FBC: Firebreak Patch to let you disable enemy health bars

Remedy is preparing for a significant update to its imaginative yet complex shooter, FBC: Firebreak, slated for release in September. This update promises to introduce a new mission alongside several essential mechanical adjustments. However, before this substantial update, the cooperative Control spinoff has rolled out a final quality-of-life patch to lay the groundwork for the forthcoming changes.

Patch 1.5 brings a multitude of tweaks to combat encounters, focusing on enhancing the spawn timings for the Hiss’s possessed minions and rebalancing the composition of enemy waves. These elements were particularly erratic in the original game, as highlighted in previous reviews. Remedy’s efforts to refine these aspects are a welcome development for players seeking a more consistent gaming experience.

In addition to combat adjustments, the patch also enhances the presentation of the end-of-round “results” screen and addresses several bugs. Among the fixes is a humorous correction to an issue where shooting sticky notes with the burning rounds perk caused them to appear wet—an amusing contradiction of how fire operates, even within the Oldest House.

A notable feature of this update is the option to disable standard enemy health bars. While this might seem a minor change, it could significantly impact Firebreak’s combat dynamics. Health bars in first-person shooters often detract from the immersive experience, akin to the ‘minimap problem’ in driving games where players focus on the map rather than the intricately designed cityscapes. Similarly, health bars in FPS games can shift attention away from the action, reducing the experience to a mere numbers game.

Instead of relying on health bars, some games convey damage through the physical state of enemies, as seen in recent Doom titles. Players can gauge an enemy’s health by their appearance, such as a demon battered and close to defeat, which adds to the immersive experience. This approach embeds feedback into the combat itself, rather than relegating it to the user interface.

While some may argue that health bars offer precision, the unpredictability of not knowing the exact moment of an enemy’s demise can enhance the thrill of a shooter. The surprise of an enemy falling unexpectedly, or the relief of defeating a formidable foe while on the brink of defeat, contributes to the excitement of the game.

Firebreak’s new option to disable health bars, except for enemies with shields or armor, is a step towards a more immersive experience. Although armor indicators remain, they could be visually represented by the armor deteriorating under fire. Nonetheless, the reduction in health bars is a positive move.

Remedy’s commitment to improving Firebreak is evident. Although the game’s quirky mission concepts were enjoyable, they lacked the depth to sustain long-term engagement. The balancing issues previously mentioned often resulted in gameplay that was either too easy or excessively challenging. Fortunately, Remedy is aware of these challenges, and with the upcoming September update, there is hope for a significant enhancement in Firebreak’s gameplay experience.