Remedy’s Co-Op Shooter Isn’t Dead Yet
▼ Summary
– Remedy is launching a major free update called “Breakpoint” for its co-op shooter FBC: Firebreak on September 29, aiming to improve replayability with systemic overhauls and new content.
– The Payday 2 developer Starbreeze has introduced a subscription service for access to all DLC, while simultaneously increasing the price of the complete DLC bundle to $170.
– Nintendo surprise-released a free-to-play Fire Emblem game called Shadows, which is an Among Us-like social deduction game that has received negative early impressions.
– Konami announced that the multiplayer mode for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will launch on October 30 as part of a free update.
– The upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 beta, starting October 2, will include Zombies content for the first time in the franchise’s history.
Remedy Entertainment is breathing new life into its cooperative shooter, FBC: Firebreak, with a substantial free update designed to address player feedback and reinvigorate the experience. The studio announced the “Breakpoint” update, set to launch on September 29, which represents a significant overhaul for the game that initially struggled to find its footing. This move signals a determined effort to correct course after a lukewarm reception marked by cumbersome menus and a frustrating progression system.
The most notable change in the Breakpoint update is the complete replacement of the Job Board with a new Crisis Board. This new system will populate with randomly generated missions featuring various modifiers, aiming to inject more replayability and unpredictable chaos into the gameplay. Alongside this structural shift, Remedy is introducing greater mission variety, new weapons, and additional enemy types. The progression system is also receiving attention, with plans to simplify the acquisition of powerful gear while simultaneously expanding weapon customization options for dedicated players.
In a statement, the development team acknowledged the community’s input, stating, “We have taken a lot of feedback to heart.” They described Breakpoint as the first major step in a longer journey of improvement, promising further updates that will incorporate both community suggestions and the studio’s own vision. The team also expressed gratitude to players who have remained with the game during this post-launch redevelopment phase.
In other gaming news, the developer of Payday 2 has introduced a controversial new subscription service. With over 60 pieces of downloadable content available, Starbreeze now offers players two subscription tiers: $4.99 per month or $19.99 for six months, granting full access to all DLC. While this presents a potentially cost-effective option for new or returning players, the announcement was accompanied by a sharp price increase for the legacy bundle containing all DLC, jumping from approximately $135 to $170. The studio claims the price hike is “completely unrelated” to the new subscription, but the timing has left many in the community skeptical and frustrated.
Nintendo surprised fans with the shadow-drop of a new Fire Emblem title, Fire Emblem Shadows. However, the excitement was short-lived as players discovered the game is a free-to-play social deduction title reminiscent of Among Us, a significant departure from the series’ traditional tactical RPG roots. Early impressions suggest the experience feels underdeveloped and sparse, though it does include a battle pass and various microtransactions.
Konami used the Tokyo Game Show to reveal that the multiplayer component for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will launch on October 30. This free update will introduce a cat-and-mouse-style online PVP stealth mode supporting up to 12 players across all platforms. The mode arrives roughly two months after the remake’s generally well-received release.
Finally, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is making franchise history by including Zombies content in its upcoming beta test. For the first time, participants in the beta starting October 2 will have access to a small survival map and mode alongside the standard multiplayer offerings.
(Source: Kotaku)