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. 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
  2. touchofheaven
    Jun 30, 2020
    7
    Приятный, медитативный симулятор ходьбы по лесу, хорошая музыка и картинка.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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!
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. CriticalHit20
    Oct 20, 2019
    7
    What disappointed most was defnitely the ending. It is not really a game and you really don't have choices. A lot of these type of gave are interactive movies where your actions do not change anything, Thus, if they score well, it is because the story or video was a 7.5/10 anyway. This story was 6.5/10 but I had some interest in wondering what would it be like to be a fire watcher and IWhat disappointed most was defnitely the ending. It is not really a game and you really don't have choices. A lot of these type of gave are interactive movies where your actions do not change anything, Thus, if they score well, it is because the story or video was a 7.5/10 anyway. This story was 6.5/10 but I had some interest in wondering what would it be like to be a fire watcher and I experienced some of that and am happy for that, so I rounded it up to 7.0. I rate these games based on the experience and not how much it cost me (I got it for free), but if I spent $10 on this game, i do not think i would be getting my money's worth.… Expand
  19. Crimert
    Feb 19, 2021
    7
    Basically, it's a walking simulator but I enjoyed this game. The story-telling was cool. 5hrs on record.
  20. 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
  21. Relkad
    Jun 19, 2020
    7
    Short,simple,beautiful,atmospheric.
    Also, not a bad level design.
    Don't expect replayability.
  22. hileger
    Dec 27, 2022
    7
    ....................................................................................................k
  23. freenik
    Jul 4, 2021
    7
    Fun game but going nowhere.
    The story is good, a little bit bland but it is not supposed to be too dramatic. I like how the story unfolds and all, but the whole storyline is a bit too short. I just felt a bit familiar with Delilah and the whole area and the story ends. But well, if you think of it as a 3-4 hour movie, it is good enough.
  24. DanielEZ22
    Dec 2, 2020
    7
    I've been following Sean's work since TWD game season one, firewatch wasn't good as I thought it'd be I think everything about the game was awesome except plot it starts good but doesn't end well enough
  25. kitru
    Mar 25, 2021
    7
    Good game, good graphics, cool story. Only 2 endings without any differences at all (it was bad). Really 7/10
  26. Lukas_Janicik
    Mar 15, 2021
    7
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  27. 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
  28. 1ndastreal
    Jul 30, 2022
    7
    EMATARY GRAVE MAN - BLEED A RIVERSEMATARY GRAVE MAN - BLEED A RIVERSEMATARY GRAVE MAN - BLEED A RIVERSEMATARY GRAVE
  29. george_bondo
    Jul 24, 2022
    7
    this game is just perfect with that beautiful music , characters and atmosphere
  30. 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!
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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 »