My journey with FBC: Firebreak began with an unexpected culinary mishap. Shortly after diving into the game, I found myself face-first in a delicious cream cake, only to accidentally drop a dollop of cream into my blood orange cocktail. As I watched the cream swirl and dissolve, my mind was instantly transported back to the eerie corridors of the Federal Bureau of Control, firing bursts of liquid at the glowing red enemies that haunt its halls. This whimsical leap of logic is exactly the kind of experience a visit to Remedy’s headquarters imprints on your brain.

Remedy Entertainment, known for its diverse portfolio ranging from horror to sci-fi and neo-noir detective stories, has always embraced its playful side. FBC: Firebreak, their latest venture into first-person and co-op multiplayer, is a testament to this. In a mere two-hour session, I found myself both obliterating foes with a mischievous garden gnome and battling a colossal sticky note monster. It's this blend of silliness and innovation that convinces me Remedy can carve out a unique space in the often serious world of online shooters.

FBC: Firebreak - Gameplay Screenshots

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Set six years after the events of Control, Firebreak revisits The Oldest House, a setting that will feel familiar to fans of Jesse Faden's story. The game retains the brutalist architecture and Finnish folk music that made the original so memorable, offering a comforting yet eerie return. In Firebreak, squads re-enter this mysterious government building to tackle localized outbreaks of the Hiss, the inter-dimensional threat from Control. Imagine yourself and up to two teammates as this universe's Ghostbusters, but instead of proton packs, you're wielding double-barreled shotguns—and yes, crossing the streams is encouraged.

The game introduces three distinct "kits," serving as Firebreak's classes, each offering unique abilities to enhance team play. The Fix Kit lets you repair machines like ammo stations and healing showers—a quirky mechanic where FBC employees restore health by getting drenched. The Splash Kit comes equipped with a hydro cannon to heal teammates and douse enemies, while the Jump Kit includes an Electro-Kinetic Charge Impactor to stun foes. Combining these kits can lead to explosive results, like electrocuting a waterlogged enemy.

Though playable solo, Firebreak thrives on teamwork and communication. Missions, or "jobs," follow a consistent format: infiltrate, complete objectives, and escape via elevator. My initial task involved fixing three faulty heat fans amidst enemy waves, a straightforward yet engaging challenge. "Paper Chase," the next mission, required us to destroy thousands of sticky notes, which could attach to us and cause damage—a literal "death by a thousand paper cuts." These notes could be efficiently destroyed by combining water and electricity, showcasing the game's elemental kit synergy. The solid gunplay ensures you can always contribute, whether with a machine gun or other weapons.

The third mission in Black Rock Quarry demanded the most teamwork. We had to shoot radioactive leeches off walls to collect pearls, transport them safely, and navigate through hordes of enemies and radiation hazards. It was challenging but fun, emphasizing the importance of communication.

While I'm generally satisfied with the mission objectives, Firebreak's map design leaves me torn. Unlike Control's labyrinthine corridors, these maps are more linear and straightforward, which might benefit first-person navigation but loses some of the original's unpredictable charm. Don't expect something as intricate as the Ashtray Maze, but rather more grounded and simpler spaces.

Completing missions unlocks clearance levels, adding new objectives and expanding the maps. Bosses, ranging from bullet sponges to inventive creatures like the giant sticky note monster, gate progress. Defeating these requires teamwork and strategy, reminiscent of some of Space Marine 2's challenging encounters.

The game's quirky elements, like monsters made from everyday objects, are a highlight. Randomly spawning corrupted items, such as a rubber duck that redirects enemies or traffic lights that deal damage, add an unpredictable layer to the gameplay. However, issues with readability, such as locating small items, are areas the developers are actively addressing before launch.

Firebreak's loadouts and unlockable abilities further embrace Remedy's signature style. From the Splash Kit's Teapot that burns enemies to the Jump Kit's chaotic garden gnome, these tools ensure that the battlefield is a place of fun and unpredictability. Yet, the sheer amount of action on screen can sometimes make it hard to discern key elements, a readability concern that the developers plan to improve before the June 17 launch.

Firebreak will launch with five jobs, with two more promised by the end of 2025. Director Mike Kayatta views these as game modes rather than missions, offering depth and replayability through multiple clearance levels and evolving objectives. Priced at $39.99 / €39.99 / £32.99 and available on Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, Firebreak offers ample value for both Control veterans and newcomers seeking a fun shooter experience.

Navigating the always-online co-op shooter landscape is challenging, but Firebreak's strong foundation and Remedy's unique quirky personality give it the potential to stand out. Just like that unexpected dollop of cream that found its way into my cocktail—still delicious, by the way.