my fill. The game eventually ceases to feel like much more than a slog through numbers, and the objectives drag on even in short-burst stages.”
At the time of posting, FBC: Firebreak has a Metacritic rating of 67 and an OpenCritic score of 75 – so nothing too crazy, but definitely a drop off from recent Remedy releases such as Alan Wake 2. This co-op spin-off to Control is now live for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate & PC Game Pass players.
Will you still be trying this one out on Xbox Game Pass? Talk to us about FBC: Firebreak down below.
