Playing as the lowly grunts that you usually never think about in a shooter is a spin-off concept full of potential – FBC: Firebreak at least has some solid ideas. Bungie managed to get an outstanding game out of what it was like to be a non-spartan in the Halo universe with Halo 3 ODST. But a multiplayer spin-off where you play a bunch of nobodies can end up being a flavorless slog, like Metroid Prime Federation Force, a lousy 3DS game you probably forgot existed until this sentence. Sadly, I think FBC: Firebreak might be in for a similar fate.
FBC: Firebreak is a spin-off of Control, Remedy's psychic powered Metroidvania. There, you explore an extra-shadowy government agency tasked with investigating paranormal phenomena, like a fridge that slaughters you if you stop staring at it for a split second. Intriguing, but the game's main hook is the fun supernatural abilities you get to play with, like telekinesis and mind control. FBC: Firebreak's riskiest move is to take all those fun powers away. You're a lowly working stiff at the bureau now, buddy. Be grateful you even get a firearm.
