Firewatch

 PC
User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1504 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 922 out of 1504
  2. Mixed: 361 out of 1504
  3. Negative: 221 out of 1504

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  1. Feeder16
    Feb 10, 2016
    5
    Summary
    Art - Amazing
    Voice Acting - Amazing Story - Average Game length - 4 hours (would be 2 1/2 if there wasn't loads of days where it makes you go back an forth) Ultimately I was disappointed with the game, the story starts so incredibly and then just deteriorates into insignificance. Only paid £15 but feel slightly overcharged. Was looking forward to Firewatch for months    Summary
    Art - Amazing
    Voice Acting - Amazing
    Story - Average
    Game length - 4 hours (would be 2 1/2 if there wasn't loads of days where it makes you go back an forth)

    Ultimately I was disappointed with the game, the story starts so incredibly and then just deteriorates into insignificance.

    Only paid £15 but feel slightly overcharged.

    Was looking forward to Firewatch for months and I'm the end feel disappointed.    … Expand
  2. dunnyone
    Feb 11, 2016
    4
    I'll give the developers this, the voice acting is excellent. The banter between the two characters is incredibly realistic but this falls woefully short as a game. It's three hours long (if that) and the ending is utter trash. It was also insanely overpriced for what you get. I truly do not understand these idiot official sites that tell us how excellent these games are, when they areI'll give the developers this, the voice acting is excellent. The banter between the two characters is incredibly realistic but this falls woefully short as a game. It's three hours long (if that) and the ending is utter trash. It was also insanely overpriced for what you get. I truly do not understand these idiot official sites that tell us how excellent these games are, when they are simply lackluster walking simulators. Wait for a Steam sale, when it drops to $5 then snap it up.… Expand
  3. itmo
    Feb 10, 2016
    3
    So did they forget to finish the game but still charge for a full game? The best way to sum up this game is - Good Marketing campaign, Dud game. The asking price for this game is 3 times to much for what you get, and what you get is a 3 hour walking simulator, on rails, no exploring the great wide yonder, a pretense to an interesting story which falls flat on its backside. There is noSo did they forget to finish the game but still charge for a full game? The best way to sum up this game is - Good Marketing campaign, Dud game. The asking price for this game is 3 times to much for what you get, and what you get is a 3 hour walking simulator, on rails, no exploring the great wide yonder, a pretense to an interesting story which falls flat on its backside. There is no climax, there really isn't much of a game. Zero replay value. Reminds me of the beginners guide, it's trying to be arty, cool but comes off as lame, underdeveloped and a missed opportunity to be an innovative idea.… Expand
  4. Akolyte01
    Feb 9, 2016
    4
    A very short game where the plot goes nowhere. Beautiful art direction that conveys the sense of an open world, but is really a series of corridors without any sort of gratifying exploration.

    The game is centered around the plot, but the ending leaves you thinking "Well, that was a whole bunch of nothing."

    Do not listen to the shills creaming their jeans, Firewatch is exceedingly mediocre.
  5. sjcodan
    Feb 9, 2016
    4
    The setup, the pacing, the suspense were all amazing, but that ending actively made me un-enjoy the game. There's so much setup pointing towards things that just don't matter. At all. I don't want to touch spoilers in my review, but lets leave it at this;
    The first third of the game is a 7, the middle third is a 9, and the back third is a -5.
  6. rbeach77
    Feb 10, 2016
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What a beautiful game, with an incredible start and a total cop out of an ending. What I want to know is did the critics who gave it stella reviews actually play the flipping thing to the end?

    anyway.. disappointing.    … Expand
  7. Muuvinki
    Feb 11, 2016
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My last review was removed here, so I guess damage control has begun.
    This game is only 3 - 4 hours long, on rails walking simulator.
    Devs mislead players into thinking that this a open world game, which it isn't.
    Don't support lying devs and price tag of 20$ for a game that offers nothing new.

    PS
    I will keep posting my review back here everytime someone removes it
    You cant silence the truth.    … Expand
  8. fredhorrigan
    Feb 9, 2016
    0
    Just another "game" where you have barely any interaction and all you do is walk from point A to point B and interacting with the thing the game tells you to interact with so you'll be able to walk to point C while you choose between a handful of dialogue options that don't change anything.

    The story takes a page from Gone Home where it might look like it's some sort of supernatural    Just another "game" where you have barely any interaction and all you do is walk from point A to point B and interacting with the thing the game tells you to interact with so you'll be able to walk to point C while you choose between a handful of dialogue options that don't change anything.

    The story takes a page from Gone Home where it might look like it's some sort of supernatural mystery or something like that but ends up being a very mundane and very boring.

    SPOILER ALERT: There's no killer or supernatural elements, just a guy trying to spook people because he wants them to leave the forest because he doesn't want anyone to find his dead son's body and the two girls that go missing turn out fine.

    Don't pay money for this **** just watch it on youtube, or even better, watch something less terrible like a movie or a TV show.    … Expand
  9. ShodanSpectre
    Jul 6, 2017
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's a rather short game, which came as no surprise to me. About 6 hours and that's with me being explorative and often deviating to explore the game world and try to "cheat" the system by i.e. finding a way around some area when the game (rather, Delilah) - tells me to go through a cave. The game has a bit of expectations for that and there are dialogues for situations that can only happen if you are explorative (vs. just following the main quest).

    These dialogues and side deviations don't affect the main story though. The main story is quite unpredictable and certainly not stereotypical. On a few occasions - it kept me on my toes awaiting something epic or dangerous to be around the corner. Without introducing any stereotypical horror game elements, it creates an atmosphere of "umm... I have a _REALLY_ bad feeling about this... Not exactly sure why though... So I'm gonna say that I'm OK and will go ahead anyway."

    The game is for a very mature audience. This game is filled with dialogue and situations that teenagers just won't get. At times it gets so realistic that it's almost painful.

    It kind of shows how horrifying our real world can be... without any fantasy monsters, alien invaders, zombie apocalypse or secret societies...
    Just laws of nature, probability theory, human error followed by human weakness/fear of facing consequences... And so many lives can be ruined.

    It's more of a story than a game though. Looking back I remember playing it more like watching a movie. Just follow the story line and watch it unfold. You can try to explore a bit and you'll find a handful of one-off dialogues and items here and there that are nice but don't really matter. All points it gets are for the story, because it has pretty much nothing else. But the story is quite decent.    … Expand
  10. Lenluig
    Jan 1, 2018
    7
    I look back on that game with very mixed feelings.

    Gameplay is not great at all, it does feel like a hiking simulator but the narrative is very good, very mature and totally the kind of experience I was expecting/looking for despite the insanely frustrating ending that kind of ruined it all for me. The voice acting is excellent. The opening feels a bit too much on a budget but it    I look back on that game with very mixed feelings.

    Gameplay is not great at all, it does feel like a hiking simulator but the narrative is very good, very mature and totally the kind of experience I was expecting/looking for despite the insanely frustrating ending that kind of ruined it all for me.
    The voice acting is excellent.

    The opening feels a bit too much on a budget but it gets better as you go through.

    Technically speaking I think the game could have been pushed a bit more. Some environments were barely achieved and quite unoptimized.

    To summarize it was good, but could have been immensely better.    … Expand
  11. bdurmaz
    Apr 29, 2017
    7
    A really unique game. The art direction is magnificent, plot development and the tension level is really well structured. I personally had fun playing it.

    But the negative reviews have right too, the game is too short and you barely have any interaction with your surroundings. If only it was longer and more detailed, it could have been a solid 8.
  12. errdyyy
    Jul 5, 2018
    9
    Firewatch is an excellent game. While the developers did some pretty scummy stuff about the whole PewDiePie situation, the focus shouldn't be taken off how great this game is. The Dialogue is amazing. The story is thrilling. And to be honest, I really like the ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this game and I think it deserves more praise.
  13. risingpheonix
    Jul 3, 2017
    7
    Okay so this a adventure game that is just beautiful ... every scene in this game is concept art with vibrant use of colors ... the story is initially intriguing and unfolds rather quickly for me ... it has a loose ending .. which to be honest I don't know what to make of ... for some it is awesome .. for some its not
  14. FlamesoFF
    Jan 29, 2022
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well, that’s one of the most overestimated games I’ve ever played.
    The weakest part is the story. I played really careful, but in the end I didn’t realized who the hell is that Ned guy, and why I should care about him and his problems at all? And the ending is generally disappointing. The mystery part just sucks, there’s no mystery or detective. The game would be way better if the story would be built around Delilah and Henry only, about their relations and overcoming everyday routine.
    Technical part is poor. Graphics is bad, even considering cartoon stylization, probably because of the Unity engine.
    Concluding all, this is a mediocre indie project without any new ideas or mechanics, or any extraordinary story.    … Expand
  15. WhiskeyStories
    Jul 12, 2019
    7
    I've beaten Firewatch at least 3 months ago, and I still catch myself thinking about it. Pondering over the twisty-turny mystery plot, the gorgeous visuals and the delightful banter and chemistry between Henry and Delilah - performed wonderfully by the great Rich Sommer (Mad Men represent!) and Cissy Jones. As far as gameplay goes, there isn't a whole lot, but it's a damn good walkingI've beaten Firewatch at least 3 months ago, and I still catch myself thinking about it. Pondering over the twisty-turny mystery plot, the gorgeous visuals and the delightful banter and chemistry between Henry and Delilah - performed wonderfully by the great Rich Sommer (Mad Men represent!) and Cissy Jones. As far as gameplay goes, there isn't a whole lot, but it's a damn good walking simulator as far as I'm concerned, with a genuinely lovely atmosphere.

    Firewatch is one of those games that lingers. It stays with you long after you've finished the 5-6 hour long story.    … Expand
  16. Leo_Manzano
    Aug 2, 2022
    6
    Working....................................................................
  17. DanielPeled
    Mar 22, 2017
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really liked the games first half.

    I get the game. I understand it's meant to be underwhelming- that's the point. Everything falls short and kinda is like real life, just disappointing. It's just a bit too tedious- though maybe that's apart of the point too.
    This game has no replayability. I feel as if this game was on the cusp of being something great. I was legitimately scared for a while, hearing rustling in bushes.

    Also there's a consistancy issue- "Every Cabin has one of those fauna posters hanging up"- but when you see her cabin later, she doesn't have one. This was just another instance of lack of detail    … Expand
  18. CriticalHit20
    Oct 20, 2019
    7
    What disappointed most was defnitely the ending. It is not really a game and you really don't have choices. A lot of these type of gave are interactive movies where your actions do not change anything, Thus, if they score well, it is because the story or video was a 7.5/10 anyway. This story was 6.5/10 but I had some interest in wondering what would it be like to be a fire watcher and IWhat disappointed most was defnitely the ending. It is not really a game and you really don't have choices. A lot of these type of gave are interactive movies where your actions do not change anything, Thus, if they score well, it is because the story or video was a 7.5/10 anyway. This story was 6.5/10 but I had some interest in wondering what would it be like to be a fire watcher and I experienced some of that and am happy for that, so I rounded it up to 7.0. I rate these games based on the experience and not how much it cost me (I got it for free), but if I spent $10 on this game, i do not think i would be getting my money's worth.… Expand
  19. vova22379
    Feb 17, 2023
    5
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  20. ErdemMT5
    Feb 21, 2022
    6
    Firewatch, is an fps adventure game by a small indie studio.
    Like most the small indie studio's greatest aspect, Firewatch's strongest point is, art design and atmosphere. Art design is simple as expected, and mostly inspired from The Long Dark. But with the great lightling and beutiful color schema , visuality is still can be felt cozy and adorable.
    Game doesn't have too much mechanics    Firewatch, is an fps adventure game by a small indie studio.
    Like most the small indie studio's greatest aspect, Firewatch's strongest point is, art design and atmosphere. Art design is simple as expected, and mostly inspired from The Long Dark. But with the great lightling and beutiful color schema , visuality is still can be felt cozy and adorable.
    Game doesn't have too much mechanics except walking. During the whole game players can do only climb some wall's and interect some objects, except for walking.
    And the animation's are satisfying and adorable. But unfortunately there is not too much animation requirement because of lack mechanics.
    And in the game design, Firewatch has lots of lacking. There is not even stamina or hunger. Firewatch's whole game design and core gameloop is walking on a point of the map. There is no extra content like coocking, wild life, some difficulties on the way etc.
    Firewatch has some levels representing on the game as days. But all the levels are takes place in the same map. And unfortunately, this map is too small and linear. Once set off the road for a task, player doesn't have to check the map often, because all the roads are just like corridors. They leading the player in only one way without any diversion or a different path.
    the game has a interesting story in the first few hours. And even in the beginning, storytelling is attracted me so deep. But near the end, i felt like writers couldn't handle climax point. and the game's second part's storty is a frustration for me.    … Expand
  21. StarkAgentos
    Apr 16, 2022
    5
    Пустой скучный мир, ничего нет, никого не встречаешь. Игра для меня уж слишком скучная.
  22. Proxy_1m
    Mar 4, 2022
    6
    The world details were not bad. The story, however, should be enhanced. The story began perfectly. Unfortunately it became tedious in the middle of the game.
  23. Shinoadoto
    Aug 18, 2023
    5
    Простенькая бродилка на 4 часа за 400 грн). Графика очень приятная, хоть и в мультяшном сеттинге. Закаты можно инста ставить на обои рабочего стола. Сюжет интересный, вся эта история под соусом постоянной напряженности и нарастающей шизы от любого шороха делают свое дело.
    Уж слишком файервоч реалистичный, в плане событий и концовки
    5 енотов в кустах из 10    Простенькая бродилка на 4 часа за 400 грн). Графика очень приятная, хоть и в мультяшном сеттинге. Закаты можно инста ставить на обои рабочего стола. Сюжет интересный, вся эта история под соусом постоянной напряженности и нарастающей шизы от любого шороха делают свое дело.
    Уж слишком файервоч реалистичный, в плане событий и концовки
    5 енотов в кустах из 10
  24. pepefrostimus
    Jul 4, 2023
    6
    The game makes you feel like you are there, the lingering feeling of mystery until the very end is quite amazing. Somehow i still remember how empty this game made me feel and the (somehow) feeling of wanting to touch grass.
    But that damn ending man.. it was like finding out the mystery in gravity falls, but atleast in gravity fall they had an real ending.
  25. Kraks
    Mar 25, 2017
    2
    I couldn't disagree with positive reviews for this game more. It is a very short adventure novella with 0 skill requirements, no puzzles, and no problem solving required. You just walk around the world for a bit and click on things and listen to a conversation between yourself and another firewatcher. The entire game may take 4 hours to complete if you go slow, but is easily completed inI couldn't disagree with positive reviews for this game more. It is a very short adventure novella with 0 skill requirements, no puzzles, and no problem solving required. You just walk around the world for a bit and click on things and listen to a conversation between yourself and another firewatcher. The entire game may take 4 hours to complete if you go slow, but is easily completed in 2.

    I wouldn't suggest this game for any more than $2. The $20 price tag suggests depth that just doesn't exist.    … Expand
  26. JazGalaxy
    Feb 14, 2016
    4
    Great writing and voice acting are stymied by a terrible plot and conclusion that leave the player scratching their head and wondering why this was a story that needed to be told at all. As usual gamers give too much credit for what is attempted rather than what was achieved. Player choose is mostly cosmetic. In short, want to read a murder mystery where the ending is that nobody was everGreat writing and voice acting are stymied by a terrible plot and conclusion that leave the player scratching their head and wondering why this was a story that needed to be told at all. As usual gamers give too much credit for what is attempted rather than what was achieved. Player choose is mostly cosmetic. In short, want to read a murder mystery where the ending is that nobody was ever actually killed? Your answer will give you the answer as to whether you should play firewatch.… Expand
  27. Ewakid
    Mar 22, 2016
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not much content for a game I spent 19.99 on, I've player DLCs that are longer and more enjoyable than this game. The conversations between Henry and Delilah are ok, but its hard to pay attention to them when trees pop in and out of existence, or when the ground disappears. The 15 FPS is great too, I have a pretty nice Pc and I'm above the system requirements but I still have to endure a god awful framerate. [[SPOILERS]] The endings piss poor, the second they introduced the weird hiker guy with his son I knew that he would have a big role to play. Sure enough, he was the one that was doing all the weird **** After that, you just get rejected no matter what, and nothing you did affects the outcome of the story. Now you can say the ending doesn't matter and that its all about the journey, but you can't say that when the **** journey was "walk to this place, walk to another place, talk a bit". Another game that had a **** ending was Fallout New Vegas, you get a **** slideshow and you realize nothing matters. BUT the difference is in fallout new vegas I can **** do stuff, I don't just walk and walk and walk. So in the end, don't buy this game, you won't really have fun, it's just walking. Watch a full walkthrough with no commentary. You will get more out of just watching everything happen than actually playing the game.… Expand
  28. Shahenita
    Apr 29, 2016
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the game is just 2 hours long! its too short..
    its an adventure to reveal the story.. that start very good and ends very Sad!
    raising to expectation until the middle.. and then is just disappointment after another!

    games should be fun! whats fun about a boy dead on a cave!!!    … Expand
  29. meglaa
    Aug 11, 2016
    4
    Going from point A to point B, with sometimes an additional point C. Basically the game is a walking simulator with dialogue. You can't run with the map open, which is a big deal, since you hardly learn the map before the game is over. The story is pretty interesting, but it feels like at the end, the writers were fired, because nearing the ending is just ridiculous. The actual gameplayGoing from point A to point B, with sometimes an additional point C. Basically the game is a walking simulator with dialogue. You can't run with the map open, which is a big deal, since you hardly learn the map before the game is over. The story is pretty interesting, but it feels like at the end, the writers were fired, because nearing the ending is just ridiculous. The actual gameplay time is a few hours, which is pretty sad, considering the price of the game and the game has absolutely no replay value. The decisions you make have no impact on the game itself, it's just for you to do something. Whatever you choose, whatever you do, the entire game will still be exactly the same.… Expand
  30. wiski
    Feb 12, 2016
    5
    This was a good story, but it was not a good GAME. This felt like me guiding a character around on rails as I was told a story by the characters in it. I would not recommend this for $20, or the $18 I paid for it. I would recommend you either wait for a sale and it comes down to around $5, or just watch a Let's Play of it while holding a controller and pretending you're the one moving theThis was a good story, but it was not a good GAME. This felt like me guiding a character around on rails as I was told a story by the characters in it. I would not recommend this for $20, or the $18 I paid for it. I would recommend you either wait for a sale and it comes down to around $5, or just watch a Let's Play of it while holding a controller and pretending you're the one moving the character around.

    It took me 3.2 hours to complete this game, and that is with getting lost multiple times.    … Expand
  31. AlyssaX
    Feb 12, 2016
    6
    I want to give a fair review to this game, but it becomes hard when the devs decide to charge full price for an Alpha game.

    Anyway, the game basically shows its full potential in the first in game day. Which is superb. After that it literally becomes a walking dialogue simulator. It takes the whole game to build an atmosphere of doubt and conspiracy around the plot, only to end the    I want to give a fair review to this game, but it becomes hard when the devs decide to charge full price for an Alpha game.

    Anyway, the game basically shows its full potential in the first in game day. Which is superb. After that it literally becomes a walking dialogue simulator.

    It takes the whole game to build an atmosphere of doubt and conspiracy around the plot, only to end the game abruptly making 100% of your choices meaningless, which at the end makes you feel that you only had the illusion of choice, making you feel tricked as well.

    What I did like a lot, was the visuals. They're beautiful and the game runs smooth most of the time.

    Possible spoilers:

    The relationship you build with delilah, is gorgeous. However, you never even get to see a pic of her... which is really disappointing imho.
    The ending is just a middle finger to the player, plain and simple.

    End of spoilers:

    So I give a 6/10 just because I kinda like these unique games, even though this one was very falsely advertised, never fulfilling what the trailers showed it to be.    … Expand
  32. Luizzrz
    Feb 13, 2016
    6
    Extremely short and it doesn't leave you satisfied.

    There is almost no interaction aside from the "dialogue" (which was good), which at the end doesn't matter, there is absolutely /zero/ gameplay, the story was okay (aside from the terrible ending) and that's Firewatch.

    Simple and short.
  33. Vzhik
    Feb 16, 2016
    4
    Как-то всё посредственно. Ни глубокой истории, ни мега-красивостей, музыки очень мало.. Всё ждал какого-го нибудь неожиданного поворота. Ощущение пустышки, обманки. Разочарование от игры.
  34. WarPhoenix
    Oct 4, 2017
    1
    co dev threatened to dmca pewdiepie for no reason other than not liking pewdiepie and i think its honestly BS i would of rated this game a 4 out of 10 as its as others say seems like a half assed game in everything but its certain visual appeal however with the devs behavior of doing this after any coverage about fire watch during its launch but is doing it now is stupid and inmature.
  35. ChoBroooo
    Feb 11, 2016
    5
    I used to support this game A LOT in fact. However, I realized how many lies and things that were never mentioned before that weren't in it. Was it 6 hours? NOPE! Most beat in 4 hours, going through everything. It's not open world, there is no combat, there is no life, THERE IS **** NOTHING!! There have been MULTIPLE patches since release, with at least 2. And this game was short, itI used to support this game A LOT in fact. However, I realized how many lies and things that were never mentioned before that weren't in it. Was it 6 hours? NOPE! Most beat in 4 hours, going through everything. It's not open world, there is no combat, there is no life, THERE IS **** NOTHING!! There have been MULTIPLE patches since release, with at least 2. And this game was short, it should have been at least a week before patching. Honestly, just either buy it at maybe $5 or do not bother. I already refunded it, with 2.1 hours, hopefully I get my money back. This game is not a 0, 1, or 2. But, it's not a 9 or 10, it is a awful value in every way. Just watch a lets play. Trust me, you'll thank me later.… Expand
  36. Polarthief
    Feb 24, 2016
    2
    Here's just a list of reasons why this game is very, very, subpar.

    - It's a very linear, story-driven, game, with practically no gameplay. It's pretty much the definition of a "hiking simulator". - It's about 3-4 hours long and launched with a $20 price tag. - It started with plenty of potential and ended with a disastrous "that's it?" feeling at the end. - It gives you the illusion    Here's just a list of reasons why this game is very, very, subpar.

    - It's a very linear, story-driven, game, with practically no gameplay. It's pretty much the definition of a "hiking simulator".
    - It's about 3-4 hours long and launched with a $20 price tag.
    - It started with plenty of potential and ended with a disastrous "that's it?" feeling at the end.
    - It gives you the illusion of choice that changes how your character and the "companion" character that you never meet communicate to one another. There is no actual choice though.
    - There is virtually no difference between watching and playing this game. Go watch any of the LPs for it and save your $20.
    - It's not even appealing to look at. At the very least it could have given us that.

    I honestly don't know what drugs the positive reviewers were on when they posted their reviews. Maybe they're only reviewing the demo (which was solid), but the full game is just trash.    … Expand
  37. StidIsram
    Feb 25, 2016
    1
    Эта игра - полный отстой, провал, позор и много чего еще. только черепашка спасает, но несильно +1 бал за черепашку. итого 1 из 10.
    Никакой сюжет, никакой мир, никакие персонажи.
    Совсем непонятна оценка изданий, но на их мнение здравомыслящие люди давно не обращают внимания.    Эта игра - полный отстой, провал, позор и много чего еще. только черепашка спасает, но несильно +1 бал за черепашку. итого 1 из 10.
    Никакой сюжет, никакой мир, никакие персонажи.
    Совсем непонятна оценка изданий, но на их мнение здравомыслящие люди давно не обращают внимания.
  38. evilnils
    Feb 20, 2016
    3
    If you cut out the hiking back and forth, this game would have less than one hour gameplay.

    It looks good, voice acting is superb, story is great, ending is underwhelming (and it is supposed to be).
    But, there is no game play and it is way way too short.
    This could have been a good movie, instead it became a pretty average game.
  39. TitaniumDragon
    Dec 27, 2017
    1
    Firewatch is a walking simulator which uses some video-gamey elements to try and make it seem more interactive. Unfortunately, like all walking simulators, it is critically important that the story that the simulator is telling is actually interesting.

    And Firewatch fails at this. This isn’t obvious at first, though. The game actually has what seems like fairly decent moment to    Firewatch is a walking simulator which uses some video-gamey elements to try and make it seem more interactive. Unfortunately, like all walking simulators, it is critically important that the story that the simulator is telling is actually interesting.

    And Firewatch fails at this.

    This isn’t obvious at first, though. The game actually has what seems like fairly decent moment to moment writing; while it starts out with a sort of text adventure thing that unfolds as you’re hiking, it quickly starts going into actual dialogue as the protagonist (Henry) talks with Delilah, his supervisor.

    Henry has taken a job watching out for fires in a national forest as a means of getting away from his problems; his wife has early onset dementia and Henry himself is something of a mess as a result, and it is implied that he might be an alcoholic.

    The problem is that we get this at the very start of the story; this is the setup. But the game ends up spending a lot of its length having Henry reveal all this to Delilah, meaning that a lot of Henry’s “character development” is stuff we already know. While his conversations with Delilah are solid enough, they lose their oomph because we, the reader/listener, already know this from the intro.

    And this is the real flaw of Firewatch – it constantly undercuts itself. There is a mystery early on, which then links into another (greater) mystery… which is a solid way to present a plot. But the solution to the mystery is an anticlimax, and as a result all of the tension it tried to build up was utterly pointless.

    The plot is, thusly, a mess, and so from a macro structural standpoint, so is Firewatch. Without a really meaningful plot, the game is nothing more than wandering around in the forest while talking over the radio and doing slice-of-lifey stuff. And if the game had just been a slice of life drama, it might have worked. But its attempt at mystery, and its attempt at a story arc, utterly fall flat, and in the end, nothing we spent all that time doing really meant much of anything. It is a story we experience rather than interact with, and the story itself is not very good, so there’s not really anything there.

    The game itself is pretty enough – or at least, the environment is, with a nice aesthetic to it. I took quite a few screenshots, and there’s some nice little details in there, such as the protagonist writing notes to himself about what has been going on. The voice actors are both solid and deliver their lines well on the whole, though there’s some slight inconsistency in a couple scenes as a character who is supposedly getting drunk immediately sobers up a few lines later.

    But without a good story to go with it, the whole thing is an empty experience, and you will spend 4-5 hours wandering around in the forest without ultimately being led to feel like your wandering mattered.    … Expand
  40. Thanksmetacriti
    Dec 28, 2017
    0
    Garbage game from garbage devs, walking sim for sure. Boring Boring Boring Boring
  41. Seezer
    Feb 12, 2016
    5
    Nothing happens: The game.

    The dialogue is the only thing that redeems it, but you will not have any reason to play it again.

    Not worth the price.
  42. draconianwrath
    Feb 12, 2016
    3
    This game contain two well-fleshed characters talking to each other, a pretty wilderness to walk around in and NOTHING ELSE. A literal walking simulator.

    The gameplay is basically nil. You walk from A to B over and over, meanwhile selecting dialogue choices which only change the next line of dialogue received and nothing else, giving the illusion of choice. That's it. THAT'S THE GAME.    This game contain two well-fleshed characters talking to each other, a pretty wilderness to walk around in and NOTHING ELSE. A literal walking simulator.

    The gameplay is basically nil. You walk from A to B over and over, meanwhile selecting dialogue choices which only change the next line of dialogue received and nothing else, giving the illusion of choice. That's it. THAT'S THE GAME.

    The above might have been forgivable if the game had a strong story to keep you interested throughout. Unfortunately, while the story starts off strong, it proceeds to jump of a cliff near the end, which is almost as bad as having it be bad all throughout as it leaves a very sour taste in many people's mouths.

    The only positive aspects of Firewatch are the dialogue and the environment design, however, this just adds fuel to the idea that Firewatch would have functioned much better as a story then as a game, as well as having a story that didn't stop giving a **** near the end.

    Finally, it's extremely short for it's asking price of $19.99 US. This "game" is nothing more then an interactive book, calling Firewatch a game is an insult to other games and it's proclamation of being of good quality by mainstream game sites is more proof that mainstream games media have ****ing lost the plot and/or become filled with agenda-pushing morons.    … Expand
  43. fragman
    Sep 24, 2017
    0
    False DMCA claim simulator 2017
    And yes, this is simply a statement towards the lack of character displayed by the developer, not actually about the game. But by their standards, attacking someone's income based on something that has nothing to do with you is acceptable.
  44. Morguewolf
    Feb 13, 2016
    3
    I was ready to be in love with this game. It looked beautiful and had a great set up for an amazing story. Sadly...

    It falls short in literally every department. The game is painfully short for the price tag of $20. 3 hours long with zero depth in the gameplay and a massively disappointing story. Do yourself a favor and ignore this game.
  45. iron_fur
    Feb 13, 2016
    6
    Firewatch takes some steps in the right direction. It creates a dramatic game without having to sacrifice gameplay for cutscenes and it creates a realistic and incredibly captivating relationship between to people who have never met and never see each other, which is further helped by the games amazing voice acting.
    The game's story relays on mystery and tension that gets built up by the    Firewatch takes some steps in the right direction. It creates a dramatic game without having to sacrifice gameplay for cutscenes and it creates a realistic and incredibly captivating relationship between to people who have never met and never see each other, which is further helped by the games amazing voice acting.
    The game's story relays on mystery and tension that gets built up by the large amount of quiet time created by hiking from place to place, making moments of high level action and suspense all the more effective at scaring or intensifying you. Gameplay revolves around hiking from place to place to do things (I'm using things as speaking about any plot points is going to take away a large proportion of the game away as I will later elaborate on) you get a map and a compass and for some reason the game automatically has it so you know where you are. I instantly changed this as it allowed for a more immersive experience, having to accurately read a map in order to not get lost was a real treat. The graphics are cartoon-y and stunning and really goes to show that photo-realism in gaming is not always (or at all) the way forward, however, for an indie developer making a game of this scope seems to have taken its toll. The game has a tendency to have lag spikes even on my high spec pc (I just thank god I'm not on ps4) and I had two crashes while playing (one game breaking and incredibly annoying one during an important moment). Aloe as you probably know its only 4.5 hours long. For the £15 price tag its pretty bad even if the game is polished and is consistently good as I've been saying it is. But the last third of the really sucked and was appallingly unclimatic and disappointing. It seems like the writer built up the tension then had no idea what to do with it so he panicked and wrote this in at the last second.
    I like Firewatch, despite its shortcomings and found the first two thirds of the game so strong and the conversations between the two characters so good I couldn't help but like it. However, I can't recommend it due to its crappy ending.    … Expand
  46. Rabullione
    Sep 11, 2017
    2
    I have a single, simple requirement of videogames-- they have to be fun. This game fails to meet that requirement, and so it receives a poor rating. Enjoyable visuals, script & voice acting are the only redeeming qualities in what is, otherwise, more akin to a chore than a game.
  47. DatVaseline
    Feb 14, 2016
    5
    When i first started this game i was thrilled, the story was interesting, the visuals were beautiful, and i felt connected to the characters. However after an hour or 2 i felt like i was walking back and forth throughout the same places all game and didn't even have to go to some areas. The story was progressing well for the most part but it got a bit dull towards the later half of theWhen i first started this game i was thrilled, the story was interesting, the visuals were beautiful, and i felt connected to the characters. However after an hour or 2 i felt like i was walking back and forth throughout the same places all game and didn't even have to go to some areas. The story was progressing well for the most part but it got a bit dull towards the later half of the game. I was expecting big things from the ending, but it was the stupidest most anticlimactic ending ive ever seen in a video game in my whole entire life. This game is worth $5 not $20.… Expand
  48. TwoEars
    Feb 13, 2016
    7
    This is a very suggestive and mature game in the style of a "visual novel", much like Ethan Carter or Gone Home also are. You'll spend 90% of your time either exploring the wilderness or talking to your fellow fire-watchman, a woman by the name of Delilah, over the radio. So it's good then that these two parts of the game really are excellent, there is real chemistry in the radio banterThis is a very suggestive and mature game in the style of a "visual novel", much like Ethan Carter or Gone Home also are. You'll spend 90% of your time either exploring the wilderness or talking to your fellow fire-watchman, a woman by the name of Delilah, over the radio. So it's good then that these two parts of the game really are excellent, there is real chemistry in the radio banter between you and D. and the exploration is also fantastically done. I really applaud them for going with a handheld map and compass rather than just an automatic mini-map, it really makes the game that much more immersive and realistic.

    I also think that the graphics and audio design was very well done for such a small studio, there is a lot of love put in here. However - the problem I have with this game (and why the score stays at a seven) is that the game pretends like there's choice and consequence, but there really isn't. No matter what choices you make basically everyone who play this game is going to have the same emotional roller-coaster and the same ending.

    And while I understand that branching story lines and alternate endings take time and money to create it's especially painful this time around since I think this game could have been a real masterpiece, had we been allowed to explore some different endings depending on our choices. The net effect is that rather than feeling like we've been given something decent, the feeling I have is that I've been robbed of greatness. Video games are a unique medium in that they have the possibility to allow for choice and consequence, and to not take advantage of that in this case almost feels like a cardinal sin.

    There is so much that could have been done here in terms of keeping quiet on the radio, or not saying certain things on the radio, or delaying saying certain things to a certain someone, or not falling for someone's obvious trap. But nothing of that ever happens or pays off, this game is a "corridor-adventure-game" for a lack of a better term. You might initially think that there is choice and consequence, but this game is sadly a lot dumber than it initially makes itself out to be.

    I will also say that while I personally liked the current ending I think it may be a little too realistic, mature and underwhelming for mass-market tastes. Had the current ending been one of say three possible endings it would have been stellar, but since it's the only ending I think many will find it underwhelming.

    I debated long and hard whether I should give this game a 7 or an 8. In the end I decided that I can't reward coming this close to greatness and then falling short of the mark. This could have been a 9, or maybe even a 10, score game with the right branching story treatment but it simply falls short, and that is indeed painful    … Expand
  49. czt
    Aug 6, 2017
    0
    "Full controller support" is just a lie if dinput controllers ignored. Handling them with unity is indeed possible, see Layers of Fear or Syberia 3 for example.
  50. yogibbear
    Feb 11, 2016
    4
    Good gameplay, good humorous writing, interesting concept. Let down heavily by an unbelievable plot full of idiotic characters making stupid decisions. Entire game falls over because you cannot believe what they do or their motivations. Rest of it would be great in another game with a better story and more expanded gameplay. So... I feel ripped off. I mean I knew it was going to be a storyGood gameplay, good humorous writing, interesting concept. Let down heavily by an unbelievable plot full of idiotic characters making stupid decisions. Entire game falls over because you cannot believe what they do or their motivations. Rest of it would be great in another game with a better story and more expanded gameplay. So... I feel ripped off. I mean I knew it was going to be a story game / walking simulator, but there's just no meat here. Also there's no real choice in what happens, just different dialogue as far as I can tell. Pretty disappointed as from the reviews I'd read they made it sound like there'd be multiple endings or something so at least that would've given it some meat, but nope. Not recommended.… Expand
  51. Dough15
    Feb 10, 2016
    7
    Great narrative-experience, accompanied by top-notch voice acting, art-direction and pacing, that's therefore weakened by a heartless conclusion that doesn't make justice to the mistery established early in the game. Firewatch is memorable, but replaying it seems pointless.
  52. martin03252000
    Sep 13, 2017
    0
    the developers are people that would sue a innocent person, just because they don't like them. The game is a walking simulator and if you really wanna play a walking simulator you would be beater of playing something like valley
  53. OllieGally
    Sep 14, 2017
    0
    Boring. Basically a walking simulator which is very short in a way, could be better with a different story line. It is a huge waste of time and money.
  54. dakon
    Feb 13, 2016
    1
    Game bugged out at day 79. Could not get it work. Had to watch the rest of the game in youtube.....by lord if you are a sp story driven game, bug check before release.
  55. LordScrambles
    Sep 20, 2017
    0
    Garbage walking simulator.

    That's it. That's all I really need to say. I could end this review here. But I guess I could go into a bit more detail. The game had "something" of an interesting premise at the start. Before actually taking control of the story, you read a series of text excerpts detailing the events leading up to the beginning of the game. However, as soon as we get into    Garbage walking simulator.

    That's it. That's all I really need to say. I could end this review here. But I guess I could go into a bit more detail.

    The game had "something" of an interesting premise at the start. Before actually taking control of the story, you read a series of text excerpts detailing the events leading up to the beginning of the game. However, as soon as we get into the game itself, you instantly become aware of the fact that the game is... well... nothing. Even by the standards of "narrative driven" games, this one just sucks. A clunky, confusing build up, that ultimately leads to a resolution that is simultaneously nonsensical and completely unsatisfying. That's what you're getting when you buy this game.

    There's nothing worse than a bad ending, and boy does this game deliver in that regard.    … Expand
  56. YourNeighbour
    Jan 24, 2018
    0
    FIRST UP: They BAN you for giving feedback on the forums. You PAY for a game and you give them a feedback they don't like it so they ban you? What kind of immoral developer are those? They have no shame left and should not continue to exist as a company. If you are reading this, don't buy it, or if you buy it, play it real quick and refund it.

    It might appear to be some kind of open    FIRST UP: They BAN you for giving feedback on the forums. You PAY for a game and you give them a feedback they don't like it so they ban you? What kind of immoral developer are those? They have no shame left and should not continue to exist as a company. If you are reading this, don't buy it, or if you buy it, play it real quick and refund it.

    It might appear to be some kind of open world exploration but no, it's just a linear storyline and it's helluva short for the money you will be paying.

    On top of that, the fps will jump wildly even on the best gaming PC, not very well optimized, just another cash grabbing quick asset dump.    … Expand
  57. Noodlebox
    May 10, 2017
    7
    Good things about Firewatch:
    - Story, of course. It what game's all about! Background behind characters, time and place make you fall in love with them all
    - Graphics are very good, love color choices - Sounds and voice acting are great - Diversity of zones, each have it's unique feel. Room for improvement: - Open world level design is fine, but some areas feels empty. World looks    Good things about Firewatch:
    - Story, of course. It what game's all about! Background behind characters, time and place make you fall in love with them all
    - Graphics are very good, love color choices
    - Sounds and voice acting are great
    - Diversity of zones, each have it's unique feel.

    Room for improvement:
    - Open world level design is fine, but some areas feels empty. World looks like decoration and I think that the game doesn't really reward you for deep exploring of hardly accessible places
    - Unity engine. I don't know why, but I don't like how it works on a PC. Controls and rendering feels weird and slow, but maybe it's just me.

    Overall: Firewatch may be not the great game, but it is great story, will totally recommend.    … Expand
  58. keasyman
    Mar 2, 2016
    5
    Wow, what an engaging narrative!
    I was sucked in from the start.
    Unfortunately this game despite its' brilliance is far too short to justify the price tag. £15 on Steam in the UK and it lasts 3 or 4 hours. I've spent more in the pub on one round but games carry a different value. Far too little content and the map is far too small. After trekking a few paths there's not much need for    Wow, what an engaging narrative!
    I was sucked in from the start.

    Unfortunately this game despite its' brilliance is far too short to justify the price tag. £15 on Steam in the UK and it lasts 3 or 4 hours.
    I've spent more in the pub on one round but games carry a different value.
    Far too little content and the map is far too small. After trekking a few paths there's not much need for the compass at all. It's a real disappointment when the boundaries are met.

    I'd save my cash for a title that lasts a good bit longer.    … Expand
  59. KARF4GEN
    Nov 20, 2019
    7
    Хорошая игра про глубокую историю и ходьбу с неудобной картой..
    Пожалуй юным игрокам она будет возможно скучновата, так что рекомендую много экшна или не ждать, или пока отложить до своей зрелости. Игроку будет понятнее и проще прочувствовать героев.
    Проходилась в целом игра на одном дыхании и весьма понравилась. История взаимоотношения двух дозорных, которые в период зрелости оказались    Хорошая игра про глубокую историю и ходьбу с неудобной картой..
    Пожалуй юным игрокам она будет возможно скучновата, так что рекомендую много экшна или не ждать, или пока отложить до своей зрелости. Игроку будет понятнее и проще прочувствовать героев.
    Проходилась в целом игра на одном дыхании и весьма понравилась.
    История взаимоотношения двух дозорных, которые в период зрелости оказались в ситуации, когда им нужно было убежать от своей судьбы и в лесу они оказались в угрожающей и не ясной ситуации.
    Ответ игра в конце дает только один - иногда ответ намного проще и трагичнее, чем тот который мы могли себе представить.
    Итог: хорошо, чуть бы побольше геймплея и стало отлично.    … Expand
  60. Mygaffer
    Sep 14, 2017
    1
    Worst walking simulator ever. Boring "game" with a terrible ending. Is NOT worth the money. I highly recommend people stay far away from this and all of this developer's games.
  61. Grenna
    Jun 17, 2016
    9
    As an adult, I really enjoyed this game. It was short but sweet. I was genuinely scared during lots of it and kept looking behind me while traversing the forest. It's a somber game overall. The voice acting and plot are realistic and top notch.
  62. ed_aluko
    Sep 21, 2017
    0
    You are better off watching a let's Play of Firewatch as there is no gameplay only scripted dialogue and story. So save your money and watch it on Youtube.

    BTW: My first review was deleted as have most that are critical of this game and its developer in recent weeks. I would expect no better of a developer who tries to destroy someone's career because they spoke out of turn than to    You are better off watching a let's Play of Firewatch as there is no gameplay only scripted dialogue and story. So save your money and watch it on Youtube.

    BTW: My first review was deleted as have most that are critical of this game and its developer in recent weeks.
    I would expect no better of a developer who tries to destroy someone's career because they spoke out of turn than to then seek to censor those that called them out on their awful behaviour and their ludicrously overrated walking simulator.
    I fully expect Campo Santo to have this review removed as well because they are cowards and censoring criticism is what cowards do best.    … Expand
  63. Dukemang
    Feb 13, 2016
    7
    The game is excellent at giving off a great narrative, but in the end, everything falls short from the great mysteries that occur throughout the story. I do give it a 7/10 because of how well everything is put together, but you're honestly left feeling disappointed and un-amused how the developers try to wrap it all up in the end. I'd say this game would be great for anyone to play, butThe game is excellent at giving off a great narrative, but in the end, everything falls short from the great mysteries that occur throughout the story. I do give it a 7/10 because of how well everything is put together, but you're honestly left feeling disappointed and un-amused how the developers try to wrap it all up in the end. I'd say this game would be great for anyone to play, but it's not a must have.… Expand
  64. SaniCorpus
    Feb 27, 2016
    2
    Its not worth the money. Its so short...I thought it would only be the 1st episode...but after 3 hours the game was over. I looks nice and the idea was good.. the relationship between the two characters is interesting. But thats all... the rest ist....BORING! Walk around, click because the ui shows you to click. Compared to "The Walking Dead", where your decisions have an impact on theIts not worth the money. Its so short...I thought it would only be the 1st episode...but after 3 hours the game was over. I looks nice and the idea was good.. the relationship between the two characters is interesting. But thats all... the rest ist....BORING! Walk around, click because the ui shows you to click. Compared to "The Walking Dead", where your decisions have an impact on the story and the story goes much longer, this game is a bad joke. And after the ending you don´t want to play it again... Don´t waste your money for this betrayal!… Expand
  65. darkphoenix16
    Feb 13, 2016
    6
    I was very excited for this game. I like to frame how much I enjoyed a game based on how excited I would be to buy a sequel of the title. In this case, I would most likely pass it up. The game had great potential but it didn't really live up to the hype they generated with their excellent (albeit sensationalized) trailers.

    The premise of the gameplay is fine. I don't think it needed    I was very excited for this game. I like to frame how much I enjoyed a game based on how excited I would be to buy a sequel of the title. In this case, I would most likely pass it up. The game had great potential but it didn't really live up to the hype they generated with their excellent (albeit sensationalized) trailers.

    The premise of the gameplay is fine. I don't think it needed any more features, but the ones that were there could have been developed a bit more. I had read an interview about how they put effort into making an outhouse so that your guy could use the bathroom...but its just a model. This is a good example on how the developer doesn't seem to quite understand what is lacking from their game. All the "things" you can do rely on the players imagination.

    You need to imagine that you are wandering in a vast forest (when its really on rails)
    You need to imagine you are fishing (when you are really just walking to the next scripted event)
    You need to imagine how Henry feels about his situation (because you aren't given any insight into this)

    I don't think the decision to funnel players to destinations by limiting where then can walk (due to downs trees that any normal person could hop over) was a good one.
    I don't think the game needed a conspiracy theory arc.

    I do think the game needed more from the antagonist, as hinted in the trailer
    I do think that their could have been more stress from the missing girls in the game (as hinted in the trailer)
    I do think there was opportunity for some cool options, like losing you map and compass and needing to either camp out or find your way back on memory alone.

    Overall I'd say that the world is very pretty, the dialogue can be charming, but the story ends up being terrible despite starting strong. It starts to fall apart when the conspiracies start. It sort of reminds me how Indigo Prophecy fell apart near the end with A.I and the like.

    Decent game, not stellar. I'm a bit sad regarding its unrealized potential.    … Expand
  66. lilpen
    Feb 26, 2016
    1
    The only pretty thing about this game is the atmosphere. I literally had to go and make an account to just rate how terribly mundane this game was. It had so much potential but honestly, the end was just really annoying. People call it "realistic." I honestly thought it would be good because of the hype but trust me you do NOT want to board the hype train on this one.
  67. Crazygamer123
    Feb 10, 2016
    5
    This game was not what I expected.
    It is a short game (if it could be called that at all), at about 3 hours long to complete. It was closer to a novel than a game, and had no challenge elements. It reminded me a lot of the 'Coming Home' game, even though it was a completely different setting and slightly longer. The mystery/ suspense elements, which there wasn't much to speak of, took a    This game was not what I expected.
    It is a short game (if it could be called that at all), at about 3 hours long to complete. It was closer to a novel than a game, and had no challenge elements. It reminded me a lot of the 'Coming Home' game, even though it was a completely different setting and slightly longer. The mystery/ suspense elements, which there wasn't much to speak of, took a back seat to the conversation/relationship between Delilah and Henry.
    If you want to experience a emotional novel like experience, then get the game because this is what it does well. If you want an actual game, DO NOT GET IT! It is no more a game than 'Coming Home' was.
    At the start of the game I enjoyed the natural beauty of the wilderness setting, which was truly beautiful. But by the end, I was so sick of the whole place and just wanted to get out.
    Compared to an open world experience it was very limited. There were many places that were cut off for no reason other than they didn't want you to go there yet (e.g. a rock was in the way). You could no go where you wanted for most of the game for various reasons.
    Overall, I'd give it a 2/10 as a game and a 9/10 as a story/novel experience.    … Expand
  68. sashaCZ1
    Feb 13, 2016
    6
    This game was a surprise for me. I wasn't really following it before the release. Then I saw a bit of gameplay and I really liked the graphics. This game has an absolutely great voice acting. I also loved the soundtrack playing throughout the game. And now, here come the minuses. So first of all, gameplay. I liked to walk around the map for about 1-1,5 hours. Then it became really boring.This game was a surprise for me. I wasn't really following it before the release. Then I saw a bit of gameplay and I really liked the graphics. This game has an absolutely great voice acting. I also loved the soundtrack playing throughout the game. And now, here come the minuses. So first of all, gameplay. I liked to walk around the map for about 1-1,5 hours. Then it became really boring. I swear to god, at the final stages of the game I just wanted to teleport to the main objective. So I didn't really like the walk-to-point-a-and-then-to-point-b-gameplay. Now, story. Well, the story is indeed good but it's completely linear. You can say that you can choose different phrases to say while talking to Delilah using a radio but it doesn't really matter what you say.. It will bring you to the same path. Also, the game is very short. It took me about 4 hours to play it to the end. So yeah, it's a great game that you should try out. Not worth 20 bucks though. 6/10.… Expand
  69. mellowbusiness
    Feb 9, 2016
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Firewatch starts off with an interesting premise, you're in a forest with your only communication being a woman named Delilah, another Firewatcher. The MC's backstory and as to why he became a Firewatcher is also interesting. The graphics are also pretty nice and the game gives you that comfortable feeling while playing it. There are also many interesting plot points brought up, and the halfway segment gets you emotionally invested as the duo finds out their being spied upon.

    Sadly this is where my praise for the game ends. There are so many interesting plot points such as the scattered snow gear, who Deliah was talking to over the other walkie talkie, the missing girls, and even the main plotline, they just go nowhere and the ending makes you feel empty as well. I understand the ending is telling you that you can't just simply run away from your problems, but when everything else in the game just went nowhere, the moral just feels weak and the story feels unfilling (and the fact that it technically wouldn't be running away since the MC's wife has Dementia and can't even remember him) Not to mention the various optimization issues such as framerate drops, constant crashes, frame skips which is just unacceptable at this moment in time. There is also the complete lack of gameplay elements; I understand this is a story based game but there could be at least be a puzzle or two. The dialogue choices barely matter at all and do not contribute to an ending, so if the choices don't matter, why even have them in the first place? Also, for a game that takes place in the wilderness, you only meet 3 animals in the entire game, and two of them are completely optional.

    Overall, this game or "walking simulator" is mediocre, it's not a bad game as it does have its good points, but it's not a good game as well as the optimization issues and the story choices hold it back. I personally think it would have been better if they just focused on the whole firewatching aspect and you meet interesting people and woodland creatures. Maybe some people might like this game, but I sure didn't and it's definetely not worth a full price purchase.    … Expand
  70. Nightspyz
    Feb 10, 2016
    6
    The game is nothing more than a linear narrated walking simulator , the entire game leans on the premise of really great voice acting but there is little in the way of player choice or any game mechanics , the game builds up a story and quickly deflates it towards the ending which leaves almost no room for questions or any squeals , the game makes you wonder if all it was meant to do isThe game is nothing more than a linear narrated walking simulator , the entire game leans on the premise of really great voice acting but there is little in the way of player choice or any game mechanics , the game builds up a story and quickly deflates it towards the ending which leaves almost no room for questions or any squeals , the game makes you wonder if all it was meant to do is squeeze some cheap emotional conflict from the players , the environments are very pretty but with the limited areas of exploration it all ends up looking the same pretty quick , spending 10% of the time looking at your map and 90% of the time trying to find things you can use the radio to talk about with another faceless human. the game had lots of potential but is too short 3-4 hours if you read everything , doesn't justify the price point , get it on a holiday sale maybe.… Expand
  71. frantisec
    Feb 16, 2016
    7
    Amazingly atmospheric and interesting. I just love the communication with walkies. BUT the end? So weak for me. So many questions and i just thing it was silly, great feeling from the game untill finish.
  72. kursku
    Feb 10, 2016
    5
    Do you know when you watch something and you fell that something is wrong? At one point that yo normally feel a awkward by it? The experience is divided by three major acts, the first one is when you are really excited by all that you see and hear, to see yourself in a Wyoming forest and walking around a lake, being mocked by some drunk teenagers girls, your relationship falling apartDo you know when you watch something and you fell that something is wrong? At one point that yo normally feel a awkward by it? The experience is divided by three major acts, the first one is when you are really excited by all that you see and hear, to see yourself in a Wyoming forest and walking around a lake, being mocked by some drunk teenagers girls, your relationship falling apart because you can't handle it. Then, it's just a walk from point A to point B type of game that you expect something out of nothing, and the third act is when you have your expectations up high and you are throw away by a really bad ending story.

    It's the kinda game that you have to buy during a sale, it's short, and as the main character says at the end, disappointing. Because, well, there is no ending, there is no nothing.    … Expand
  73. Gamercritic777
    Aug 14, 2016
    8
    Very interesting and innovative game. I got drawn into the game pretty quick and kept wandering until the end. Short game as can be done in few hours, but well worth it. Like watching a movie, but somehow directing it too.
  74. Jamtots
    Feb 9, 2016
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game is great, but is seriously let down by an anticlimactic ending that feels far too... ordinary. It builds up this big mystery and conspiracy only for it all to suddenly deflate and lead nowhere exciting.

    Just like Henry's relationship with Delilah. It just goes nowhere.

    The game pretends to be something it's not for the entirety of its length until the "mystery" is solved, which is going to annoy a lot of people.

    That being said, I still think it deserves a high score because although the destination sucked, the journey there was gorgeous and a lot of fun.    … Expand
  75. 21grams
    Feb 15, 2016
    7
    The game could have been really great, but the ending was really bad. The huge mystery felt flat in the end and left with the feeling of being fooled the whole time and wasting time for no reason.

    Good: - Artstyle - Narrative - Climatic - Mystery (until near end of the game) Bad: - Ending - Length (3-4 hours if you don't rush) I truly believe they fcked up (this is correct    The game could have been really great, but the ending was really bad. The huge mystery felt flat in the end and left with the feeling of being fooled the whole time and wasting time for no reason.

    Good:
    - Artstyle
    - Narrative
    - Climatic
    - Mystery (until near end of the game)

    Bad:
    - Ending
    - Length (3-4 hours if you don't rush)

    I truly believe they fcked up (this is correct word for it) ending really badly.. Such a shame because bad ending makes good game look not so good in the end.    … Expand
  76. mindw0rk
    Feb 10, 2016
    7
    I enjoyed watching walkthrough. Loved atmosphere, graphics style, voice acting and how plot starts. But towards the end something happened and all the mystery went poof. For story based game story felt too simple and straightforward with ending that didnt satisfy me at all. I hope next game from this company will bring a more indepth mystery.
  77. SoulExcuse
    Sep 12, 2017
    0
    A very short game where the plot goes nowhere. Beautiful art direction that conveys the sense of an open world, but is really a series of corridors without any sort of gratifying exploration.

    The game is centered around the plot, but the ending leaves you thinking "Well, that was a whole bunch of nothing."

    Do not listen to the shills creaming their jeans, Firewatch is exceedingly mediocre.
  78. FlorinEmil
    Sep 12, 2016
    1
    The only good thing about this game is the art style and the voice actors.
    The best walking simulator of this year 10/10 would walk again and answer that radio.
  79. BobbyJohnson
    Aug 17, 2016
    8
    What an amazing adventure it was - it sucked me right in. The ending was a disappointment though. I expected something else. But it was all right most of the time. And the game isn't too long - I like that since I don't have much time for video games these days.
  80. coustoe
    Sep 14, 2017
    1
    A very linear game with very little actual gameplay or game content. Total game time is about 3 hours. It plays more like if you were just watching a movie and should be worth the same price, a few dollars. The developer seem to be jumping on the bandwagon of trying to scam gamers into paying game prices for delivering a "visual novel". This combined with hearing the Developer's recentA very linear game with very little actual gameplay or game content. Total game time is about 3 hours. It plays more like if you were just watching a movie and should be worth the same price, a few dollars. The developer seem to be jumping on the bandwagon of trying to scam gamers into paying game prices for delivering a "visual novel". This combined with hearing the Developer's recent rants about the gaming community and the over generous game review you can tell that this is another "Lost at home" Developer.… Expand
  81. Chris_DK
    Feb 18, 2016
    4
    This game has a lot of great moments but I completed it in under 4 hours and that was without rushing it. The ending was a serious anticlimax and was really weak. The game ends abruptly and is very linear, the choices you make in this game does not matter in the end. There was no character development, the relationship you have invested time on througout this entire game was for nothing.This game has a lot of great moments but I completed it in under 4 hours and that was without rushing it. The ending was a serious anticlimax and was really weak. The game ends abruptly and is very linear, the choices you make in this game does not matter in the end. There was no character development, the relationship you have invested time on througout this entire game was for nothing. The game has an outstanding voice cast, an excellent soundtrack and nice visuals but is kind of shallow. I have been looking forward to this game ever since it was announced and really wanted to love it. This game had potential to be so much more.… Expand
  82. thepatient613
    Feb 16, 2016
    6
    The game has many ups and downs but mostly downs and its ending will most likely disapoint you. The art style is what brought me to it in the first place. The story line keeps you going until you realize how many loose ends there are. There is little to no interaction and any hopes that you have regarding the storyline will be crushed. This could've easily been one of the greatest gamesThe game has many ups and downs but mostly downs and its ending will most likely disapoint you. The art style is what brought me to it in the first place. The story line keeps you going until you realize how many loose ends there are. There is little to no interaction and any hopes that you have regarding the storyline will be crushed. This could've easily been one of the greatest games this year but there is just so much unused potential it's just sad. Still, if you enjoy walking around in a beautifully designed environment then you might want to try it. Is it overhyped? Absolutely. Is it worth a try? Yes if you can get it for 10$ or less.… Expand
  83. Aventinus
    Feb 14, 2016
    1
    The environments are beautiful....everything else is steaming donkey dung. From the mundane conversations to the hollow and non-existent plot...this game may be what stops me from playing games forever. I've just finished it and it left such an empty feeling inside of me that I just don't want to touch video games for the foreseeable future. Thanks Firewatch.
  84. Trunkis
    Sep 22, 2017
    0
    This is a really flawed game.
    Overhyped to kingdom come.
    Not worth your money.
    The best way to sum up this game is - Good Marketing campaign, Dud game.
  85. JMountain26
    May 13, 2016
    2
    Thsi game is **** awful. It was so damn fun and **** interesting as hell. But the goddamn ending made me want to neck myself and drink bleach at the same time. DONT BUY! 20.00 is not worth a 4 hour long train ride to a neverending circle of **** that ends with 0 questions answered.
  86. SharkyLV
    Sep 16, 2017
    0
    Way too linear and short.

    Would rather request a refund.

    The game is centered around the plot, but the ending leaves you thinking "Well, that was a whole bunch of nothing."
  87. jsven007
    Sep 19, 2017
    0
    This game is not worth the money, it lacks content, is boring, and is repetitive after a short time. If you want to buy a decent game look elsewhere. After a few hours, you will be bored with the mediocre gameplay. In summary, just do yourself a favor and avoid this game.
  88. adeadmoose
    Sep 20, 2017
    0
    The game was trash. Very little game play experience and content for me to consider it a "Game." I'm positive that Five Nights at Freddy's first game alone has more secrets and lore.
  89. realmrhyde
    Sep 26, 2017
    0
    The art style of this game is unique but for 20 bucks it is too short and ending is terrible.

    I would of given it higher but the developers also change their policy on streaming to whoever they please and have taken down streams using DMCA claims even though they clearly state on their website anyone can stream the game and even profit from it.
  90. Voodoo123
    Jan 10, 2018
    3
    This well-enough crafted game uses simple, 'nintendo style' graphics to tell its pretentious story about a fire lookout solving a mystery. It's a 3 hour long 'walking simulator' game and once you start playing, you'll quickly know if its for you or not.
  91. thumperca
    Oct 15, 2017
    3
    This game was a let-down and I regret buying it. It is nowhere as good as critics believed us to be. There isn't a lot to explore and the campaign was short. The ending of the game is also a big letdown. This game builds up suspense but ends feeling empty.
  92. WhalesLoveSmash
    Jul 12, 2019
    6
    Overhyped. The game just isn't that fun to play. Going into it I knew that it would be a walking simulator, but even compared to those it struggles to be as intriguing as What Remains of Edith Finch or The Stanley Parable. The only thing this game has going for it is the art style, once you get past that the rest of the game kind of sucks. Moving through the world is clunky andOverhyped. The game just isn't that fun to play. Going into it I knew that it would be a walking simulator, but even compared to those it struggles to be as intriguing as What Remains of Edith Finch or The Stanley Parable. The only thing this game has going for it is the art style, once you get past that the rest of the game kind of sucks. Moving through the world is clunky and unresponsive because the guy you play as can't jump over something half an inch tall. All you do in this game is run from location to location and once you get there there is some scripted event. The world is lifeless (this park has no animals or dynamic events whatsoever) and the main story takes you to the same locations over and over and leaves half of the world unexplored. The story heavily dies out as it begins to build tension. The pacing of this game is awful. The first few days and the last few days will take around 80% of your playtime as everything from day 10-70 is glossed over. As I said earlier, the game just isn't fun. I have zero idea how this managed to get such high review scores while being a mediocre game. The world, dialog, and voice acting may be good but everything else is not.… Expand
  93. willfo
    Feb 10, 2016
    3
    A 2 hour game that amounts to nothing.

    Beautiful and well made, but with a story that could have come from a bad 90's TV movie written by a failed screenwriter working for nickelodeon. Do not be fooled into thinking this game falls into a category with telltale games or Until Dawn, because the story and choice elements are sorely lacking. If you REALLY like the walking-sim style    A 2 hour game that amounts to nothing.

    Beautiful and well made, but with a story that could have come from a bad 90's TV movie written by a failed screenwriter working for nickelodeon.
    Do not be fooled into thinking this game falls into a category with telltale games or Until Dawn, because the story and choice elements are sorely lacking.

    If you REALLY like the walking-sim style genre then this may be worth a buy, otherwise wait for a sale at best.    … Expand
  94. KudesniK
    Feb 14, 2016
    9
    It was like an interactive seven-hour movie. Nice humor of main characters. Nice story about one summer.
    Not fully open world, but for this type of game it's enough.
  95. Nogard123
    Feb 11, 2016
    0
    This game begins very interesting,but the further you go in the more obvious it is that they rushed this out.
    A very short game and very bad story, my advice would be to avoid this game.
    No replay value at all,l i also see that Anita Sarkeesian is in the end credits,that could explain why this game is a huge failure.
  96. goodterling
    Oct 3, 2016
    0
    What a WASTE OF TIME. This game is the equivalent of those modern art paintings of one simple square. It exists only to make pretentious people feel deep for "getting" it. It's a lot of unnecessarily slow and awkward trudging around a forest, tracking down very MUNDANE mysteries that end up being EVEN MORE mundane when revealed. Your OWN LIFE is almost certainly more interesting thanWhat a WASTE OF TIME. This game is the equivalent of those modern art paintings of one simple square. It exists only to make pretentious people feel deep for "getting" it. It's a lot of unnecessarily slow and awkward trudging around a forest, tracking down very MUNDANE mysteries that end up being EVEN MORE mundane when revealed. Your OWN LIFE is almost certainly more interesting than anything in this game. If not, you're doing it wrong.… Expand
  97. Wkgh
    Feb 11, 2016
    8
    An incredibly well made game, that I suggest every gamer who has just a tiny bit of good taste and sense of quality should try. The story is well told and very intriguing. The only reason the game doesn't get 10 in rating is because it is a one time play through. At least in my opinion. But truly it is an amazing game Panic. Inc has created here :) Highly Recommend it...
  98. hhhhojeihsu
    Feb 10, 2016
    8
    -Graphics (8): Well the color is pretty vivid, and i just love the style. You can watch the trailer, screenshots or gameplay if you don't know what I'm talking about. However it lacks of variation.

    -Background Music (7): There are hardly any music through the gameplay, what you heard is the sound of nature or the existence of yourself. -Plot (6): Many folks say that the game has a    -Graphics (8): Well the color is pretty vivid, and i just love the style. You can watch the trailer, screenshots or gameplay if you don't know what I'm talking about. However it lacks of variation.

    -Background Music (7): There are hardly any music through the gameplay, what you heard is the sound of nature or the existence of yourself.

    -Plot (6): Many folks say that the game has a **** ending. THAT DEPENDS ON HOW YOU EXPLAIN THE STORY. Personally thinking, the story is pretty intense except the ending. And it lack of explanation or predictive things we expected. But overall the story itself is fine. Not satisfying but fine. Consider it is an indie.

    -Performance (7): I think my computer's spec is way higher than the recommendation. But the framerate sometimes drop to 40 fps. Considering there's nothing GPU intense scene, I think this is due to poor optimization. But overall it is fine.

    -Control (8): There's no unresponsive control. And the overall control design is fine.

    -Pros:
    //The comm system. It's very creative. And I enjoy the deep dialogue. And it's an important element in the game.
    //The entire firewatch concept is nice. A place without crowd and living with natural.
    //There're many thing trying to express during the gameplay. I think you should try it yourself and you will know what I'm talking about.

    -Cons:
    //There're only one story and the dialogue you choose doesn't effect anything at all. Maybe it's because I played a few visual novel before. Then the dialogue may show nothing to some gamer.
    //To tell the truth, I don't spend much of time exploring. But the devs use the map just for story telling, which is kind of pity.
    //The lack of interactive around the environment and the collection. There are few things you can take, or it's meaningless to take it.

    -Overall: I will suggest you to play this game. It's kind of refreshing and creative.    … Expand
  99. smith
    Jun 8, 2016
    0
    Игра шлак, полный шлак. Всё на что хватило разработчиков, это на размытые текстуры и ни одного прорисованного персонажа в игре.
    Вкратце:
    - Графика... графика полное говно. Закат смотрится неплохо, в остальном всё невзрачно. Почему не взять и не сделать игру на UE4, используя всю его красоту? Ну почему нельзя?! (Как в исчезновение Итона Картера, шикарнейшая графика, которая создавала    Игра шлак, полный шлак. Всё на что хватило разработчиков, это на размытые текстуры и ни одного прорисованного персонажа в игре.
    Вкратце:
    - Графика... графика полное говно. Закат смотрится неплохо, в остальном всё невзрачно. Почему не взять и не сделать игру на UE4, используя всю его красоту? Ну почему нельзя?! (Как в исчезновение Итона Картера, шикарнейшая графика, которая создавала тонну атмосферы.)
    - Игра длится 5 часов, из них 2,5 часа ты карабкаешься по веревкам вверх вниз - такой бред, боже, как я ненавижу такие игры с дрочерством (((
    - Очень слабый и глупый сюжет для игры такого жанра.
    - Музыка не запоминается и т.д.
    Можно все детально расписывать, но время жаль тратить на эту игры, и так 5 часов потерял.    … Expand
  100. RaphStryker
    Feb 14, 2016
    0
    This "game" is insultingly bad,its clear it came from development hell and ended right when it start to became good. Don't waste your money it's not worth it.
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Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Best PC Game of 2016
13
#13 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016
55
#55 Most Shared PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 65 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 65
  3. Negative: 0 out of 65
  1. CD-Action
    May 1, 2016
    80
    Firewatch is hands down the best, the most engaging first person walker I have ever played. Something doesn’t let me rate it higher though, and I guess it’s my common sense. [04/2016, p.50]
  2. GameSpew
    Apr 15, 2016
    80
    The look of this game is nothing short of stunning… Each detail is carefully designed and thought out with a charming feel to it overall.
    Read full review
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Apr 12, 2016
    100
    This unconventional game combines strong story, beautiful natural surroundings and fantastically written and played characters. What it lacks in classic adventure mechanics, it makes up in great dialogue system between the main protagonists. [Issue#262]
See all critic reviews »