Many intriguing games have been or will be brought to Xbox Game Pass throughout the first month of 2021. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is the most notable addition, especially for triple-A gamers and subscribers to the service. But Xbox Game Pass is also perfect for playing small indie titles like Olija, released just a couple of days ago on the service, because of their short play times. Alongside the beloved Outer Wilds, players can also check out another indie game by the name of Embr this month on Xbox Game Pass.
Embr is the first game of its kind for developer Muse Games, and it's quite chaotic. It's a multiplayer game, and it's one that friends will want to team up with one another in difficult maps to be the best (or worst) firefighters, not a common role that players find themselves in through video games, but it's exciting nonetheless. Especially for groups of friends with Xbox Game Pass, Embr is worth checking out.
What is Embr?
Embr is a bit more than a firefighting simulator. At first glance, it might look a bit similar to Powerwash Simulator's relaxing and meditative gameplay, but it's far from that, though it does include the same type of upgrade system, where players can improve their equipment and resources as they take firefighting jobs. But to say rescuing citizens, jumping from building to building, and controlling raging flames is a bit more stressful would be an understatement. Embr requires players to be quick, brave, and decisive.
Being able to tackle gameplay either solo or in a team, Embr presents players with a multitude of issues such as electrical problems, gas leaks, and clients in danger, and likewise, there's an array of options to solve these problems. The solutions aren't always clear, but that's what makes Embr such a romp. Players can absolutely wreck the client's houses by breaking down their doors and windows and even stealing a few valuables, which is great if players are short on cash.
On the other hand, though, if players perform well as firefighters, they'll be referred to wealthier clients and higher-paying jobs, which will help with upgrading tools, vehicles, and outfits. Missions in Embr vary greatly with increasing levels of difficulty. Respondrs can be given jobs such as residential homes or factories, varying greatly in layouts, but tasks can include delivering clients food while saving them from burning buildings, repelling explosives, or burning the house to the ground. Later levels incorporate puzzle mechanics to heighten the difficulty factor, which is why it can be a great game to play with friends.
Of course, while some gamers choose to play the indie game the wholesome way by saving as many clients as possible while keeping damage to the buildings low, others go to the opposite end of the spectrum to pure chaos, like seeing how many stolen items they can fit into the back of the truck while the building burns to the ground. What makes Embr such a great game is the variety in solutions and mission styles, rather than simply tasking players with extinguishing fires over and over again. And many players encourage bringing along friends for even more fun.
Embr is out now for PC.