FBC: Firebreak Review

 Overview

FBC: Firebreak was one of my most anticipated games of the year. However after playing the game, It feels like it needed a little more work done. While there are a lot of things FBC does right, there also are a equal number of flaws. 

(Played on PC)

(No Plot Section as the game's lore is mostly dependent on Control and Alan Wake.)

Gameplay

FBC: Firebreak's main gameplay loop revolves around several ridiculous scenarios in which you and your team will try to complete multiple absurd objectives. The amount of fun you can have however is dependent on your team. I played one game where one of my teammates was hoarding upgrades, not doing the objective and missed the elevator. My next game was significantly more enjoyable as me and my team used our kits properly, worked together and escaped. 

Zone 1 on Paper Chase on Normal Difficulty.

The early weapons are extremely unbalanced. The double barrel shotgun is extremely weak, and the Submachine gun is downright awful. I quickly found a favorite in the Revolver as both the other early guns just kind of suck. There are obvious favorites. The Fix kit and the Jump Kit are both useful in their own ways (Although the Fix kit is slightly better) . The splash kit is useful in certain scenarios, but for the most part it's a support to the other 2 kits. But certain levels like Hot Fix are made a lot easier with it. It's not required but it is useful. Progression is a little wonky and may take some getting used to, but after a few hours I understood it pretty well. Items are unlocked via collecting in game files and clearing stages. The status effects are done pretty well and are very important. Enemies however are incredibly stupid and there isn't a ton of variety, but for the most part they are used well. 

A group of enemies running into fire and dying in Paper Chase

Enemies literally kill themselves by catching themselves on fire and covering themselves in Pink goo and exploding. Some levels have boring moments and can be tedious at times, while others hit every time. Hot Fix is a nightmare solo but fun with a team, Ground Control starts slow but ends with a bang, and Paper Chase is very enjoyable. I encountered a lot of disconnections in my time playing as well. But the best part about FBC: Firebreak is it's hectic escapes. The action packed run back to the elevator and the final zone is a blast every time. I remember playing solo and running back only for a powerful enemy to block my path, resulting in a high stakes gunfight before my close escape. Moments like these are clearly what FBC was meant for. 

A close escape from Ground Control

But for all it does right there are 2 major problems with FBC: Bugs and Content. FBC Firebreak has kept me interested in my playtime but it's lack of levels and maps may make players lose interest pretty fast. And I have encountered quite a few bugs. Frozen enemies, visual errors, disconnections, disappearing items, flying items and more.

A visual glitch on Frequency Shift. I had already washed it off and it came back.

However it is important to note that the game has more content in the works and the overall gameplay loop is very enjoyable... with the right team.

Verdict

FBC: Firebreak has a lot of potential. My time with this game has proven that. But it's full potential has not been reached yet. The core gameplay loop, status effects and main idea are all great, but the game is too easily ruined by bad teammates and tedious objectives. Here are the scores.

Graphics: 94

FBC: Firebreak looks great. The style, lighting and effects all look good.

Gameplay: 76

The core gameplay is fun but flawed. Guns are unbalanced and enemies are dumb, but with the right squad its a blast.

Soundtrack: 70

While not the best it fits the game well.

Overall: 78

FBC: Firebreak is an absolute blast with the right level and the right team. But with a bad team it can become a slog at times. But for the most part FBC is a fun but flawed great time. It's a great game to pick up with friends off XGP and PSPLUS.