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. fedec
    Jan 13, 2022
    9
    No juego indies generalmente, pero este juego lo voy a recordar siempre. Lo jugué con casi ninguna expectativa, simplemente lo probé por su arte, que es hermoso, pensando que sería algún tipo de juego de supervivencia o gestión en un bosque, nada mas alejado de eso. El núcleo del juego se basa en tu relación con tu compañera superior del trabajo, las conversaciones son excelentes, muy bienNo juego indies generalmente, pero este juego lo voy a recordar siempre. Lo jugué con casi ninguna expectativa, simplemente lo probé por su arte, que es hermoso, pensando que sería algún tipo de juego de supervivencia o gestión en un bosque, nada mas alejado de eso. El núcleo del juego se basa en tu relación con tu compañera superior del trabajo, las conversaciones son excelentes, muy bien escritas, y las potencian las brillantes actuaciones de voz. La banda sonora también es destacable.
    Es un juego que no tiene ninguna mecánica mas que caminar y elegir los diálogos, pero nunca llegas a aburrirte.
    La historia que lleva todo es bastante intrigante, lo único malo es que se pierde ese factor sorpresa una vez terminado.
    Sin embargo es un juego recomendadísimo que no exige tanto al jugador    … Expand
  2. Motoritz
    Feb 5, 2022
    9
    The whole atmosphere is just amazing. Thrilling game just to get soaked into.
  3. LeonardoH86
    Oct 8, 2022
    9
    No es cómo viviste la vida, si no las personas que conoces durante ella. Una historia de el reencuentro contigo mismo en la soledad de un inmenso bosque mientras una voz escucha tu pesar y tu le escuchas a ella. Acompañada de una historia de misterio que termina en algo simple y que fue de lo más débil de este juego. El final es algo que te desilusiona, no por que sea un mal final si noNo es cómo viviste la vida, si no las personas que conoces durante ella. Una historia de el reencuentro contigo mismo en la soledad de un inmenso bosque mientras una voz escucha tu pesar y tu le escuchas a ella. Acompañada de una historia de misterio que termina en algo simple y que fue de lo más débil de este juego. El final es algo que te desilusiona, no por que sea un mal final si no que esperas que pase algo que no termina pasando, pero la moraleja es con la que inicié esta reseña.
    Añadir la duración es corta, aproximadamente 4 o 5 horas, pero, en mi opinión, la duración justa para contar una buena historia y esta es una buena historia.    … Expand
  4. klaaz
    Jan 26, 2023
    9
    A game that falls short in terms of adventure and exploration, but in terms of narrative it makes us rethink the priorities of our lives.
  5. Magical_Viktor
    Apr 30, 2023
    9
    Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»
  6. Wohnrath
    Aug 20, 2023
    9
    strengths: story, map, setting/art direction, audio and voice acting
    weak points: too many bugs, unsatisfying ending
    one of the games I loved the most, but not one of the best
    but it will stay in my heart
    probably top 5
    would recommend to anyone
  7. ave
    Dec 26, 2018
    8
    Firewatch is way more than just a "walking simulator". I think there is a thematic thread about what is means to take care of someone else. First your character has trouble with this, then there is your supervisor, and the whole mystery about the missing person...
    The environment is not just a huge national park but also a psychological landscape you traverse, filled with unanswered    Firewatch is way more than just a "walking simulator". I think there is a thematic thread about what is means to take care of someone else. First your character has trouble with this, then there is your supervisor, and the whole mystery about the missing person...
    The environment is not just a huge national park but also a psychological landscape you traverse, filled with unanswered questions, and sometimes paranoia. There is a mystery to unveil indeed, and that's only part of the whole experience.
    It's a game that you can play to take a reflexive vacation from other games. A game that doesn't ask you to master a core mechanic but to explore the difficulties of figuring things out, especially the relationships between people.    … Expand
  8. keanex
    Sep 12, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I went into Firewatch with no expectations other than beautiful scenery and the game being story driven. Cool.

    I started off totally engrossed into the game, the nature of the relationship with Julia, but I found myself curious as to where things would lead to with Delilah. Then the mystery kicks in. I found myself thinking a bit of the TV show LOST at times. After an hour or two the mystery is revealed, and it seems like it was rushed, a bit of a cop-out as well.

    I don't know how to make this game better, but I will say that I enjoyed the first half a lot more than the second half.

    This is a game well worth playing, especially due to it being a short game, but I wouldn't recommend it at the $20 it's for on Steam. I think it's super polished in controls and scenery, but the story is too short and a bit rushed. $10-$15 seems more appropriate.

    Edit: I'm changing my score from 7 to an 8. The further removed I am from this game the more I think about it and remember it fondly.    … Expand
  9. ZaPaAl
    Feb 28, 2016
    8
    A beautiful, very story driven short game, based on emotional conversations and multiple sad backgrounds.
    Probably need's some personal experiences in comparable phases of family life, to be able to completely relate to.
    It does have a bit much strolling around in the scenery, with hardly anything happening, until you reach your next goal. Had some issues with graphics stuttering, but    A beautiful, very story driven short game, based on emotional conversations and multiple sad backgrounds.
    Probably need's some personal experiences in comparable phases of family life, to be able to completely relate to.
    It does have a bit much strolling around in the scenery, with hardly anything happening, until you reach your next goal. Had some issues with graphics stuttering, but didn't have time to be bothered as the story kept me going. Game is a tiny bit expensive, considering how long it is.
    Was a great experience all together.    … Expand
  10. Underpants158
    Feb 15, 2016
    8
    As far as walking simulators go this is walking simulator extreme edition as instead of walking you are hiking and instead of a minimap you have an actual map (you know, those things printed on paper) and a compass. While navigating in this manner is cool after awhile it becomes cumbersome especially since you can't run with your map open. So that is the gameplay. That and dialogueAs far as walking simulators go this is walking simulator extreme edition as instead of walking you are hiking and instead of a minimap you have an actual map (you know, those things printed on paper) and a compass. While navigating in this manner is cool after awhile it becomes cumbersome especially since you can't run with your map open. So that is the gameplay. That and dialogue options. I have no qualms with this just figured I'd point that out. Story wise I think most of it is great. The setup of your character and the complex relationship is wonderfully done. You can play Henry (main character) anyway you please. He has a complicated backstory when it comes to romance so it's up to you how you wanna make Henry approach this new romantic situation. I played him as being on the fence-wanting to bang but not ready to bang. The mystery that takes place has an underwhelming finish that feels bizarrely tame.

    A lot of mixed or negative reviews here seem to be by people who didn't understand what they were getting themselves into. As long as you know what kind of game this is and you are interested in it there is no reason why you shouldn't play it.    … Expand
  11. PaulJazz24
    Nov 1, 2020
    8
    Beautiful colors and landscapes, all drawn down in a minimalist style. Nice story and curated dialogue.
  12. 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...
  13. TheWaffle
    Feb 19, 2016
    8
    Having completed the game, I'm bumping up my rating. The game does a good job of building tension, confusing you with misdirects, and engrossing you in the world. It is very much a novel in game form. It also does a good job at making you feel a variety of emotions based on what's going on at any given point. A spoiler-free note on the ending, I've seen many criticisms of the plot and itsHaving completed the game, I'm bumping up my rating. The game does a good job of building tension, confusing you with misdirects, and engrossing you in the world. It is very much a novel in game form. It also does a good job at making you feel a variety of emotions based on what's going on at any given point. A spoiler-free note on the ending, I've seen many criticisms of the plot and its conclusion, but almost all of those criticisms ignore every note from the prologue and the characters' development. From the very start, as you craft Henry's backstory and get to know Delilah, Firewatch makes it very clear that there are no clean and easy paths in life. The sort of plot that most people seem to have wanted would have conflicted jarringly with Firewatch's entire philosophy.

    Firewatch is certainly not for everyone, it wasn't necessarily even great for me. But considering how many books that I've started and never finished it's worth pointing out that I finished Firewatch, and did not regret the time put in.    … Expand
  14. FullyAlive24
    Apr 3, 2020
    8
    There's a good chance that this won't be the best game you'll ever play. It probably won't even reach the top ten list, but it is one of the most interesting indie game experiences recently available for PC and console.

    The game revolves around the life of a man who takes up a job that is typically known as deathly boring and uses it to form a story of in-depth relationships and trust.    There's a good chance that this won't be the best game you'll ever play. It probably won't even reach the top ten list, but it is one of the most interesting indie game experiences recently available for PC and console.

    The game revolves around the life of a man who takes up a job that is typically known as deathly boring and uses it to form a story of in-depth relationships and trust. This game is all about Henry and Delilah, and the way that they interact after their own personal lives go up in flames. How their relationship plays out is almost entirely up to you, and it makes the characters feel much different. You can stick to the life you ran away from, or try to seek a better one in the middle of the wild. It's all up to you.    … Expand
  15. Give_em_hell
    Dec 2, 2018
    8
    A nice short game, great voice-acting, nice atmosphere. There are some visual rough edges, they never affect the gameplay.
  16. 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
  17. gloriouspotato
    Jan 3, 2017
    8
    With it's striking art style and overall strong presentation, Firewatch was one of my favorite games from 2016, though this is coming from someone who's no stranger to the "walking simulator" genre. Every piece of dialogue between Henry and Delilah was something to look forward to as they conversed about the hardships of life. Through this, Firewatch explores the degradation ofWith it's striking art style and overall strong presentation, Firewatch was one of my favorite games from 2016, though this is coming from someone who's no stranger to the "walking simulator" genre. Every piece of dialogue between Henry and Delilah was something to look forward to as they conversed about the hardships of life. Through this, Firewatch explores the degradation of relationships and the tendency for escapism. This is accompanied by a very fitting ambient soundtrack and an occasional dose of wit and comedy. I thought the resolution to the mystery/thriller aspect was a bit contrived, and perhaps the setting could've felt that more authentic if there was more wildlife and things to see and interact with, but on the whole I found Firewatch to be a fulfilling experience.… Expand
  18. LifeHistory
    Apr 19, 2017
    8
    It could have been even better if it was a little longer and if it had like multiple endings or something like that. But as it is still a great game, had lots of fun. Great voice acting and thrilling combining the art of the world and the graphics makes it special. I hate walking simulators but this is the best one yet. Do not miss and it pick it up at a discount totally worth every minute.
  19. jlcfreitas
    Feb 9, 2016
    8
    If you are tired of something, and you want to play anything different, go Play Firewatch and enjoy a good story, funny/serious characters, enjoy the music and the visuals meanwhile you are searching the woods. I really needed a game like this for a long time, just chill and play
  20. JDM90
    Mar 4, 2016
    8
    Firewatch has a great experience, the story is solid, visually pleasing, a fantastic atmosphere and overall I really enjoyed it. The conclusion to the story and the game all happened very fast and felt a bit rushed which was a bit disappointing.
  21. ThunderRam
    Feb 12, 2016
    8
    Played it - Beat it - I would have given it a 10 if the ending wasnt that "bleh". It was an extremely well done game overall. Story and dialogue were great and it was very intriguing on how you communicated with Delilah. Felt like a movie.

    I was just so disappointed in the ending that it took away from the heart and originality of the game.
  22. outraaageous
    Mar 5, 2016
    8
    As a disclaimer, this kind of game isn't my cup of tea. This is one of those first-person games with no combat, in the middle of an empty semi-sandbox world, and the immediate objective is "Go forth and explore".
    But, the story unfolds organically with your exploration and doesn't leave you wandering the park aimlessly for too long. Those who prefer solitary pursuits will enjoy the    As a disclaimer, this kind of game isn't my cup of tea. This is one of those first-person games with no combat, in the middle of an empty semi-sandbox world, and the immediate objective is "Go forth and explore".
    But, the story unfolds organically with your exploration and doesn't leave you wandering the park aimlessly for too long. Those who prefer solitary pursuits will enjoy the minimalist ambience, and there is just about enough to keep a demanding nit like me entertained. The world is beautifully rendered, the routes wonderfully realised and the voice acting is simply sublime.
    Throughout the game there's a prevailing feeling of something unseen up to no good which will have you forever looking over your shoulder. Unfortunately after such an eerie and well-crafted buildup of suspense, the ending was somewhat of a busted flush and also failed to tie up all of the loose ends.
    The game is also extremely short, but I felt that the concept would be tired had more been squeezed from it.
    At times it feels that indie games of this type are overly ponderous, and made ambiguous in an attempt to seem thought-provoking. Firewatch is refreshingly grounded in this respect. Perfect to get in the sales and to play through on a Saturday afternoon.    … Expand
  23. Jarbear28
    Mar 29, 2016
    8
    Firewatch is visually stunning and very intriguing. The gameplay is simple yet satisfying and the story kept me on the edge of my seat. Its a solid game from star to finish and would recommend to anyone.
  24. GameBoy57
    Feb 18, 2016
    8
    Firewatch created an unique experience where you constantly feel the vulnerability of being alone and not at the top of the food chain in an unfamiliar area. The interactive dialogs are just awesome and the story is great.The lenght of the game is just about right.
  25. Nyarulathotep
    Mar 12, 2016
    8
    Firewatch is a game that got me good. It was very late at night when I started to play it and I finished the game by morning. I just couldnt stop playing till I got to the end of it.
    Sadly, the game is extremely short for its own good. Most people finish it in around 2:30 hours.
    In my case I had way too much fun exploring the area and interacting with objects, so I ended up putting way    Firewatch is a game that got me good. It was very late at night when I started to play it and I finished the game by morning. I just couldnt stop playing till I got to the end of it.
    Sadly, the game is extremely short for its own good. Most people finish it in around 2:30 hours.
    In my case I had way too much fun exploring the area and interacting with objects, so I ended up putting way more time into it.

    You play as Henry, a married man who's wife had a mental disease and he couldn't do anything to help, so her parents decided to take care of her as they didnt trust Henry for that.
    Henry then took on a job as firewatch, mainly to try and run away from those problems.
    In his first day at the job, Henry is called by Delilah, his new "boss", through radio. The game then starts, and Delilah sends you on missions around the area. And thats basically what you do through the game.
    It doesnt sound like much at first, but the exploration part is really enjoyable. It actually made me wanna get a job as a firewatch just so I could get out of the big city and explore the wilderness. And maybe, just maybe, I would get a fun boss like Delilah to order me around.

    OH GOD, DELILAH! HOW I LOVE YOU SO!!
    Delilah is the main reason I enjoyed this game so much. She keeps you company while you explore the forest.
    She is a woman with a fun personality, so its hard to get bored when she is talking.
    The voice actors did an amazing job. Delilah and Henry conversations really feels natural.
    I wish the game was longer so I could listen to more of their dialogues!

    But alas, thats pretty much all the game has going for it. So you will either love it or hate it.
    There is a plot, but in my opinion it was one of the worse cases of "wasted potential" I seen in a game.
    Wont talk much about it so I dont spoil anything. Just dont think much about it and enjoy the ride.
    The game is short but very comfy, so buy it and play during the weekend. It will be worth it.    … Expand
  26. 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.
  27. Wendrop
    Feb 10, 2016
    8
    Going into Firewatch, I had no idea what to expect. I had only seen a short gameplay video a few months back. This isn't so much a game as it is an experience. Some may call it a "walking simulator" and they may be right, but I think there is a bit more to it than that. You actually feel that you are playing the role of Hank (He doesn't like that name) through the choices that you make.Going into Firewatch, I had no idea what to expect. I had only seen a short gameplay video a few months back. This isn't so much a game as it is an experience. Some may call it a "walking simulator" and they may be right, but I think there is a bit more to it than that. You actually feel that you are playing the role of Hank (He doesn't like that name) through the choices that you make. Tho voice acting is absolutely amazing and the art style reminds me of a Disney film (Kinda like UP) aesthetically. The only knock on the game is the pseudo-open world. There were times where I could not cross a rock because of an invisible wall, but luckily this wasn't very annoying. I managed to finish it in just under 4 hours or so, but I have the feeling that there is ALOT that I did not manage to see in my first playthrough, such as how the relationship with Delilah would have turned out had I perhaps been more harsh on her.

    Is Firewatch worth the £15 price tag? If you are someone who judges the price of a game on it's gametime, then maybe not. But if you value the experience of a game and how it makes you feel more than game time, then £15 is a near steal for the sheer emotional rollercoaster that it will manage to take you on in just 4 hours.

    Note:This is the first review I have ever given for a game, so forgive me if I done a shoddy job of it.    … Expand
  28. ciopenhauer
    Feb 14, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Excellent game for the non-gamers and gamers alike. It requires a certain maturity and attention span to play. Most cellphone-addicted teenagers wouldn't find this very interesting. It's a very short game, which is its best strength: it's great for casual gamers who want a fun experience without too much time commitment, but also a quick change of pace for most hardcore gamers out there. But if you're someone who wants a lot of content out of his game, you should probably skip this. This is all about the ambiance and the mystery.

    As someone who hasn't played a great many story-driven single player games, I found myself interested in this one. I didn't feel overwhelmed with things to do, because it's driven by a single "quest" every day, and you have a friendly voice guiding you. The mystery is effective. The ending is slightly disappointing, and you'd have hoped of at least finding a picture of Delilah in her tower or something. When I saw that she wasn't there, I started thinking it had all been a lie, until I found her drawing. So the mystery does keep going until the very end.

    The biggest flaw with this game is how you can't go past certain objects and terrain elevation that looks like you easily could. It takes away from the immersion tremendously. The small list of actions gets repetitive as well. I would have liked to see a little bit of extra content/hidden areas that aren't related to the main story, and having the opportunity to explore the area that you can see a little more would have made this an absolutely amazing game.

    Despite its flaws, it's a gorgeous game with great voice acting and an effective, realistic mystery. Recommended.    … Expand
  29. ResaRestart
    Feb 16, 2016
    8
    for 20$ you get an experience, "it is not what it seems" is both the story and trailer, you want to explore off the trail of the plot to get the most out of the game.
  30. Fadeley
    Feb 10, 2016
    8
    The game plays a bit differently from what I expected going in. But the story kept my full attention, and the experience leaves me pining for more. I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing, and I truly hope to see more from Campo Santo in the future, but perhaps next time they could make their game a bit longer.
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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 »