Kinda Funny Gamescast: We Played FBC: Firebreak

Release Date: May 14, 2025

Introduction

In the May 14, 2025 episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast, host Tim Gettys welcomes back listeners with his usual energetic banter. Joined by regular contributors Snowbike Mike, Nick Scarpino, and Roger Picorni, the panel dives into their experiences with the upcoming multiplayer shooter from Remedy Entertainment, FBC: Firebreak. Amidst discussions on gameplay mechanics and personal anecdotes, the hosts provide an in-depth analysis of whether this title lives up to Remedy's reputation.

Side Topic: $10K Treasure Hunt in San Francisco [04:14 - 06:00]

Before delving into the main topic, Tim shares an intriguing story he encountered on Reddit about a $10,000 treasure hunt buried somewhere in San Francisco. The announcement, reminiscent of the adventurous spirit in The Goonies, has set both the community and news channels abuzz with excitement. The hosts humorously speculate on joining the hunt, with Snowbike Mike expressing enthusiasm:

"I just don't get enough Tim time right now and I'm going to talk about it, you know." ([00:55])

However, the conversation quickly shifts back to gaming as they prepare to discuss FBC: Firebreak.

Main Topic: FBC: Firebreak Gameplay Experience [06:00 - 29:52]

Overview of FBC: Firebreak

FBC: Firebreak is presented as Remedy Entertainment's first foray into the multiplayer shooter genre, set in the aftermath of their critically acclaimed Control. Scheduled for release on June 17, 2025, the game promises intense cooperative gameplay centered around a special unit of soldiers battling hordes of enemies known as "hiss."

Host Experiences and Opinions

Roger Picorni shares his mixed feelings about the game:

"I didn't love it as much as many people did in the press. I think it's for a multitude of reasons." ([07:58])

Roger appreciates the game's aesthetics and atmospheric return to the Control universe but feels the gameplay lacks the addictive quality seen in titles like Left 4 Dead or Helldivers. He criticizes the weapon mechanics, stating:

"The guns...it did not have that addictive quality that I'm looking for." ([09:16])

Snowbike Mike echoes Roger's sentiments, drawing parallels to his past experiences with Left 4 Dead:

"I did not have the most fun playing this. Right. It did bring me back to the left Four Dead days." ([10:42])

While acknowledging the cooperative aspects and nostalgia factor, Mike finds the missions repetitive and lacking engagement.

Nick Scarpino provides a critical perspective on the game's PvE focus and battle pass system:

"I don't like PvE. I don't really like these, these grindy games that make you feel like you're just doing tasks in an artificial world." ([12:26])

Nick feels that FBC: Firebreak fails to deliver the dynamic and strategic gameplay he desires, likening it unfavorably to Helldivers and Back 4 Blood.

Discussion on Game Mechanics

The hosts delve into specific game mechanics, highlighting issues with the battle pass system and job classes:

• Battle Pass System: Both Roger and Nick critique the incremental and often tedious nature of unlocking weapon upgrades, undermining the incentive to progress.

  "I have to go five pages into a battle pass. That sucks." ([19:37])

• Job Classes: The panel discusses the lack of necessity and depth in the game's job classes, noting that roles feel redundant and don’t significantly impact gameplay.

  "It just felt like we were needed, but we also weren't needed." ([21:20])

Comparison to Other Games

The conversation frequently references other cooperative shooters to benchmark FBC: Firebreak's performance:

• Left 4 Dead and Back 4 Blood: Praised for their engaging and dynamic gameplay loops.
• Helldivers: Recognized for its persistent upgrades and chaos elements that keep gameplay fresh.

The consensus is that while FBC: Firebreak is serviceable, it lacks the spark and depth that make its contemporaries standout titles in the cooperative shooter genre.

Community and Market Expectations

Roger Picorni speculates on the game's market performance, suggesting that FBC: Firebreak will find its niche audience on platforms like Steam and Game Pass but may not achieve blockbuster status:

"I think it comes down to the base idea...the guns are broken and they're old, right? It just doesn't feel like a twitch shooter." ([17:38])

Tim Gettys adds that the price point ($40) and inclusion in subscription services like Game Pass and PlayStation Plus are strategic moves to ensure its longevity among dedicated players, despite not appealing to the broader gaming community.

Side Story: The Love Sack Shenanigan [30:03 - 48:34]

Amidst serious discussions, the hosts divert to a humorous and ongoing skit involving a love sack (a massive beanbag). The story details Roger inadvertently receiving an expensive Xbox-branded love sack, leading to a series of comedic interactions:

• Roger's Struggle: Unable to fit the love sack into his small apartment, Roger humorously contemplates the chaos it would bring.

  "If we don't have that, Roger could go up and do the quick time event with the rblbs just quickly spamming it and it would turn on the same way." ([21:20])

• Nick and Mike's Involvement: The dynamic between Nick, Mike, and Roger unfolds as they attempt to resolve the love sack dilemma, resulting in playful banter and exaggerated promises of lifelong grudges.

  "I was just setting up how I feel, right? Because now their emotions are going of like, okay, well, there's an Xbox thing here. I want that. You know what I mean?" ([39:38])

This segment showcases the hosts' chemistry and adds levity to the episode, creating memorable moments for their audience.

Final Remarks and Upcoming Topics [48:34 - End]

As the episode wraps up, Tim Gettys teases upcoming content, including pre-recorded reactions to new trailers like Superman and Ironheart, due to studio embargoes. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with their Patreon for ad-free experiences and exclusive content.

"Let us know in the comments below if you're still interested in checking out FBC Firebreak." ([48:34])

They conclude with a humorous nod to their ongoing love sack saga, promising more antics in future episodes.

Notable Quotes

• Tim Gettys: "I just don't get enough Tim time right now and I'm going to talk about it, you know." ([00:55])

• Roger Picorni: "I didn't love it as much as many people did in the press. I think it's for a multitude of reasons." ([07:58])

• Snowbike Mike: "I did not have the most fun playing this. Right. It did bring me back to the left Four Dead days." ([10:42])

• Nick Scarpino: "I don't like PvE. I don't really like these, these grindy games that make you feel like you're just doing tasks in an artificial world." ([12:26])

• Roger Picorni: "The weapons...it did not have that addictive quality that I'm looking for." ([09:16])

• Nick Scarpino: "This feels like I'm just doing work now." ([16:35])

Conclusion

The Kinda Funny Gamescast episode on FBC: Firebreak offers an honest and critical examination of Remedy Entertainment's latest multiplayer endeavor. While praising the game's aesthetics and cooperative potential, the hosts collectively feel that it falls short in delivering engaging and dynamic gameplay. Balancing technical critique with humorous storytelling, the episode provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of what to expect from FBC: Firebreak upon its June release.