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FBC: Firebreak

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of FBC: Firebreak
Item: FBC: Firebreak
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAction, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Shooter, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableJun 17, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperRemedy Entertainment

Overview

FBC: Firebreak is a 3-player cooperative first-person shooter set within the enigmatic Federal Bureau of Control (FBC). As the Bureau’s headquarters faces a deadly and prolonged siege by otherworldly forces, only Firebreak—its most adaptable response unit—has the skills and courage to restore order.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

FBC: Firebreak offers a quirky, lighthearted spin on its predecessor, Control, with a focus on teamwork and charm. However, critics agree the story lacks depth and coherence, feeling shallow and disconnected from the original universe. While some enjoy the humor and gameplay, many are disappointed by the minimal narrative and character development, leaving both fans and newcomers wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

49%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

40%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions regarding the story of FBC: Firebreak reveal a few positive aspects that critics have acknowledged. Several reviewers, such as CGMagazine and GameSpot, appreciated the game's lighthearted tone and quirky storytelling style, which contrasts with its predecessor, Control. Critics like Hobby Consolas noted the collaborative nature of the narrative, emphasizing the teamwork of operatives combating the Hiss, which adds a unique flavor to the gameplay experience. Additionally, some reviewers, like Gameliner, highlighted the charm of the writing, suggesting that while the overarching narrative may be minimal, the smaller narratives within each Job contribute to a unique atmosphere that can be engaging for players. However, a consistent theme among the critiques is the lack of depth and coherence in the story. Many critics, including TechRadar Gaming and Vandal, pointed out that the narrative feels thin and superficial, failing to provide the richness typically associated with Remedy's titles. The absence of a strong narrative focus was echoed by multiple reviewers, such as Gaming Age and IGN Benelux, who lamented the minimal dialogue and lack of engaging character development. Critics like Slant Magazine and DBLTAP went further, stating that the game feels disconnected from the Control universe, which diminishes player engagement and leaves newcomers confused about the context. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while FBC: Firebreak attempts to carve out its own narrative within the Control universe, it ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling and cohesive story. Many reviewers, including Push Square and Combo Infinito, expressed disappointment at the lack of depth and context, which leaves players wanting more from the experience. The game's shift towards a multiplayer focus and the prioritization of gameplay over narrative has polarized opinions, with some appreciating the humor and lightheartedness, while others find it lacking in substance. In summary, FBC: Firebreak presents an interesting premise but struggles to deliver a narrative that resonates with both fans of the original game and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

FBC: Firebreak's gameplay shines with its cooperative mechanics and class-based systems, earning praise for strategic collaboration and varied playstyles. However, many critics slam it for being repetitive and tedious, with missions feeling like chores. While the game's foundation shows promise, significant refinement and content updates are needed to keep players engaged and overcome the monotony.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of FBC: Firebreak has garnered some positive feedback from various critics, highlighting its emphasis on cooperative mechanics and unique class-based systems. Reviewers like CGMagazine and Stevivor praise the engaging and chaotic nature of the gameplay, noting that the different roles and class builds allow for varied playstyles and require teamwork to tackle various challenges. Critics such as Gameliner and Shacknews also commend the game for its distinct kits and mission structures that enhance the cooperative experience, making it enjoyable for players who appreciate strategic collaboration. The unique objectives and the potential for synergy between players are seen as strong points that contribute to an engaging gameplay loop. However, a significant number of critics have raised concerns about the repetitive and monotonous nature of the gameplay. Critics like GamesRadar+ and The Jimquisition describe the gameplay as tedious and lacking excitement, with many missions feeling like mere chores rather than enjoyable experiences. Digital Trends and TechRadar Gaming echo this sentiment, criticizing the game for its repetitive tasks and limited variety in missions, which detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, some reviewers, such as COGconnected and GameMAG, point out issues with the initial balance of kits and the grinding required to unlock their potential, further contributing to a sense of frustration. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a notable divide in sentiment regarding the gameplay of FBC: Firebreak. While some reviewers appreciate the cooperative elements and unique mechanics, many others are critical of the game's repetitive nature and lack of engaging content. Critics like Vandal and But Why Tho? emphasize that despite the potential for fun and strategic play, the gameplay often devolves into a monotonous cycle that can lead to boredom. This feedback suggests that while FBC: Firebreak has a solid foundation, it may require further refinement and content updates to fully realize its potential and maintain player engagement over time.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

FBC: Firebreak impresses with its vibrant graphics and engaging retro-futurist design, largely thanks to the Northlight engine. Critics praise its atmospheric lighting and unique environments, reminiscent of the Control universe. However, weaknesses in weapon/enemy design, technical performance issues, and a lack of variety detract from the overall visual impact. While the game has strong elements, it fails to consistently meet the high standards set by previous Remedy titles, leaving a mixed reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

60%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of FBC: Firebreak have garnered a generally positive reception among critics, highlighting the game's impressive use of the Northlight engine. Reviewers such as CGMagazine and COGconnected praised the retro-futurist aesthetic, with CGMagazine noting the engaging visual experience created through bright colors and effective lighting. Critics like Hobby Consolas and KeenGamer emphasized the strong atmospheric qualities brought forth by the game's excellent use of shadows and lighting, contributing to a visually immersive experience reminiscent of the Control universe. The environments were described as distinct and engaging, with Push Square appreciating the blend of mundane office settings with brutalist architecture, further enhancing the game's visual appeal. Despite the positive aspects, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the game's graphics. For instance, Game8 mentioned that while the visuals reflect the Control universe well, the design of weapons and enemies lacks distinction, which detracts from the overall aesthetic. The Jimquisition described the graphics as "fine" but lacking standout features, while GameMAG highlighted technical issues such as performance drops and graphical artifacts during intense moments. Other critics, like But Why Tho?, found the visuals to be forgettable and lacking in variety, indicating a disparity in the game's visual execution across different platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while FBC: Firebreak showcases impressive graphics and a unique visual identity, particularly through its connection to the Remedy universe, it is marred by inconsistencies in design and technical performance. Critics like GameSpot and GamingTrend celebrated the game's vibrant environments and impressive visual effects, yet others like Games.cz and SpazioGames noted that the artistic cohesion does not quite match the high standards set by previous Remedy titles. This mixture of praise and criticism indicates that while the game has strong visual elements, it may not fully realize its potential in delivering a consistently engaging visual experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

FBC: Firebreak's sound design and music are divisive. Some critics praise the energetic punk-rock soundtrack and immersive sound effects, enhancing the gameplay experience, while others criticize it as bland and forgettable, with annoying voice lines and weak environmental sounds. This polarized reception indicates that while some players may thrive on its high-energy audio, many others find it lacking depth and memorability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

21%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

29%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions regarding the sound design and music of FBC: Firebreak present a mixed bag of sentiments, with several critics praising the energetic and thematic elements that contribute positively to the gameplay experience. CGMagazine highlights the intense guitar riffs of the soundtrack, emphasizing how they enhance the punk-rock sensibilities of the game and its overall atmosphere. Similarly, Gameliner notes the energetic soundtrack's contribution to the audiovisual experience, while GameGrin appreciates the excellent sound design, particularly during escape sequences. Critics like Game8 and SECTOR.sk also commend the voice acting and music, with the latter pointing out the fitting rock and action-oriented tone of the soundtrack, which aligns well with the game's cooperative and intense gameplay. On the other hand, a significant number of critics express disappointment with various aspects of the sound design. TechRadar Gaming describes the sound design as bland, with generic sound effects failing to enhance the gameplay experience. The Jimquisition criticizes the sound design as dismal, particularly pointing out obnoxious player character voice clips. Vandal echoes this sentiment, calling the music forgettable and stating that environmental effects lack prominence during key moments. XboxEra also mentions annoying voice lines and notes the absence of atmospheric music that was a hallmark of previous titles like Control. This divergence in opinions suggests a clear divide between those who found the audio elements engaging and those who felt they fell short. Overall, the consensus among critics reveals a polarized reception of FBC: Firebreak's sound design and music. While some reviewers, such as CGMagazine and Gameliner, celebrate the soundtrack and sound effects for enhancing the gameplay experience, others like TechRadar Gaming and The Jimquisition highlight significant flaws that detract from immersion. This dichotomy suggests that the sound design may resonate well with certain players who appreciate its energetic qualities, while others may find it lacking in depth and memorability. Ultimately, the mixed reviews indicate that FBC: Firebreak's audio elements may appeal to a niche audience, leaving a broader consensus on its effectiveness unresolved.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Voice acting in FBC: Firebreak draws mixed reviews. Some praise its charm and humor, enhancing character engagement, while others slam it as generic and annoying, detracting from the gameplay. Critics are split, indicating both strengths and glaring weaknesses that suggest a need for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

44%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions regarding the voice acting in FBC: Firebreak reveal a mix of positive sentiments that highlight certain strengths in character portrayal. Game8 praises the voice acting as "well-executed," noting that it imbues the characters with enough personality to be endearing. Similarly, Gameliner appreciates the casual and relatable dialogue, which enhances the game's atmosphere and humor, portraying the characters as ordinary volunteers. Try Hard Guides also finds value in the humor and quippy dialogue, suggesting that it contributes a light-hearted tone to the game, which can be appealing in a serious setting. These positive remarks indicate that there are moments of effective voice acting that resonate well with players, particularly in terms of character engagement and humor. However, there are significant criticisms that paint a less favorable picture of the voice acting in FBC: Firebreak. TechRadar Gaming describes the voice acting as "unremarkable," pointing out the generic nature of the characters and their lack of depth. The Jimquisition goes further, labeling the voice acting as "completely obnoxious," which detracts from the overall experience. KeenGamer expresses a desire for more character variety and voice options, indicating that the current offerings may not be sufficient to keep players engaged. XboxEra echoes this sentiment, stating that the voice lines can be annoying and negatively impact the gameplay experience. These negative critiques suggest that while there are redeeming qualities, many players feel that the voice acting falls short in terms of depth and variety. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in FBC: Firebreak is mixed, with a notable divide between those who appreciate the humor and relatability and those who find it lacking or even detrimental. While some, like Game8 and Gameliner, highlight the effective execution and engaging dialogue, others, such as TechRadar Gaming and The Jimquisition, express dissatisfaction with the generic and sometimes annoying nature of the voice work. This dichotomy suggests that while there are elements of charm and personality, the voice acting ultimately may not meet the expectations of all players, indicating room for improvement in future updates or installments.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

FBC: Firebreak shows mixed technical performance across platforms. PS5 shines with gyro aiming and stable 60 FPS, while Xbox Series X and PC also perform well but suffer from glitches and connectivity issues. Critics highlight significant problems like matchmaking woes and hit registration flaws that frustrate gameplay. Overall, despite some strengths, the game's technical shortcomings suggest it needs improvement to fully meet player expectations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

27%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of FBC: Firebreak varies across different gaming platforms, with some positive aspects highlighted by critics. On the PlayStation 5, CGMagazine praises the implementation of gyro aiming and DualSense features, showcasing a strong technical performance. Push Square also notes that the game runs smoothly with a stable frame rate of 60 FPS, while The Jimquisition describes it as competently made and stable, with quick matchmaking and minimal loading times. On Xbox Series X, Gameliner reports that the game runs smoothly across various platforms, indicating strong technical performance and stability. Meanwhile, on PC, several critics, including DBLTAP and GamingTrend, commend the game for being polished and performant, with GamingBolt noting that it generally performs well despite some occasional frame rate drops. However, there are significant technical issues reported across all platforms that detract from the overall experience. On PS5, Daily Star and Digital Trends both point out matchmaking issues and unreliable connectivity at launch, which can lead to frustrating gameplay. Game8 highlights hit registration issues and lagging animations, indicating optimization problems, while Saudi Gamer mentions unclear feedback affecting gameplay. On Xbox Series X, GameMAG reports performance drops and glitches during large enemy encounters, suggesting that technical problems persist. On PC, while many reviews praise performance, critics like Games.cz and Try Hard Guides note issues with glitches, AI problems, and significant desync issues, which can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed reception regarding the technical performance of FBC: Firebreak across all platforms. While there are notable strengths, particularly on PS5 and PC where some critics report solid performance, significant technical issues remain a common theme. Critics like TechRadar Gaming express disappointment with the overall experience, suggesting that while the game functions adequately, it does not meet higher expectations. The presence of both positive and negative feedback indicates that while the game has potential, it requires further optimization and stability improvements to enhance the player experience across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on FBC: Firebreak's replay value. Some praise its engaging co-op gameplay and deep build system, suggesting it could draw players back. However, many highlight issues like repetitive missions and limited content, indicating a lack of long-term appeal. The game's success may depend on future updates to improve its replayability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

16%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

44%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of FBC: Firebreak reveal a mixed sentiment among critics, with some highlighting positive aspects of the game. Several reviewers, such as CGMagazine and COGconnected, noted the engaging co-op experience and the depth of gameplay, suggesting that players may return once they invest time in upgrading their kits. Critics like Stevivor and Saudi Gamer also pointed out that the game offers various difficulty levels and job variations, which could enhance replayability, especially when played with friends. Additionally, GameSpot emphasized the game's deep build system and live-service elements as factors that encourage experimentation and returning for new content. Conversely, a significant number of critics expressed concerns about the game's long-term replay value, primarily due to repetitive mission structures and limited content. For instance, Digital Trends and GamesRadar+ highlighted the grind and lack of engaging gameplay mechanics that could deter players from returning after their initial experience. Critics like Game8 and Vandal echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the game feels more like an early access title due to its scarce content and variety. The repetitive nature of missions was a recurring theme, with reviewers such as The Jimquisition and TechRadar Gaming stating that this aspect significantly diminishes the game's appeal for repeated play. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a cautious outlook on the replay value of FBC: Firebreak. While some reviewers see potential in its co-op gameplay and progression systems, many others, including IGN Benelux and MMORPG.com, argue that the limited content and repetitive tasks create a barrier to long-term engagement. The mixed opinions suggest that while there are elements that could foster replayability, the current state of the game may leave players feeling unmotivated to return after their initial playthroughs. Thus, the game's future may hinge on content updates and improvements that could address these concerns and enhance its replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding FBC: Firebreak presents a mixed bag of opinions, with several critics acknowledging its potential and enjoyable aspects. Critics such as CGMagazine and KeenGamer highlight the game's cooperative gameplay, describing it as a fun experience that fans of the genre may appreciate. CGMagazine specifically mentions that it is a surprisingly enjoyable co-op shooter, while KeenGamer points out the engaging gameplay and impressive visuals. Additionally, Stevivor praises the balance of shooting, puzzles, and environmental challenges, suggesting that the game could be a worthwhile experience for players waiting for future titles from Remedy. The innovative ideas and strong atmosphere noted by Hobby Consolas further contribute to the game's appeal, indicating that there are elements that resonate well with players. However, the criticisms of FBC: Firebreak are significant and prevalent among reviewers. Many critics, including Digital Trends and TechRadar Gaming, express disappointment over the game's grindy nature and lack of engaging content. Daily Star and Game8 echo this sentiment, describing the game as feeling like a starting point rather than a complete product, with insufficient content and polish at launch. GamesRadar+ and The Jimquisition also highlight the repetitive gameplay and disconnection from the source material, further emphasizing the game's shortcomings. Critics like Combo Infinito and This Is Game point out that the game lacks depth and variety, making it a forgettable entry in Remedy's catalog. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while FBC: Firebreak has some enjoyable aspects and potential, it ultimately falls short of expectations, particularly for fans of Remedy's previous work, Control. Many reviewers, such as Vandal and MMORPG.com, describe it as a decent first multiplayer effort that lacks the studio's signature strengths and fails to deliver a compelling experience. The game is characterized as having a fun cooperative experience but is marred by a lack of content, polish, and engaging gameplay, leading to a mixed reception. As noted by critics like GamingTrend and Shacknews, the unique setting and cooperative mechanics are promising, but the execution leaves much to be desired, suggesting that future updates may be necessary to enhance the overall experience.

TL;DR

FBC: Firebreak is a mixed bag. Critics praise its fun co-op gameplay and engaging visuals, highlighting potential for fans of the genre. However, significant flaws emerge, with many reviewers citing grindy mechanics, a lack of content, and repetitive gameplay that feels unfinished. While it offers promising ideas and a strong atmosphere, it ultimately disappoints those expecting the depth and polish of Remedy’s previous titles like Control. Overall, it’s seen as a decent start that needs substantial improvement to meet player expectations.

MONSTER

Reviews

93 reviews found

SECTOR.sk

Jun 17, 2025