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. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. Leo_Manzano
    Aug 2, 2022
    6
    Working....................................................................
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. vova22379
    Feb 17, 2023
    5
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  13. 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
  14. StarkAgentos
    Apr 16, 2022
    5
    Пустой скучный мир, ничего нет, никого не встречаешь. Игра для меня уж слишком скучная.
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. 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.
  37. 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
  38. 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
  39. 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
  40. 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.
  41. 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
  42. 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
  43. Thejaywhip
    Feb 17, 2016
    5
    Look I get that it was indie developers and all and that's fine. The +'s of the game are the art direction and voice acting. However there are so many -'s. The game was buggy half the time, while it made you feel like it was open world it was very structured. You had to find paths that didn't seem to be there at all. So game play was average at best and very frustrating at times.

    WIth    Look I get that it was indie developers and all and that's fine. The +'s of the game are the art direction and voice acting. However there are so many -'s. The game was buggy half the time, while it made you feel like it was open world it was very structured. You had to find paths that didn't seem to be there at all. So game play was average at best and very frustrating at times.

    WIth all that said, I could look past it. However the biggest negative is the STORY! What a pathetic story for a game. I mean why spend all this time for something so minor and insignificant. I can tell you exactly what happened. They started with the art direction and this game was solely made with that in mind and the story game later. That's great and all until you realize how pointless it was and what a waste of time it all was. My advice for the developers...hire a better writer next time.    … Expand
  44. OllyNorton
    Feb 14, 2016
    6
    There is a lot to like about Firewatch, the atmosphere, the environments, the 2 main characters. The way the game is established is quite unique and whilst I don't think the choices made in that opening make any difference whatsoever, it is quite an interesting opening none the less, establishing the protagonist and his sad past. Unfortunately with a game like this the story is key, thereThere is a lot to like about Firewatch, the atmosphere, the environments, the 2 main characters. The way the game is established is quite unique and whilst I don't think the choices made in that opening make any difference whatsoever, it is quite an interesting opening none the less, establishing the protagonist and his sad past. Unfortunately with a game like this the story is key, there is no real skill in the gameplay and whilst the environments are a joy to explore without something driving you through it's all for nothing. That said the story does a good job of driving you through the game, it's offers mystery and suspense, however the ending (explanation of the events) is utterly mundane and delivered in a very direct manner which counter acts the prior more subtle delivery methods on display in the rest of the game. Firewatch is part of an ever growing selection of exploration story games, and it adds some great things to the mix, but ultimately all of these games live and die on the story and unfortunately this one just doesn't round off well at all. In short you'll have fun playing it, but probably won't remember it with much fondness.… Expand
  45. Distrait
    May 25, 2016
    5
    Very short. Boring game-play. The dialogue is good, but the story falls flat in the end. Disappointing to say the least, if not for the scenery this would be a 4 for me. Spend your money elsewhere and save your 4 hours.
  46. sscott0829tw
    Feb 13, 2016
    6
    Firewatch tried to offer a good story in an amazing game world,but it failed to do that.
    It needs some interesting moment,needs more than 2 characters,need a deeper and more convincing story line.The game just end up like a walking simulator to me,and the mission design make it like a linear game,not an open world game.
  47. romanontherun
    Feb 13, 2016
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really, really enjoyed the game. The views, the dialogs, the tension, the setup - it's all was really good (and it's actually that was hook me up from the first trailers).
    But then an ending came up and all this account to...well nothing.
    All this 4 hours of tedious hiking and running account to nothing. There was no mystery to talk about (and the one that was is just forgotten like it's never happen).

    There is no supernatural events, no murderer on killing spree, no crazy science experiment, no 'The Truman Show' mindbending revelation, nothing.

    just hiking, talking and hiking and talking....    … Expand
  48. robertovivancos
    Feb 17, 2016
    6
    LOVED the storyline and relationship between the two main characters but I missed a bit more interaction with the environment hoping this game was going to be a modern graphic adventure, but it wasn't.
  49. rodericrinehart
    Jul 10, 2016
    6
    Great visual, pretty interesting story, but very short, ok ending, and gameplay was just so-so. Definitely worth it on a five dollar sale, then it would be pretty good.
  50. Hack
    May 25, 2017
    7
    Incredible voice work with main characters that felt extremely real, their banter kept me interested until the end, however the ending was extremely disappointing, I won't spoil it but I felt it was a giant let down that did a poor job of finishing the story and for a game in this genre that's a cardinal sin.

    Overall the game was enjoyable with a great atmosphere, I spent a large    Incredible voice work with main characters that felt extremely real, their banter kept me interested until the end, however the ending was extremely disappointing, I won't spoil it but I felt it was a giant let down that did a poor job of finishing the story and for a game in this genre that's a cardinal sin.

    Overall the game was enjoyable with a great atmosphere, I spent a large portion of the game on edge, with a feeling that something terrible was about to happen to me. The audio was top notch with amazing voice work from all involved, especially the main characters themselves, this was definitely the high point of the game. Visually it was just OK, with some low quality assets and textures that just looked off at times. Technically once again just OK, being a Unity engine game it did have some jank like asset load stutter, hitching and random frame rate drops even when installed on a SSD with a PC capable of running the game maxed out at well north of 60fps, it's definitely not the worst Unity title I've played, though.

    I'm a big fan of this genre and I do recommend Firewatch if you are too but it's not the cream of the crop, for that you'd want to play something like "What Remains of Edith Finch" which is just incredible.    … Expand
  51. kamhagh
    Apr 20, 2017
    7
    The game is very very short for the price.
    The art is stunning and the game is very relaxing.
    the ending was a bit underwhelming but good overall!
    it's funny how the whole game is nothing than a character moving around but they managed to make it interesting. if you're looking for something like call of duty this definitely isn't the game you will like.
  52. Crackfarmer
    Apr 2, 2016
    6
    I really don't like how the End goes. Very rough. Would've expected more than that. So i rate it okay-ish. But i wouldn't buy it. Get it free from the net and you're good to go.
  53. MooseNine
    Feb 16, 2016
    6
    Since announcement of Firewatch i was very excited. Game looked amazing in terms of graphics and sense of humor. Seemed to be the best indie game of the year.

    Now, when the game came out, not only me, but a lot of people change their minds. Game has it's funny moments and looks very beatiful but... it turns out it's just another walking simulator and only for about 3-4 hours. Story    Since announcement of Firewatch i was very excited. Game looked amazing in terms of graphics and sense of humor. Seemed to be the best indie game of the year.

    Now, when the game came out, not only me, but a lot of people change their minds. Game has it's funny moments and looks very beatiful but... it turns out it's just another walking simulator and only for about 3-4 hours.

    Story is very interesting until the very bad ending. I don't know how devs could destroy such a good story. Don't know how, but they did.

    Whole Firewatch has feeling like production was rushed in the middle of the game.

    The only thing what i can say is - do not buy Firewatch at this current moment. Becouse 20 $ is a way too much for this game. Wait for some steam sales and grab it for 5-10 bucks.    … Expand
  54. SolusBatty
    Feb 17, 2016
    6
    The art style of this game is just good enough to carry this game, as is the impressive voice acting because there is next to no gameplay elements. You walk from point A to B to progress the story dialogue, and if the game wasn't as short as it is (3-4 hours), you would do even more backtracking which just occasionally happens at this lenght. The story is intriguing enough. I've enjoyedThe art style of this game is just good enough to carry this game, as is the impressive voice acting because there is next to no gameplay elements. You walk from point A to B to progress the story dialogue, and if the game wasn't as short as it is (3-4 hours), you would do even more backtracking which just occasionally happens at this lenght. The story is intriguing enough. I've enjoyed the game, but i do not think it is worth its price.… Expand
  55. multiverseAE
    Feb 24, 2016
    6
    Firewatch is essentially an evolution of the point and click narrative game, though it falls far short of the greatness displayed in say, the Lucas Arts adventure games.

    The gameplay consists of making your way through a beautifully crafted Wyoming wilderness from points A to B while talking to a fellow Park employee. The best part of this game is its dialogue, the voice acting is    Firewatch is essentially an evolution of the point and click narrative game, though it falls far short of the greatness displayed in say, the Lucas Arts adventure games.

    The gameplay consists of making your way through a beautifully crafted Wyoming wilderness from points A to B while talking to a fellow Park employee.

    The best part of this game is its dialogue, the voice acting is top notch and realistic, it really feels like two adults conversing with one another. You can shape your own character through dialog choices, but it is severly limited, as this genre tends to be.

    Where the game falls apart is in its narrative. At a measly 4 hours, one can easily finish and be done with it in one sitting. The ending will leave you unsatisfied, its anticlimactic to say the least. I get why Campo Santo chose the ending they did, but they tripped up with the games length. To create something that truly resonated with me at least, they should have extended the games length, giving more time and dialogue to truly flesh out the games two main characters, as it stands, the game was so short that I did not even have the time to become invested in either of their lives.

    Firewatch is a game which shows potential, but ultimately falls flat due to a seeming lack of ambition.    … Expand
  56. Paulpolska
    Feb 25, 2016
    6
    This game was for me too boring. Very often we must across the same paths. Map is too little and quests are very ... strange. I expected from this game much more. Positives is maybe not bad and interesting details other things are bad like not full free movement. Game allows jump where are scripts area etc.
  57. knuckle_rap
    Sep 10, 2016
    6
    Waiting for the price tag to drop would've probably taken a half a year at best so I went ahead and snapped this up yesterday on a whim. My thoughts:

    Excelent chemistry between Hank and Delilah. Great dialogue, scenic but nothing special. People make out as if cel-shaded backdrops and autumnal hues are worth the ticket price alone. (I did like the protagonist's body texture though).    Waiting for the price tag to drop would've probably taken a half a year at best so I went ahead and snapped this up yesterday on a whim. My thoughts:

    Excelent chemistry between Hank and Delilah. Great dialogue, scenic but nothing special. People make out as if cel-shaded backdrops and autumnal hues are worth the ticket price alone. (I did like the protagonist's body texture though). Decent run time for 20€, although it feels like the third act was cut completely due to budget restraints and replaced with "revelations" that missed the mark completely as far as emotional impact was concerned.

    I was also peeved because even on a decent enough rig - I can run Skyrim on high res on my brand new ultrabook - the game was choppy as hell on anything but low graphic settings. Maybe bad porting?

    In any case, I enjoyed playing this game but the underwhelming ending and the lack of character development in the last act was a huge letdown and I left unsatisfied.    … Expand
  58. mikepatyaev
    Oct 6, 2016
    7
    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.
  59. DimitrisKatsa
    Aug 2, 2017
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very short game and there's no something interesting on it, you just walking from point to point to find things just to find yourself at the ending you were fooled by that **** at least its a short game that worth to play for me, plus bad ending… Expand
  60. Kadirov
    Jul 12, 2021
    7
    At first I was disgusted by the game's graphics, but generally this experience is worth trying. Story gave me some good emotions, I don't regret spending my time on it.
  61. Mehrshad_MB
    Mar 19, 2022
    7
    Firewatch has excellent environment to explore and interesting dialogues throughout the game (Sometimes I had to stop playing and just listen to the conversation between H and D!) . Voice acting was incredible. Usually such games forces player to go from one side of the map to the other, several times to make the game's beating time longer but luckily Firewatch wasn't like that.
    Story was    Firewatch has excellent environment to explore and interesting dialogues throughout the game (Sometimes I had to stop playing and just listen to the conversation between H and D!) . Voice acting was incredible. Usually such games forces player to go from one side of the map to the other, several times to make the game's beating time longer but luckily Firewatch wasn't like that.
    Story was good at first and had lots of potential to be amazing, but then it went nowhere. Not to mention unmeaningful and simple ending.
    Game gives you different choices for almost everything but has ONE ending? Pfft. (Secret ending is so dull that you can't count it as second ending!)
    Game lacks music. You can hear music at some points but that's not enough in my opinion. Such beautiful and mysterious environment needs beautiful music.
    To conclude, I had fun playing Firewatch. The game is quite different with any other games I've played; being a fire lookout and reporting stuff were fun. Maybe if the game had better story, challenging puzzles, and detailed environment, it would be one of my favorite games.
    (March 2022)    … Expand
  62. hileger
    Dec 27, 2022
    7
    ....................................................................................................k
  63. CodaHensley
    Dec 11, 2022
    7
    A genuinely engaging story that hooks you from beginning to end. It lacks a couple features I find would be necessary to make this a truly exceptional game, namely, the lack of any true 'gameplay' makes the game feel somewhat surface level. Regardless, I played through the entirety in one consecutive sitting, something that as a working adult I've come to appreciate. One could say it'sA genuinely engaging story that hooks you from beginning to end. It lacks a couple features I find would be necessary to make this a truly exceptional game, namely, the lack of any true 'gameplay' makes the game feel somewhat surface level. Regardless, I played through the entirety in one consecutive sitting, something that as a working adult I've come to appreciate. One could say it's simply an interactive movie, but sometimes, that's enough for me. Good story, interesting characters, and a mystery/tragedy that begs to be uncovered.… Expand
  64. 1ndastreal
    Jul 30, 2022
    7
    EMATARY GRAVE MAN - BLEED A RIVERSEMATARY GRAVE MAN - BLEED A RIVERSEMATARY GRAVE MAN - BLEED A RIVERSEMATARY GRAVE
  65. george_bondo
    Jul 24, 2022
    7
    this game is just perfect with that beautiful music , characters and atmosphere
  66. christyguy
    Aug 10, 2022
    7
    Very pretty game with an interesting story in a unique setting. The backtracking was annoying in parts, and sometimes a little guidance was needed. The views and atmospheric horror made up for it though!
  67. brokencinho
    Dec 21, 2022
    7
    La historia es linda pero es todo muy simple, no le podes pedir mas de lo que ofrece para mi lo recomiendo igual dura 3-4horas.
  68. Suprizer
    May 18, 2023
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 7.5 I would give if i could borderline 8 what i am trying to say, story is nice the, way they tell story is engaging atmosphere is marvelous and at times this game was scary... You heard me there was points in this game i felt that i was being watched someone was just behind me looking to me from a near bush. Ending was the onlything that made me feel bad... Game was going really good than the ending is just... RUSHED!… Expand
  69. AlexandrRosca
    Dec 29, 2021
    7
    Firewatch | 2016 | PC | Played for: 5h

    A story told through a beautiful walking simulator.
    Played it in one sitting, it is nicely packed but nothing to write home about.
    Can only recommend if heavily discounted. The atmosphere is nice though, soothing.

    Story: 7,5/10
    Gameplay: 6/10
    Graphics/Physics: 9/10
    Music/Sound: 8/10
    Final Score: 7,4/10
  70. Figomor
    Aug 21, 2020
    5
    This is more of a walking simulator, than an actual game. It is going there and back again over and over.
    The narrative is pretty solid though and the relationship between Henry and Delilah is really interesting. Dialogues are smartly written and voice acting is very good. But, the most of the time I was bored by constant strolling and the lack of an actual gameplay. Also the conclusion    This is more of a walking simulator, than an actual game. It is going there and back again over and over.
    The narrative is pretty solid though and the relationship between Henry and Delilah is really interesting. Dialogues are smartly written and voice acting is very good. But, the most of the time I was bored by constant strolling and the lack of an actual gameplay. Also the conclusion is very weak. My rating: 5 out of 10.    … Expand
  71. Stucker
    Jun 12, 2018
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The visuals is great, fun-playing and interesting to follow the story, unfortunately story won't unfold into something surprising or interesing. I was waiting for more deep story in the end, it felt like the game was butchered in the end and developers ran out of time/ideas. Overall nothing special honestly.… Expand
  72. B3ckett
    Mar 23, 2016
    7
    Something different and something beautiful. The tension builds up nickely, the views and atmosphere are wonderful, but the ending dissapoints. With a capital D.

    Nevertheless it's worth a few hours of your time so go get it. Ending's bat taste in the mouth will eventually pass, but you will recall time spent with the game fondly.
  73. Crescendo
    Mar 31, 2016
    7
    As many others have said before me, Firewatch is a pretty and intriguing game featuring a very interesting scenario. I guess I'd can call it another walking simulator if I disliked the game, but quite the opposite is the case here. I felt the narrative driven by just two people seemingly alone just using their radios was pretty well written, and the story exciting and thick up to a certainAs many others have said before me, Firewatch is a pretty and intriguing game featuring a very interesting scenario. I guess I'd can call it another walking simulator if I disliked the game, but quite the opposite is the case here. I felt the narrative driven by just two people seemingly alone just using their radios was pretty well written, and the story exciting and thick up to a certain point... you begin to questioning your own sanity, the others, if there is something bigger going on... but in the end the trailer shows a much more dramatic and sensationalist version of this game (which I'd have liked to play instead)

    Pros:
    + Atmospheric
    + Good narrative and tension buildup
    + Good looking
    + Interesting scenario

    Cons
    - Very much 'on rails'
    - No real decisions to make
    - Probably a bit of a disappointing finish, but I liked it that way    … Expand
  74. revillo
    Jan 2, 2017
    5
    Some great marks for atmosphere, writing and voice acting. It's definitely got the largest map I've seen in a narrative-driven indie game. At the end of the day though, all the mistery, intrigue and character development culiminates in what's best described as a park-safety public service announcement that I could have easily done without.
  75. JohnWitten
    Mar 24, 2016
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. [Brief Synopsis of Full Review]

    The scripted sequences that progress the narrative and the interactions through relationship building and dialogue are the finer points of the game and make the experience one that I would say is entirely worth it even though the second and third acts gradually slack off and leave a sour taste in the mouth. What starts as a mystery I would love to uncover gradually morphs into something that even X-Files would shudder at in terms of just how much it seems to retcon earlier information and make liberal use of “video game logic.” What is at first an entirely believable and enjoyably realistic experience seems to hoodwink even the player themselves and end with a less than stellar thought.

    Concept: Explore the wilderness and a potential cover up and other intriguing events in the backwoods of Wyoming over the course of a summer with your fellow fire watchers.

    Graphics: It certainly has its own unique look and reminds me more of graphics or posters sometimes than a realistic or cartoon style of visuals in games.

    Sound: Although characters never meet face to face per se, the voice work is well done and showcases an incredible level of detail and emotion in the way it conveys the words from script to realization.

    Playability: It is quite literally a stroll through the woods and an enjoyable experience lacking difficulty but not lacking for substance.

    Entertainment: Games in this genre are slow going but if you can get into the story then you’ll be right at home for at least seventy percent of the game or so.

    Replay Value: Low.

    Overall Score: 7.0    … Expand
  76. SebboBastian
    Dec 24, 2018
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. About four hour game where you will take part of a very personal story and relationship between two characters who have never met each other. Good vibes but something more is missing.… Expand
  77. vonbird
    Mar 14, 2017
    7
    Firewatch has an impressive and beautiful environment for and indie game but I've seen better. It looks eye catching for the first few hours but the problem is that the whole game is just a few hours.
    The voice acting is also rather good and that probably the only thing that keeps you from leaving the game unfinished.
    But the game play gets boring very soon, although they try to add new    Firewatch has an impressive and beautiful environment for and indie game but I've seen better. It looks eye catching for the first few hours but the problem is that the whole game is just a few hours.
    The voice acting is also rather good and that probably the only thing that keeps you from leaving the game unfinished.
    But the game play gets boring very soon, although they try to add new elements every now and then but it really doesn't help.
    And then there is the plot...
    It really seems to be a great story until you finally find out that it wasn't and it was just another ordinary story.
    Overall if you have spare 4-5 hours to kill
    You might give Firewatch a chance, otherwise, its not worth it.    … Expand
  78. DeFlow
    Feb 26, 2016
    7
    Firewatch is an emotionally engaging adventure game. It shines most in it's realistic depiction of evolving relationships and connection to our peers and how we humans deal with pain and loss.

    If you read this, but have been put off by the critical assessment of the ending, let me tell you this. The game does not end in a James Bond, Die Hard or X-Files climax with guns blazing and    Firewatch is an emotionally engaging adventure game. It shines most in it's realistic depiction of evolving relationships and connection to our peers and how we humans deal with pain and loss.

    If you read this, but have been put off by the critical assessment of the ending, let me tell you this. The game does not end in a James Bond, Die Hard or X-Files climax with guns blazing and explosions everywhere, but more nuanced and gradual. For me, this is a realistic depiction of the world we live in. People wishing for a more exciting, staccato ending might have watched too many movies where they should have gone out in the world and experience life as it is.

    Why a 7? The game perfectly achieves what (I think) it aims to do. The main meat of the game, the relationship between Delilah and Henry, shines and the voice acting is great. However, the game is short and linear and the plot is okay but has some holes and is not fully believable. An extra couple of months of writing would have served the game well.

    If you like atmospheric and thought-provoking games, I urge you to buy The Witness instead.    … Expand
  79. Tomle1202
    May 21, 2016
    7
    Firewatch is like a flame in the centre of darkness. It shines with character development and voice acting, but not bright enough to overshadow its rather short length and a disappointing story.
  80. ragnarokew
    Nov 3, 2018
    5
    Ok game , kinda empty i like story and atmosphere but definitely not enough.Graphics are ok need more action communication between Henry and Delilah was good but thats it nothing more.
    Play it without high expectation
  81. othaner
    Mar 4, 2016
    7
    "how to ruin game of the year material by making a sh*tty ending simulator"
    last 20-30 minutes turn the game from 10 to 1 made all your journey worth nothing
  82. AnTi_HeRo2100
    Mar 1, 2016
    7
    FIREWATCH (the game)

    For those of you who may be thinking about trying it out I will give you a little insider. If you are into seriously good gameplay and that's pretty much it please don't buy this game, this game is more of a narrative its the story and the overall presentation that makes this game good not the gameplay, the environment is severely limited in interactions and    FIREWATCH (the game)

    For those of you who may be thinking about trying it out I will give you a little insider.

    If you are into seriously good gameplay and that's pretty much it please don't buy this game, this game is more of a narrative its the story and the overall presentation that makes this game good not the gameplay, the environment is severely limited in interactions and roaming around so don't expect that at all. This game is very linear in everyway but it is also very original from the story to the gameplay and the overall concept of it. this game is only about 4 hours in length and replay ability is not very high.

    However this game does show you what is great about gaming and how games can portray a story and emotions without everything being overly complicated, FIREWATCH is an example of what games use to be and are still capable of before multiplayer and sandbox style games became a thing it shows you that if the basics of game creation are done right it can be just as immersive as any other game and pull you in entirely for those 4 hours and make you sad but satisfied when you are finished.

    Overall I would give FIREWATCH a 7.5/10 because I don't personally believe that its worth $20 in todays market only being 4 hours in length, but the story itself propels this game up into the 7.5 range.

    P.S my grammar sucks I know that eat a dick.    … Expand
  83. Purguins
    May 10, 2016
    7
    The story here has so much potential until the devs decided to be lazy and destroyed it with a disappointing ending by not concluding the story well enough and I expected an epilogue or multiple endings. The gameplay was very good, story was tense and compelling enough to keep you finish the game in one seating, The characters were interesting and their voice acting was very good. The gameThe story here has so much potential until the devs decided to be lazy and destroyed it with a disappointing ending by not concluding the story well enough and I expected an epilogue or multiple endings. The gameplay was very good, story was tense and compelling enough to keep you finish the game in one seating, The characters were interesting and their voice acting was very good. The game would be better if they had expand their ending and we actually get to see Delilah and Henry faces or at least what happened to them in the end.… Expand
  84. touchofheaven
    Jun 30, 2020
    7
    Приятный, медитативный симулятор ходьбы по лесу, хорошая музыка и картинка.
  85. dandalis
    Feb 22, 2018
    7
    Firewatch is a ''walking simulator'' type game that isnt boring or a tirying to play, it feels more like an actual adventure game actually. Strongest aspect of Firewatch are the stunningly done enviroments, simply walking and taking in the world is a joyful experience, its as if youre really in a forest national park or something even if the graphics are highly stylized not photoFirewatch is a ''walking simulator'' type game that isnt boring or a tirying to play, it feels more like an actual adventure game actually. Strongest aspect of Firewatch are the stunningly done enviroments, simply walking and taking in the world is a joyful experience, its as if youre really in a forest national park or something even if the graphics are highly stylized not photo realistic. The sights and sounds in Firewatch are simply lovely. Easily one of the best games that nail a forest setting.

    Gameplay wise there isnt much to it other than reading notes, taking pictures of the nice looking world, yup thats part of the gameplay, examining objects and traversing the the small but still somewhat sizeable feeling world while following objectives the storyline sets. Standard stuff for a game of this type.

    Story is where things can be more complicated. On one hand Henry and Delilah are well done, natural and believable characters, its interesting seeing how they interact with each other via walkie talkie without having seen each other in person. Story itself is pretty down to earth narrative wise with some mystery and suspense that add up as you play. And then i dont know how to feel about the ending, its like it could've played out the logical way most people would've liked it to, but the devs went the opposite way just to be different for the sake of being different not to give the player the simple satisfication of it. Also i didnt quite like how game jumps and skips from one time period in the story to the next. Its pretty short game aswell, 5 hours max if you play at a slower pace, but people who are always in rush might clock under 3 hours or less.

    Finaly on the side of one the developers being involved with political correctness bullcrap, for me personaly that would matter only if their personal beliefs would affect the game's quality itself, in Firewatch case, i didnt notice any of that crap in the game, atleast nothing that would be sticking out like a sore thumb.    … Expand
  86. mysta02
    Nov 22, 2016
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Gorgeous graphics, and the music is decent. The dialogue is what keeps the game going, and a few pretty intense moments in the story. The rest is basic walking, and VERY slow climbing.

    The game is only 2-3 hours long, so not really worth $20.

    SPOILER WARNING:

    I'm 99% sure the developers ran out of money, and had to create a quicker, easier ending.

    The player discovers futuristic wave-finders, and other scientific equipment throughout the game, and it's found out at the end that it was all a sham put together by a hermit who's been living in the forest for 3 years. He pieced together futuristic science tech with stolen batteries, and salvaged snowmobiles...... It's ridiculous, and ruins what would have otherwise been an amazing, if short, game.    … Expand
  87. razMN
    Jan 27, 2022
    7
    It's an interesting game from the start to be honest - you feel like your character is going there to figure things out. Henry himself is actually a good character, aside from all the **** the character has done in the past and is actively doing by just staying there. Delilah is a good character too but I'm not sure she's there to be something for Henry to move on, or to just watch him orIt's an interesting game from the start to be honest - you feel like your character is going there to figure things out. Henry himself is actually a good character, aside from all the **** the character has done in the past and is actively doing by just staying there. Delilah is a good character too but I'm not sure she's there to be something for Henry to move on, or to just watch him or to unfold her own story.

    Many elements are great as a kind of a chill walking simulator, the setting is cool, walking in the forest isn't a pain and the few interactions you make aren't bad too. So, it's a heavy focused story game, right?

    The game puts in Henry and Julia's story, Delilah and Brian story and a research story with some Doctor, right? Henry is there, even talks to Julia at a point, but doesn't seem interested in staying with her or whatever. Delilah just throws her story there, but also they start to create an interesting pair, until the third plot unfolds, there's a place fully fenced, there's a doctor conducting a research and people spying on them and you have to figure things out.

    I was genuinely interested until you open the cave. Turns out, the story is just about a man who couldn't say he killed his son and proceeded to start a fire and leave without answering anything. Henry has a bad ending too (doesn't want to go see Julia and doesn't really want to stay with Delilah). And Delilah has some excuse to have her own ending.

    The plot towards the ending of the game could be more worked, for sure. It's disappointing that a game that can keep you hooked because of the thriller ends up like that.    … Expand
  88. Javichuck
    Dec 10, 2018
    7
    Walking simulator es el género donde más me encaja este juego. Nos cuenta una historia de misterio protagonizada por un agente forestal que vigila los fuegos desde su puesto en medio del bosque. La jugabilidad es reducida como es normal en este género y la historia tiene gran importancia aunque depende también de lo atentos que estemos a las notas que encontremos y a las conversaciones queWalking simulator es el género donde más me encaja este juego. Nos cuenta una historia de misterio protagonizada por un agente forestal que vigila los fuegos desde su puesto en medio del bosque. La jugabilidad es reducida como es normal en este género y la historia tiene gran importancia aunque depende también de lo atentos que estemos a las notas que encontremos y a las conversaciones que tengamos. El apartado artístico es su punto fuerte definitivamente recordando a juegos como The Witness y nos deja capturas realmente bonitas. Me ha gustado especialmente la manera de incluir a los personajes sin verlos, solamente a través de las comunicaciones por radio son capaces de crear vínculos realmente importantes. Recalcar su corta duración, 4h aproximadamente. En conclusión jugabilidad pobre pero aceptable para este género (6), narrativa buena y contada de manera innovadora(7), muy buen apartado artístico (8).… Expand
  89. pawq
    Feb 9, 2021
    7
    A lovely chill adventure game with a truly gorgeous visual style, a blissful world, and a story and relationships so compelling that I felt like playing it again as soon as I finished it. And I think that's its main problem - length. At under 5h, the game ends way too soon :( Still lovely though, highly recommended!
  90. michaelb1928
    May 27, 2020
    6
    The game can be gorgeous ill give it that but there isn't much else to it really. Initially Its fun, its intriguing. The voice acting is done well but theres just nothing to it in the end. The ending was a big letdown. Theres hardly any interactivity. Its a walking simulator of course but there are better examples of them. Towards the end youll end up trecking through areas you haveThe game can be gorgeous ill give it that but there isn't much else to it really. Initially Its fun, its intriguing. The voice acting is done well but theres just nothing to it in the end. The ending was a big letdown. Theres hardly any interactivity. Its a walking simulator of course but there are better examples of them. Towards the end youll end up trecking through areas you have already seen so theres nothing interesting to see anymore and as ive previously mentioned the story falls a bit flat.… Expand
  91. Gelaos
    Sep 19, 2018
    7
    Wonderful game. It is "only" walking simulator but boy can it be absolutely thrilling at times. The voice acting is top notch, the story is above average (but the ending is... "unexpected" to say it politely) and I liked the artsy graphics. Dialogues between the main protagonist and his colleague felt really like something a real person would say. Navigating through the terrain quicklyWonderful game. It is "only" walking simulator but boy can it be absolutely thrilling at times. The voice acting is top notch, the story is above average (but the ending is... "unexpected" to say it politely) and I liked the artsy graphics. Dialogues between the main protagonist and his colleague felt really like something a real person would say. Navigating through the terrain quickly became boring and for only 4-5 hr. adventure the prize is quite high.… Expand
  92. 4ya5h1
    Jun 30, 2021
    7
    I like drawing, music, atmosphere, plot, this game is really good, but still something is missing, some kind of scale or something
  93. Manzanetti
    Sep 19, 2020
    7
    This is a solid experience. Great voice acting, nice graphics, music and has a lot of charm. It's quite short though for it's price tag, but at a discount, I'd recommend it any day.
  94. Crimert
    Feb 19, 2021
    7
    Basically, it's a walking simulator but I enjoyed this game. The story-telling was cool. 5hrs on record.
  95. Angrytiger
    Feb 17, 2021
    7
    Graphics = 2 of 3
    Story = 3 of 3
    Gameplay = 2 of 3
    Music and Sound = 2 of 3
    Wow factor = 2 of 3
    Total = 11 of 15 or 7 of 10
  96. ourendlesseason
    Dec 30, 2019
    6
    Aspetti visivi del gioco? Assolutamente eccellenti. Grafica, scenari e anche le voci dei protagonisti fanno da contorno ad un gioco che ha del potenziale, ma non lo sfrutta abbastanza. Il finale ripaga un po' le tre ore passate a girovagare per la foresta.
  97. Relkad
    Jun 19, 2020
    7
    Short,simple,beautiful,atmospheric.
    Also, not a bad level design.
    Don't expect replayability.
  98. ChesterField
    May 12, 2020
    6
    I should be missing something cause i dont understand the super scores this game is getting. Sorry.
  99. bancandrei
    May 15, 2020
    6
    One of the better walking simulators, elevated by the beautiful graphics. It attempts a lot of things, whether it succeeds can be hit or miss depending on you, but it is worth checking out.
  100. Chubac
    Jun 29, 2020
    6
    A very relaxing game but if you want something more (like I did) you gonna be very disappointed.
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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 »