Firewatch

 PlayStation 4
User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 693 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 404 out of 693
  2. Mixed: 167 out of 693
  3. Negative: 122 out of 693
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  1. R3bbit
    Aug 21, 2023
    6
    After years of keeping this on my to play list due to great reviews and hype, I eventually got down to play this apparent masterpiece.

    Turns out it is the most overhyped game every released. Beautiful open world scenery.......nope, small areas you can circle within 10-15 seconds with subpar graphically details, no wildlife, flat trees and grass, bland environments and utterly terrible    After years of keeping this on my to play list due to great reviews and hype, I eventually got down to play this apparent masterpiece.

    Turns out it is the most overhyped game every released. Beautiful open world scenery.......nope, small areas you can circle within 10-15 seconds with subpar graphically details, no wildlife, flat trees and grass, bland environments and utterly terrible fps and pop in on ps5.

    Exciting mystery story......yes, the story had me hooked until the 70% mark...turned out to be one big nothing burger of a narrative....really....nothing but a waste of a few hours.

    Though not being an utterly bad game....it is not.....I however really suggest you just give this a complete miss.

    The one moment near the end of the game where the developers had a chance to bring some emotion or shock into the story....were a body is discovered...they drop the ball...no small cutscene or even change in music....you literally make a comment on the radio and step over the body and move on..

    Very weak.    … Expand
  2. Potet69
    Jul 23, 2023
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. -Nice atmosphere
    -Good story, but the ending is trash
    -Not much to do after you finished the story    … Expand
  3. elgarmius
    Jan 16, 2022
    5
    The biggest disappointment of this game is that none of your choices matter at all.
  4. Markos-
    Feb 5, 2021
    7
    I enjoyed playing a simple game with a more mature storytelling and space for reflection. The camera made me feel a bit dizzy at times and the last few walks felt too long. Apart from that, interesting game that can be finished in around 5 hours.
  5. ToshLichev
    Jun 21, 2020
    7
    An incredibly atmospheric little story that stays with you and keeps you engaged from beginning to end. Nothing mind-blowing, but certainly deserving of a playthrough or two.
  6. drlowdon
    Apr 30, 2020
    6
    When his wife develops early-onset dementia, Henry takes a job as a fire lookout in Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming. On the first his boss Delilah sends him out to investigate illegal fireworks by the lake, but upon returning to his watchtower he finds it ransacked….

    Firewalk is essentially another addition to the ‘walking simulator’ genre, with the game largely involving walking    When his wife develops early-onset dementia, Henry takes a job as a fire lookout in Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming. On the first his boss Delilah sends him out to investigate illegal fireworks by the lake, but upon returning to his watchtower he finds it ransacked….

    Firewalk is essentially another addition to the ‘walking simulator’ genre, with the game largely involving walking around the forest pressing buttons when prompted to perform context sensitive actions. With such minimalist gameplay games of this ilk live or die by the quality of their story telling, and in large part thanks to the excellent voice acting, I did find myself drawn into the mystery. Unfortunately the ending doesn’t live up to the great premise, which was a big dampener on my overall experience, but if you like this genre of game this is a competent effort.    … Expand
  7. RussianKeki4
    Apr 14, 2020
    7
    Атмосферный симулятор ходьбы. Поиграть стоит ради атмосферы, музыки, видов, ну и может быть сюжета.
  8. KayVen17
    Jul 25, 2019
    6
    + toller Grafikstil
    + gute Synchronsprecher
    + Musik geht in Ordnung
    + kurzes Spiel

    - nicht alle Möglichkeiten ausgeschöpft aus der Handlung
    - Ende ist ernüchternd
    - Gameplay kommt zu kurz
  9. AMKrishnan
    Jul 7, 2019
    7
    This game has a very beautiful art style. This is perhaps the best part of the game. It's really nice to explore the park and see the environment beautifully animated.

    The plot starts out really well and you get a sense that it'll develop further. You also build up an interesting relationship with your boss over your walkie-talkie radio. However, by the end you will find yourself    This game has a very beautiful art style. This is perhaps the best part of the game. It's really nice to explore the park and see the environment beautifully animated.

    The plot starts out really well and you get a sense that it'll develop further. You also build up an interesting relationship with your boss over your walkie-talkie radio. However, by the end you will find yourself disappointed. It seems as though the game was rushed towards the end of development. Also, the navigation system is really annoying. I must've looked at my map a million times throughout playing this. So don't be surprised if you're going in the wrong direction occasionally. Despite this, this does make it a bit more realistic - if you're staying in a national park over the summer and don't know your way around then constantly using a map would be a common thing right?

    While this game does have something to offer, I don't think I can recommend it. I found myself excited to finish it merely so I could get it off my backlog list and then delete it to increase my storage. Personally, I think it was overhyped by the industry.    … Expand
  10. chihiro_cz
    Feb 12, 2019
    5
    Overhyped game with bit too high ratings. I was really looking forward to getting the game, though €15 after discount is an unsatisfactory price after game walkthrough.

    The graphics delivers some nice sceneries worth a wallpaper, however those parts are linked with absolutely mild paths offering nothing to look at. Low-poly, often simplified graphics becomes tedious. And since the game    Overhyped game with bit too high ratings. I was really looking forward to getting the game, though €15 after discount is an unsatisfactory price after game walkthrough.

    The graphics delivers some nice sceneries worth a wallpaper, however those parts are linked with absolutely mild paths offering nothing to look at. Low-poly, often simplified graphics becomes tedious. And since the game comprises of walking back and forth through empty valleys with almost no amusing or visual content (e.g. various fauna), the game is worth a lullaby before sleep, supported by the mostly dull music.
    PS4 version: I cannot speak for PC version, but the framedrops were really surprising, as I didn't expect Unity so demanding for PS4.

    Gameplay: lacking. The game will not demand much from your brain. Map orientation, lock codes, logical tasks. To summarize it with comparison: "Take this tool here and do an evident task few meters further with it." There were just very few moments where you had to plan or deduce a purpose of a thing.

    The story starts very attractively. During the three hours of gameplay it gets mediocre to weak though. After seeing the main character do series of stupid decisions supported by useless paranoia, the game comes to very disappointing climax, which actually leaves player not believing this cost €15.

    I know it's based on real events, but at least marketing could stop selling this game as "thrilling". It's not a walking simulator, because there's almost nothing to see. It's not an action-adventure, because there's no action and almost no adventure. The game will not make you sit on edge. It puts you in situation where you would never act and react like the main character.    … Expand
  11. ElleryHQ
    Jan 26, 2019
    6
    Игра-пустышка, в ней нет ничего кроме интересных диалогов. Начинается интересно, заканчивается ни на чем.
  12. solarstrIker
    Dec 7, 2018
    7
    Overall Firewatch is half adventure half character studie. A lot of users rate it as boring and not satisfying, but as I didn´t have any expectations to begin with, I think I could embrace the essence of it a little easier. Yes, it is a walking simulator and there won´t be any jet packs, but the landscape and the questions and the way the time seems to stop around you, while you wander onOverall Firewatch is half adventure half character studie. A lot of users rate it as boring and not satisfying, but as I didn´t have any expectations to begin with, I think I could embrace the essence of it a little easier. Yes, it is a walking simulator and there won´t be any jet packs, but the landscape and the questions and the way the time seems to stop around you, while you wander on will keep you going. Then again there is a lot of small talk and first I felt like it was a complete nuisance, but it makes sense, if you think about who or what is the center of the game. I played it two times in a row and I have to admit, the first time would have been enough for the time being. It´s like a cool short story. Try to get into it. Oh, and the OST by Chris Remo is fantastic.… Expand
  13. njja02
    May 15, 2018
    5
    It starts off promising and has a fantastic presentation, but it falls apart by the end. Which is a shame because I wanted to love it.
  14. DrFriendless
    May 13, 2018
    6
    Umm yeah... it's OK. The story is intriguing but not satisfying. The world is OK but not beautiful. The game works, without demanding much of the player. There wasn't much to see or do, so it can only be OK.
  15. MikefromAngus
    Mar 19, 2018
    5
    The game started out very well. There was an atmosphere of mystery, I wanted to know what would happen next! the last 10% of the game is where the game loses a lot of points. It seems rushed. The gameplay mechanics are no very good. the game is very linear to the point where you cant walk over fallen logs.
  16. DrZomboid
    Jan 16, 2018
    6
    Nice setting and nature, voice acting and mistery.
    Story is underwhelming after first half, too much running and run is slow. Need more ambiental sounds, map using is clumsy and difficult to reed often. And frame drops!
  17. bobbsyw
    Sep 25, 2017
    7
    A nice story, that captures the feeling of loneliness brilliantly, but it's not really a game. Yes, you move a character through an environment and interact with stuff, but it's incredibly linear, and I think that I'm right in saying that it's impossible to fail at anything - you can't die, or run out of time, etc. You can, however, influence how the story ends through your dialogueA nice story, that captures the feeling of loneliness brilliantly, but it's not really a game. Yes, you move a character through an environment and interact with stuff, but it's incredibly linear, and I think that I'm right in saying that it's impossible to fail at anything - you can't die, or run out of time, etc. You can, however, influence how the story ends through your dialogue choices, but for me that isn't the definition of a game - more like a Choose Your Own Adventure on the TV. And considering that, the story is well crafted and laid out, so it's worth a punt.… Expand
  18. Uygar
    Aug 30, 2017
    7
    Firewatch is a first-person mystery adventure game developed by Campo Santo and published by Campo Santo and Panic. The game was released in February 2016 for Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, and PlayStation 4, and for Xbox One in September 2016.
  19. Kansler
    Jul 29, 2017
    6
    Not a bad game, if you like walking sims and story-based games, but with a few major flaws that dampened my enjoyment: 1) The PS4 version is unpardonably ugly, with major performance issues even on a PS4 Pro with the latest patches installed, thus rendering the enjoyment of hiking in the wilderness, which the game attempts to convey, and needs to convey, poorly achieved. 2) The story lineNot a bad game, if you like walking sims and story-based games, but with a few major flaws that dampened my enjoyment: 1) The PS4 version is unpardonably ugly, with major performance issues even on a PS4 Pro with the latest patches installed, thus rendering the enjoyment of hiking in the wilderness, which the game attempts to convey, and needs to convey, poorly achieved. 2) The story line has its highs and lows, with opinions all over the board, and with some genuinely interesting dialogue and narrative quirks, but I found the twists and the ending to be a big letdown. 3) The best walking sims and linear narrative experiences are short for a reason. 2-3 hours should be the max for a game like that. Firewatch, however, stretches itself thin. Extra length may sound like a good thing, but in this case it means unnecessary padding, with long treks back and forth already-visited landscapes. This repetition is made much worse by how boring and ugly the game world is.

    Overall, I cannot recommend the game at full price, nor can I recommend the PS4 version. That's too much to ask for a bad port of an average game. If you like walking sims and narrative experiences, this game is probably worth checking out in the long run, but only if it is on sale, and only on PC.    … Expand
  20. sjwilkin
    Jul 17, 2017
    7
    Firewatch is an interesting game and one that really made me open my eyes and pay attention to story based games.
    Interesting concept, setting and scenario but unfortunately when the credits roll I think most people will be quite disappointed.
    Gorgeous graphics, amazing voice acting and for the most part a cool little story - however completely let down by the ultimate reveal / story and    Firewatch is an interesting game and one that really made me open my eyes and pay attention to story based games.
    Interesting concept, setting and scenario but unfortunately when the credits roll I think most people will be quite disappointed.
    Gorgeous graphics, amazing voice acting and for the most part a cool little story - however completely let down by the ultimate reveal / story and how rushed the ending felt. Also it is way too short to justify.
    Maybe their next game will build on this and they'll be able to produce something fantastic like SOMA. Who knows. Promising studio though!    … Expand
  21. badgerryan19
    Jun 19, 2017
    7
    A fun and interesting game. Even though it was a walking simulator i love the humor it has and the atmosphere of it all. Even though the ending might be a little disappointing.
  22. Phil_Panteleit
    Jan 12, 2017
    7
    Firewatch is a amazing game with such a deep interesting story. However, the ending was extremely anti-climatic. It left me feeling a little cheated. It felt like the developers worked on the entire game and then just stopped the game without even giving the ending a thought. Buy it and it will be worth the play.
  23. Nobanterzone
    Jan 10, 2017
    7
    I enjoyed this game, but it could have been better. It's strong points were definately the personality of the characters and the art style mixed with the graphics. The plot was interesting and had a really good concept, it even got me paranoid momentarily. However this game had a little too many let downs for it to be an essential. The fact that there is no platinum trophy for ps4 users isI enjoyed this game, but it could have been better. It's strong points were definately the personality of the characters and the art style mixed with the graphics. The plot was interesting and had a really good concept, it even got me paranoid momentarily. However this game had a little too many let downs for it to be an essential. The fact that there is no platinum trophy for ps4 users is my first complaint and I guess because it was a short game I could see why it didn't, which brings me to my next point. The game was too short, I just started to get a thrill and the game ends. Speaking of which the ending wasn't that great neither, It felt really rushed, but considering it was a short game it wasn't really a big deal. Overall not so bad, would I recommend it.. Yes. But I'd advise getting it digitally considering its one of those games you may never play again and will just end up in your attic collecting dust.… Expand
  24. Unbiased
    Jan 2, 2017
    6
    *SPOILER* *SPOILER*

    I am about in the same boat as most people here. The game was great up until the end. I am not disappointed that the wild conspiracy plot that was being built up by the characters in the middle ended up not being what they thought. I thought that was a good twist and was cool. I, like many others, was let down by the end. I know some people are saying that its    *SPOILER* *SPOILER*

    I am about in the same boat as most people here. The game was great up until the end.

    I am not disappointed that the wild conspiracy plot that was being built up by the characters in the middle ended up not being what they thought. I thought that was a good twist and was cool. I, like many others, was let down by the end. I know some people are saying that its supposed to be like that. That its supposed to be like real life and suck. But no one wants "real" real life in games. I was left with emotions floating in the ether. I don't want that.

    Delilah acted in a way that I don't believe she really would have if it were real. You don't build up this relationship (complete with sexy time talk over the radio one night) then when it's time to go your just like "welp, gotta go. Maybe I might talk to you again. Later." On top of that not even being interested in seeing Henry at least once. If there were going to somehow be a part 2 or DLC Episode that sealed the deal, then that would be cool, but I dont think they will.

    Overall it's a good game(story) and is well made. I never experienced an issue except for a plane in the sky at the end that was stuck in place. The graphics were minimal but pretty. The writing was good (till the abrupt, lacking end) and the voice actors did amazing. Cissy Jones as Delilah was wonderful. I looked her up after the game and she is as pretty as Id have imagined Delilah to be. Her eyes smile. :D She is a great voice actress and has been in more games than I thought. Henry's voice actor is amazing as well.

    At any rate, a 6 out of 10 is not bad. With a better ending it could have reached 8-9 territory. I'm just a dude writing a review that most people will never see. My opinion doesn't count much but I figured id throw it out into the abyss. :)    … Expand
  25. mech
    Dec 30, 2016
    7
    It's a wonderful concept, but the execution is mediocre. For a game that takes place outdoors the movement is very poorly implemented. There's no free movement like in most modern open world games which I found very annoying, the game will block you with invisible walls and keep you moving along very limited invisible corridors. You can't even jump over a rock without a canned animation.It's a wonderful concept, but the execution is mediocre. For a game that takes place outdoors the movement is very poorly implemented. There's no free movement like in most modern open world games which I found very annoying, the game will block you with invisible walls and keep you moving along very limited invisible corridors. You can't even jump over a rock without a canned animation. Also I fell through and got stuck in the world geometry more than once.

    Other than that, it's quite short (like 3 hours?) and the mystery part of story is weak, but at the end of the day it's not about the actual story but rather about the interaction between the two people who got caught in it which I though was very well done and enjoyable.

    9/10 for the concept, 5/10 for the technical bits, 7/10 for the story.    … Expand
  26. Nath6349
    Dec 10, 2016
    6
    An enjoyable game with an intriguing story and art style. I liked navigating with an actual map and compass and communicating solely via the radio! These were nice aspects to game but in general the game was lacking in excitement. There were some nervous moments, which was good, though the suspense was never high enough that I felt I should recommend this to friends. It was an interestingAn enjoyable game with an intriguing story and art style. I liked navigating with an actual map and compass and communicating solely via the radio! These were nice aspects to game but in general the game was lacking in excitement. There were some nervous moments, which was good, though the suspense was never high enough that I felt I should recommend this to friends. It was an interesting game, though short and somewhat forgettable.… Expand
  27. xvvolf
    Aug 24, 2016
    6
    The game has a nice art style to it. I enjoyed the conversations between the two characters, the setting (both scenery and era). The story isn't all that bad, although like others have said, the end feels a bit rushed.

    It is a pretty short game and since one of the factors I judge games on is how much I pay vs amount of enjoyment I get, I'd say this falls a bit short as $20CDN is a bit    The game has a nice art style to it. I enjoyed the conversations between the two characters, the setting (both scenery and era). The story isn't all that bad, although like others have said, the end feels a bit rushed.

    It is a pretty short game and since one of the factors I judge games on is how much I pay vs amount of enjoyment I get, I'd say this falls a bit short as $20CDN is a bit steep for a 3-4 hour game that you're likely to only play once.    … Expand
  28. WrenOz
    Aug 13, 2016
    7
    It had so much potential. Without going into spoiler territory, the ending just seems rushed. It just kind of ends. It leaves nothing to go back and do. I completed the game in a little over 3 hours. The controls can be frustrating at times. Walking down a hill can be the most annoying thing in video game history. Constantly getting stuck on a small rock or bush on the ground.
    The game is    It had so much potential. Without going into spoiler territory, the ending just seems rushed. It just kind of ends. It leaves nothing to go back and do. I completed the game in a little over 3 hours. The controls can be frustrating at times. Walking down a hill can be the most annoying thing in video game history. Constantly getting stuck on a small rock or bush on the ground.
    The game is very pretty, but if you're looking for something with a great story and plenty of replay value, keep looking. You still haven't found what you're looking for.    … Expand
  29. Revenquel
    Jul 17, 2016
    6
    Man i really got excited while i was playing it . I really didn't understand where the story has gone . It was going very well but it messed up. I would have give this game 8 if the story hasn't gone like that. And i didnt forget the framedrop that i get most of the time ...
  30. 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.
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Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2016
70
#70 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 45
  3. Negative: 1 out of 45
  1. games(TM)
    Apr 4, 2016
    70
    Firewatch is a brief but enjoyable experience set in a stunning and lovingly crafted environment, but there is no real ending – there’s simply the place where you stopped reading the story.
    Read full review
  2. IBTimes UK
    Apr 2, 2016
    80
    Firewatch is a simple game that tells a simple, far from impactful, tale, which approaches greatness thanks to superb writing, acting and design work. Gameplay is kept light and straightforward, but is always engaging – befitting a game that revels in the unique storytelling potential of games. This is a new studio's debut title, but it bears the quality of a product made by a team of veterans who have a great deal more to offer.
    Read full review
  3. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Mar 31, 2016
    70
    Dares to ask us how we deal with mistakes. It’s a shame the answer it provides is flat and unfulfilling. [April 2016, p76]
See all critic reviews »