Firebreak: 6 Enjoyable nods to control

Firebreakers in Remedy Entertainment’s first multiplayer game, “FBC: Firebreak,” find themselves battling the Hiss invasion in the Oldest House. This Left 4 Dead-style shooter is high on action and low on narrative, but it still manages to connect to the larger Remedyverse shared by “Control” and the “Alan Wake” series. Set six years after the events of “Control,” players are faced with dimension-hopping Hiss invaders wreaking havoc within the Federal Bureau of Control headquarters.

Throughout the game, players will come across various references and dialogues that allude to the occurrences in “Control.” Even though players are in the thick of battle against the Hiss, they may miss these subtle hints as they navigate through the Oldest House, completing missions and dealing with the fallout of the Hiss invasion. The Firebreak initiative itself is named after the black rock-lined bridges that once separated sectors of the Oldest House during the initial Hiss incursion.

Warning: The following content may contain spoilers for “Control.” The game’s incorporation of the X-Files/SCP Foundation government agency genre tackling the supernatural is evident in the gameplay. Players must ensure their Hedron Resonance Amplifiers (HRAs) remain intact during intense fights to avoid falling victim to the Hiss.

Each Firebreaker is equipped with a Hedron Resonance Amplifier, a crucial device that safeguards them from Hiss possession. The black box strapped to their ensemble emits a frequency sourced from Polaris, a benevolent resonance-based organism that prevents the Hiss from seizing control. Polaris, known as Jesse Faden’s symbiotic companion in “Control,” plays a vital role in aiding players as they progress through the game.

The attention to detail in character cosmetics within Firebreak is commendable, with each Firebreaker sporting a unique look. Despite the chaotic battles and engaging gameplay, players are reminded of the underlying link to the larger Remedyverse and the overarching narrative from “Control.” The subtle nods to the events in “Control” enrich the gaming experience and offer a deeper connection to the lore and world-building established by Remedy Entertainment.

As players traverse the Oldest House and confront the Hiss invaders, they will encounter these references and callbacks that pay homage to the events in “Control.” From the intricacies of the HRAs to the significance of Polaris, these elements add depth to the gameplay and immerse players in the captivating world of the Remedyverse. Firebreak may be a standalone multiplayer experience, but its ties to “Control” resonate throughout, creating a cohesive and engaging gaming experience for fans of the Remedy franchise.