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. Riskyreview
    Feb 9, 2016
    10
    From the writers of Telltale's The Walking Dead Season 1 (A.K.A the best game Telltale will ever make) comes Firewatch!

    Firewatch is the most atmospheric game I have played to date and the only thing this year that might beat it's atmosphere is Mafia 3 but other than that this is going to be the most atmospheric game this year no doubt! The gameplay is a sort of mix between a    From the writers of Telltale's The Walking Dead Season 1 (A.K.A the best game Telltale will ever make) comes Firewatch!

    Firewatch is the most atmospheric game I have played to date and the only thing this year that might beat it's atmosphere is Mafia 3 but other than that this is going to be the most atmospheric game this year no doubt!

    The gameplay is a sort of mix between a Telltale game and a "walking simulator" and the results are incredible!

    Basically if you like mystery, exploration and dialogue choices this is the game for you!    … Expand
  2. busbfran
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Firewatch is a perfect example of how to capture the imagination of story driven games, while providing the audiences with griping dialogue and compelling characters. I had a very enjoyable experience with this game. Although it only tool 7 hours to complete it was something special and my favorite game of 2016 so far.
  3. riniolosalvator
    Feb 12, 2016
    10
    This game is not for everyone. I believe its one of the most mature games ive played in the sense of empathizing with very real relationship building and life's moral dilemmas. Its one of the few games that uses not responding as a response in itself and the game is not AAA big budget length which I really appreciate. It was enough to get through in one setting without the story gettingThis game is not for everyone. I believe its one of the most mature games ive played in the sense of empathizing with very real relationship building and life's moral dilemmas. Its one of the few games that uses not responding as a response in itself and the game is not AAA big budget length which I really appreciate. It was enough to get through in one setting without the story getting old or repetitive. Don't play if you just love saving the galaxy, social team experiences, or shooting your friends. Do play if you want to see and feel something interesting in a well done piece of independent art.… Expand
  4. Jacketrooperr
    Feb 10, 2016
    10
    I think it's not the game is average, but it's the interpretation and limited experience of people is. Anyone who is "disappointed" about the ending has a lot of learning to do about life.
  5. Davidtiger
    Aug 19, 2016
    10
    A beautiful story starts with introducing the main protagonist with text in conversational form, first pleasing you, then causes worry. The feeling of anxiety doesn't leave you during the entire game.
    "Firewatch" is a story about problems, usual problems of simple life.
    It teaches us to not run away from those problems, but to face them, to continue live with them. Fiction tells us to    A beautiful story starts with introducing the main protagonist with text in conversational form, first pleasing you, then causes worry. The feeling of anxiety doesn't leave you during the entire game.
    "Firewatch" is a story about problems, usual problems of simple life.
    It teaches us to not run away from those problems, but to face them, to continue live with them.
    Fiction tells us to love at all costs instead of teaching us how to make decisions within a romantic relationship that aren’t ultimately centered on selfish motivation. This creation centers on making right decisions. It teaches us to let it go when it's necessary.
    This beautiful and short story is accompanied by a delightful graphics and an excellent theme music.
    The game has it's logical ending, and it's very disappointing to see how many gamers haven't understood it.    … Expand
  6. darkwolf79
    Feb 13, 2016
    10
    It's a fantastic story driven experience with some of the best voice acting I've heard in a while.
    Some might complain it doesn't have much gameplay, I would say however that this is more of an interactive experience.
    A fantastic one at that. I am not going into any details here to not spoil anything but the character interaction felt meaningful throughout the game. Also. the ending,    It's a fantastic story driven experience with some of the best voice acting I've heard in a while.
    Some might complain it doesn't have much gameplay, I would say however that this is more of an interactive experience.
    A fantastic one at that.

    I am not going into any details here to not spoil anything but the character interaction felt meaningful throughout the game.
    Also. the ending, critisized by some, worked well in my opinion. It felt right. There doesn't need to be a payout or reward or whatever else some might have been expecting. In live, not everything pays out. Sometimes all you get are lessons learned.

    In any way, fantastic game. :) If you like well told stories then this is up there amongst the best.    … Expand
  7. AstiX
    Feb 12, 2016
    10
    Oh. My. God. This is not a game. This is art. This is something completely different, a next level experience.

    The graphics are amazing, the atmosphere is beautiful and haunting. You really feel like you're there. I felt shivers throughout the entire game. The acting is incredible, the characters are so believable and really manage to get you immersed in the story, which is by the way,    Oh. My. God. This is not a game. This is art. This is something completely different, a next level experience.

    The graphics are amazing, the atmosphere is beautiful and haunting. You really feel like you're there. I felt shivers throughout the entire game. The acting is incredible, the characters are so believable and really manage to get you immersed in the story, which is by the way, not what I expected, and I loved it.

    Most of the negative reviewers were disappointed because of how the story turned out, but in fact if it turned out any other way (to meet the average player's expectations) I wouldn't have been writing this review. The game is exactly what it's supposed to be, it's realistic, and conveys it's story perfectly.

    I completed this in one sitting, and for about 4.5 hours I was completely isolated from the real world and couldn't move away from my screen playing. I don't spend too many hours in the day playing games, so I don't remember the last time a game kept me glued to the chair for so long. BUY THIS GAME!    … Expand
  8. Zoup
    May 4, 2016
    10
    MindBlowing MindBlowing MindBlowing MindBlowing MindBlowing MindBlowing MindBlowing MindBlowing MindBlowing MindBlowing MindBlowing MindBlowing MindBlowing MindBlowing MindBlowing MindBlowing MindBlowing MindBlowing MindBlowing
  9. mevsthevoices
    Feb 29, 2016
    10
    This game is immensly, staggeringly beautiful, it hurts within minutes, I found myself sturggling to decide, torn apart by options, this game is what all games should be, human. The story intersperses with what is, to me atleast, one of the prettiest renderings of nature I've ever seen. It is truely like no other game I've ever played, and I love it, this is what game developers should beThis game is immensly, staggeringly beautiful, it hurts within minutes, I found myself sturggling to decide, torn apart by options, this game is what all games should be, human. The story intersperses with what is, to me atleast, one of the prettiest renderings of nature I've ever seen. It is truely like no other game I've ever played, and I love it, this is what game developers should be striving to be, orignal. Maybe it's not all perfect, but who cares, nothing you'll ever love will be, and this game makes that case throughout, making this game quite often a truely moving experience. A+… Expand
  10. suzy8track
    May 1, 2017
    10
    I really enjoyed exploring this world. The conversations between Henry and Delilah were the best part of the game. They were intriguing and mysterious as well as funny and heartwarming. Totally got sucked into the mystery and the developing relationship between these two characters who seem to really hit it off right at the start, even though they haven't met. The scenery wasI really enjoyed exploring this world. The conversations between Henry and Delilah were the best part of the game. They were intriguing and mysterious as well as funny and heartwarming. Totally got sucked into the mystery and the developing relationship between these two characters who seem to really hit it off right at the start, even though they haven't met. The scenery was incredibly beautiful and I enjoyed exploring the terrain. Its a quick game that only takes a few hours. I know many people were very upset with how things ended with Henry and Delilah, but I found it to be very honest and realistic. The voice actors on this game were also superb.… Expand
  11. amfxc
    Feb 9, 2016
    10
    A thrilling story accompanied by absolutely beautiful artwork. Ever since you start playing the game it will be hard to put down. The conversation you have with the other character is never boring.
  12. MrFrany
    Feb 23, 2016
    10
    FireWatch - a game in which you should not expect action, a fast and dynamic gameplay, etc.
    The game is based on communication with your boss and the study of this INCREDIBLE WORLD!
  13. Esteron
    Mar 7, 2016
    10
    Great game. In the first time I judge not only graphic but also atmosphere which is really great and attracting. I don't understand people who says this game doesn't have a plot may be they just used to play in alien games but this is realistic plot which is playing with us making as thinking about a lot of crazy stuff:) I love it! I love to be in this forest and probably I want to spendGreat game. In the first time I judge not only graphic but also atmosphere which is really great and attracting. I don't understand people who says this game doesn't have a plot may be they just used to play in alien games but this is realistic plot which is playing with us making as thinking about a lot of crazy stuff:) I love it! I love to be in this forest and probably I want to spend one summer like that:)… Expand
  14. jacob_lukas
    Oct 20, 2016
    10
    That was an incredible experience! Fresh and beautiful. I would rate story 12/10 if I could. Deep and thoughtful. It was great from the beginning to the end. Especially ending, it's so real and damn realistic, I hated it at first but then I loved it after realizing "hey that's life!" Changing subject, graphics are stunning and well designed, orange'ish palette gives unique. dreamyThat was an incredible experience! Fresh and beautiful. I would rate story 12/10 if I could. Deep and thoughtful. It was great from the beginning to the end. Especially ending, it's so real and damn realistic, I hated it at first but then I loved it after realizing "hey that's life!" Changing subject, graphics are stunning and well designed, orange'ish palette gives unique. dreamy atmosphere. Music is great, mostly subtle, but it has it's moments. Gameplay is also "subtle", with not a lot interactions so it's kinda a drawback, (not really for people who hate walking simulators) but than you can focus more on story, exploring and embracing the atmosphere. So overall it's beautiful, "epic" (in it's own way) and unforgettable adventure. I greatly recommend and hope that devs will publish another game like that :)… Expand
  15. poppyzzz
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    Not going to ramble on here about too much stuff, just want to say the game is good fun and a change from the usual stuff (escaping Zombies and Killing). The game is fairly cheap I think I paid £14.99 from steam. I have to say this game is also incredibly relaxing.
  16. fubenalvo
    Aug 29, 2016
    10
    Best game I've played in last few years. If you like the good dialogs, nice story, beautiful scennery then this is your game! I think we can call this as an interactive film / adventure game. So if you like this genre this four hour worth the money!
  17. AlexBoss21
    Feb 11, 2016
    10
    its the most awesome game of his kind from the games i played and i didn't finish it yet...but its awesome and the story and all that stuff are awesome!!!
  18. Bloiky
    Feb 21, 2016
    10
    I love open world first person games with strong elements of exploration so this fits the bill perfectly. Looking forward to more titles like this from this highly creative software house.
  19. Ninty
    Feb 9, 2016
    10
    Firewatch is the best game I have played in the last few years. It has stunning visuals, a compelling story, and it is one of the best games to come out in recent history.
  20. Nyxtomania
    Feb 9, 2016
    10
    Its an amazing story giving insight to a lonely fire watcher who chose to live in the wilderness far away from any kind of civilization. The artwork in this game is truly relaxing and beautiful.
    The game is about 5 hours long if you just straight out play the storyline and if you do care about exploration you will be quite happy given that you have the opportunity to freely wander around    Its an amazing story giving insight to a lonely fire watcher who chose to live in the wilderness far away from any kind of civilization. The artwork in this game is truly relaxing and beautiful.
    The game is about 5 hours long if you just straight out play the storyline and if you do care about exploration you will be quite happy given that you have the opportunity to freely wander around in the forests of Wyoming.
    Don´t get me wrong its not an "Open-World" game like you would imagine, its more like a patch-finding and exploring the beauty of the places you are. Sure you could say its open world since you are able to wander around with the only restriction being some tools you need to access some areas but it feels different to other Open World games.

    Anyways, i would recommend this game if you like adventure, mystery and/ or a good story with the voices of the "Tell Tale - Walking Dead" stars.    … Expand
  21. MrChickenfoot
    Feb 9, 2016
    10
    i'm playing this game and i'm feeling so good storytelling or beckgrounds,bgm,graphic texture etc. good
    move on! buy this game! and travel moutain on this way
  22. lendoreward
    Feb 10, 2016
    10
    One of the most touching and amazing games I have ever played. Firewatch draws you in right from the beginning. I have never played a game that had this good of voice acting. You actually feel for these characters. You feel their pain, their happiness, and you actually feel scared at some points and alone. I didn't want it to end. I actually felt sad and wanting more when the creditsOne of the most touching and amazing games I have ever played. Firewatch draws you in right from the beginning. I have never played a game that had this good of voice acting. You actually feel for these characters. You feel their pain, their happiness, and you actually feel scared at some points and alone. I didn't want it to end. I actually felt sad and wanting more when the credits started. The ending wasn't what I wanted, but that is ok. It was more like REAL life rather than a halmark movie. Everyone should play this game. My wife is not a gamer at all, but I am going to ask her to play this. I truly believe she will love it. This game will stick with me for a long time and I will replay it sometime in the future. The farther I get from it, the more I think about it and miss it. For those reviews that say, well the ending sucked, the plot sucked, they were wanting a Halmark movie ending with a ton of twists and turns. This is more like a true life adventure with real people and because of that, it makes it feel all that much more real and that is what makes it amazing. Truly a one of a kind experience and I LOVED IT!!… Expand
  23. BoboTheDodo
    Feb 10, 2016
    10
    I cannot even begin to explain how amazingly good this game is. From the story, to the presentation, the art style, the voice acting...and yes even the game-play is very interesting! Even though I finished this in one sitting the game does have replay value(in terms of story progression). But the most astonishing accomplishment of this game is how it put me through all these emotions!I cannot even begin to explain how amazingly good this game is. From the story, to the presentation, the art style, the voice acting...and yes even the game-play is very interesting! Even though I finished this in one sitting the game does have replay value(in terms of story progression). But the most astonishing accomplishment of this game is how it put me through all these emotions! Definitely suggest it to anyone who wants a well written story, but I will warn you: If you are looking for game that builds a lot on it's mechanics, this is not it. Personally I proudly would give this game a 9 to 10!… Expand
  24. BatteryD
    Feb 10, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Firewatch is story of a interesting, but very average character who goes by the name of Henry.

    Positives:
    Hank is very well designed character:
    Basically Henry is whatever you want him to be. Developers did fantastic job of leaving it to the players imagination.
    The background and the foundation to Henrys story:
    They did better job of giving the foundation to the story in less than 10 minutes than some games do in their entirety. (Max Payne didn't do it for me in 3 games)
    Graphics:
    Own style of graphics: Not unique, but does the job for me
    Game lenght:
    Very compact. In fact so compact that I was impressed by the fact that it gave so many thoughts in my head.
    Story:
    D:s and Hanks relationship felt so real, and the things they went through together were simply breathtaking.
    The ending was everything I hope for in a game. It left me wanting more of firewatch. More of Henry and Delilah. Together. I think that some people didn´t like for the fact that Hollywood has made a thing called "Happy endings". And as someone who is sick and tired of cliché endings, I really felt something at the end. A bond to the story and their relationship.

    Negatives:
    Story:
    In my opinion they could have wrapped up things more nicely (Something could´ve happened to the girls.... Anything else.(I still liked the outcome of the game))
    Game:
    Major mistake is the chunk loading and fps dropping (I think it can be patched)
    Climbing was little bit meh.
    Lenght:
    Very compact. Could have possibly enjoyed more of it, but who knows.

    To wrap things up:
    I think that gameplay experience was great. The fact that I didn´t play it at one go might´ve helped.
    Will give 10/10 since it had minor mistakes on some parts. (For the games defence Witcher 3: Wildhunt had minor mistakes and still was the perfect game. I´m not comparing them to one another, but Firewatch was great gaming experience and only if I could I would re-experience it again.    … Expand
  25. bordibalint
    Feb 12, 2016
    10
    Holy sh!t.

    This game is a definitive title in first person storytelling. I haven't experinced anything like it since I first played Half Life 2, which is still one of the best videogames of all time. As an action-adventure FPS it sucks, but if you play it as an interactive artistic movie, it is just perfect. The characters are so real I felt emotionally connected to them during the 4    Holy sh!t.

    This game is a definitive title in first person storytelling. I haven't experinced anything like it since I first played Half Life 2, which is still one of the best videogames of all time. As an action-adventure FPS it sucks, but if you play it as an interactive artistic movie, it is just perfect. The characters are so real I felt emotionally connected to them during the 4 hours of gameplay. You are not controlling much of the events, but it just feels like it's happening.

    Everyone should experience it! It is an interactive 4 hour movie, so don't expect some life is strange, but it is awesome!    … Expand
  26. MisterMortal
    Feb 12, 2016
    10
    One of the most immersive games I have ever played. From the start till the end you feel like you are actually Henry. It was like a beautiful trip, with ups and downs. Closest thing to this game is Journey. Both of them make you bond with a game on an emotional level, but due to a very good character development and interesting dialog the bond with a game becomes somewhat intimate. IOne of the most immersive games I have ever played. From the start till the end you feel like you are actually Henry. It was like a beautiful trip, with ups and downs. Closest thing to this game is Journey. Both of them make you bond with a game on an emotional level, but due to a very good character development and interesting dialog the bond with a game becomes somewhat intimate. I haven't had so much feelings playing game in years. It was overwhelming experience and after I finished playing it I felt a huge grin on my face.

    The visuals are stunning. Color pallets change over the course of the game, but they perfectly capture intensiveness of the game moments while always looking gorgeous.

    Firewatch has couple downsides. People already pointed this out but the game is quite short. Also dialog could be easily expanded to have a bit more depth. And unfortunately it doesn't have replay value. Though the downsides sound like not a game problem but more of me selfishly wanting to squeeze this amazing game for more entertainment. And for the replay value, let me just say it's a journey, one time journey, it makes you feel things, and it wouldn't be very effective if it tried to play on the same feeling over and over. You play the game, you remember the game some time later and it gives you warm feelings. Like an adventure with your real life friends. It doesn't have to be relived again to be better.

    All in all, it's an amazing game. Maybe 20 euros for a game that you will only play one time sounds a bit too much, but it is worth every single penny, because you are not buying a game, you are buying once in a life time experience.    … Expand
  27. turambarturin
    Feb 12, 2016
    10
    An amazing linear adventure-walking simulator-visual novel. Name it whatever you want.

    It makes you feel all the emotions freely during the game play.

    If you always imagine a game combined Dear Esther and any survival-choicely game. Buy it. That's all.
  28. Pancakification
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    Buy this game.

    The story is amazing. It maybe short but you feel the weight of your decisions after you have chosen them. Highly recommend buying this game and playing through at least twice. The art is wonderful and the characters for what we see of them are great and thought through.
  29. Messiah9000
    Feb 27, 2016
    10
    This game goes all the way to 11, on the scale of 10 of course :) I think all the positive reviews have said everything there is to say about this game, so I won't add much in that department. But I wanted to mention that this game stays with you long after you have finished it. The experience was so immersive, that even 3-4 days after completing it I miss the characters and world it allThis game goes all the way to 11, on the scale of 10 of course :) I think all the positive reviews have said everything there is to say about this game, so I won't add much in that department. But I wanted to mention that this game stays with you long after you have finished it. The experience was so immersive, that even 3-4 days after completing it I miss the characters and world it all happened in. I want to go back to my tower, look at the breathtaking view, push my walkie-talkie's button and ask Delilah: "Hey, what's up?" :)

    But what I am worried about is a new trend with players complaining about the cost of the game. Since everybody is downloading games on Steam, there are no more physical packages. So that kind of gives a feeling of games and money quickly moving both ways and some players feel that they always have to have a say on this subject. Steam has (too) consumer-friendly refund rules and some players have started to become vile and childish exploiting those rules.

    Good example is Firewatch. Some reviewers here say it is too short and it's not worth the asking price. That the "fair" asking price should be 2-3 times lower. How can someone judge if the price for a product is fair or not? If its too expensive don't buy it. If you bought it and didn't like, tough luck. That's life. Then in the future avoid games from the same developer. Same thing with movies and books. If the movie sucked then you don't go to movie theater's website complaining and claiming that instead of 8 bucks the ticket should have cost 2 bucks. If you saw your first Michael Bay movie and you think it was horrible, then suck it up and in the future don't go to another Michael Bay movie. It is that simple.

    Is there a manual how to evaluate games? Reading the negative reviews here it seems there is. First and most important criteria must be - more hours of play equals a better game. If a game leaves you a deep impression then whats the difference if play time is 3 hours or 30 hours? My humble opinion is that the value of a game should be measured in the amount of positive emotion not in hours played. So if you didn't like the game, or you didn't understand it then just say so. It is ok to say that you didn't like the game. Complaining about short play time is absurd.

    And last but not least - this is a game for adults. By that I mean someone older than 14 :) Main driving force behind this game is a quite layered and somewhat complicated relationship between the main characters. Middle aged and older people are not really into games, that is changing, but slowly. So most reviewers are younger and you can really see that in the users reviews here. This game should be reviewed like a movie or a book. On that scale this game is a full 11 :)    … Expand
  30. kytkav
    Mar 6, 2016
    10
    This is a great game. I play like every games that comes out and i have come only to tell YOU:
    Try this game. It is just great. And I am still thinking about what i have experienced there.
    I would just love to play this game again just to feel the same buzz again...
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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 »