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. MattchewHawk
    Sep 6, 2022
    9
    A great story. with an opening on par with Disneys Up. You really fall in love with Henry's character. Its not a long game, but the time you spend in its world sticks with you long after you finish playing it.
  2. BrianDavid94
    Aug 25, 2022
    10
    Quick background on me the reviewer, I tend to like single player games that is heavy on narrative the most. I also play a lot of racing games and use to play multiplayer games in my high school days but now that it's hard for me and my friends to find a good time to link up so now I hardly play any. Up to try any genre of games and sometimes I find something new that I didn't think I'dQuick background on me the reviewer, I tend to like single player games that is heavy on narrative the most. I also play a lot of racing games and use to play multiplayer games in my high school days but now that it's hard for me and my friends to find a good time to link up so now I hardly play any. Up to try any genre of games and sometimes I find something new that I didn't think I'd like. I play on every platform but prefer PlayStation.

    The atmoshere and voice acting is great. I love how you think the story is going one direction but takes another without contradicting itself and the radio interaction between the main characters. Looking at some of the reviews it seems like quite a few people didn't pay attention to the story. It's all there and if you get confused just YouTube it.    … Expand
  3. brennenmorrow
    Feb 26, 2022
    9
    Firewatch is such a good story. It's relaxing but keeps you invested in what is going on. I would call this a story-based experience rather than a video game and I mean that in the best way possible.
  4. nexus151196
    Sep 10, 2020
    8
    Фантастически красивая игра с прекрасной музыкой.Очень интересно слушать разговоры по рации и окунаться в сюжет, игра грамотно держит интригу до самого конца, все время думал, что тут есть мистика). Концовка грустная, люблю такие игры.Фантастически красивая игра с прекрасной музыкой.Очень интересно слушать разговоры по рации и окунаться в сюжет, игра грамотно держит интригу до самого конца, все время думал, что тут есть мистика). Концовка грустная, люблю такие игры.
  5. TheWolf11
    Jun 30, 2020
    9
    This game was great and I really enjoyed the story and the environment of the open world that the game had but the only reason that I’m not giving it a ten is because I’m a trophy hunter and when I got all the trophies, I then realised that there was no platinum and I was so frustrated that I spent my whole day getting all the trophies.
  6. talhakammybond
    Apr 6, 2020
    9
    There tons of games out there but few touches the heart. This is a beautifully designed game and the free-roaming in the woods is just awesome. The story is simple yet creates a unique theme. Won't say much, Go Play it.
  7. Felix_taskete
    Mar 4, 2020
    8
    The game is really good. It has great atmosphere, good artstyle and touching, down to earth story. but in my opinion plot was really short, and too many walking just to make game longer. and also too many freezes on ps4. So 8 out of 10.
  8. Cosmo_Glass
    Feb 3, 2020
    8
    With a story that works as an allegory for the very act of losing yourself in a video game in order to escape your troubles, this is essential for anyone looking for an intense and original experience, as long as they’re ready to have the mirror held up at the end.
  9. awayka
    Sep 27, 2019
    9
    Короткая игра с сюжетом, который даже может взволновать.
  10. Alvokun
    Apr 12, 2019
    8
    The main strength of Firewatch is definitely its narrative, especially because it is intriguing and it makes you want to keep on playing. It has some technical problems, though they are not particularly serious. It is basically a walking simulator with some interaction possibilities.
  11. mertyboi
    Feb 21, 2019
    8
    I understand the negativity towards the game, it did not go exactly where people wanted it to go, but the voice acting was great, the game design was beautiful and the game did draw a strong emotional connection which is where I think many of the negative reviews come from, because you become quite invested and the ending can be disappointing because of that investment. I love these typesI understand the negativity towards the game, it did not go exactly where people wanted it to go, but the voice acting was great, the game design was beautiful and the game did draw a strong emotional connection which is where I think many of the negative reviews come from, because you become quite invested and the ending can be disappointing because of that investment. I love these types of games from an indie studio that try and do something new and tell a story. It is buggy at times and the ending did leave me wanting, but it was a great ride.… Expand
  12. Walker_Bros_360
    Nov 8, 2018
    10
    An incredible narrative game with an incredible art style. Must buy for me.
  13. PeterAlexander
    Aug 14, 2018
    9
    Firewatch is powerful in its simplicity. It tells a tale which combines pure heart-wrenching and somber moments, with those that are exhilarating, passionate and scary. The relationship formed between Henry and Delilah is simply beautiful and is the centrepiece of what is a charming yet thought-provoking game.
  14. Skulomania
    May 27, 2018
    9
    An overall beautiful game, with great atmospheric scenery and a memorable soundtrack that makes walking around exploring truly engrossing. The voice-acting is amazing and the story is both suspenseful and heartfelt. The game is quite short, which would usually be a negative, but due to the low price tag and an experience that completely engrosses you and makes you forget you are playing aAn overall beautiful game, with great atmospheric scenery and a memorable soundtrack that makes walking around exploring truly engrossing. The voice-acting is amazing and the story is both suspenseful and heartfelt. The game is quite short, which would usually be a negative, but due to the low price tag and an experience that completely engrosses you and makes you forget you are playing a video-game, the short-lived experience is definitely a memorable one. I also saw no problem with the ending, to which some people have complained about. The only clear downside was the performance issues however it is not a big deal and easily overlooked. Overall, this game is a short and calming yet thrilling experience that should not be missed, especially on a sale.… Expand
  15. siphus007
    Feb 21, 2018
    9
    Firewatch resonated with me so uniquely that I can't expect a similar response from most gamers. I wanted to give this an 8. It has framerate issues and a controversial ending, and isn't terribly action-packed. So if you want a dialogue-based adventure game that explores relationships and life (in a very indirect way), you may just enjoy Firewatch. I will never forget the complicatedFirewatch resonated with me so uniquely that I can't expect a similar response from most gamers. I wanted to give this an 8. It has framerate issues and a controversial ending, and isn't terribly action-packed. So if you want a dialogue-based adventure game that explores relationships and life (in a very indirect way), you may just enjoy Firewatch. I will never forget the complicated Delilah, or how I started to share the emotions, intensity, and apprehension of Henry. Beyond the conclusion, it's one of those games that may stick with you for a good while, if you seek artistry and psychology depth in a video game. Reasonably, that's not everyone's cup of tea.… Expand
  16. Mbagged
    Jan 6, 2018
    10
    let's not over exaggerate this game. Firewatch is a semi-limited narrative driven title with a cell shading art style and provides 4-7hours of story and 10-15hours for completionists. Now that the reader realises this now we can decide on those parameters if it is a good game.

    Some pros to this game is the dynamic music that it has an affect on the player that in a certain situation the    let's not over exaggerate this game. Firewatch is a semi-limited narrative driven title with a cell shading art style and provides 4-7hours of story and 10-15hours for completionists. Now that the reader realises this now we can decide on those parameters if it is a good game.

    Some pros to this game is the dynamic music that it has an affect on the player that in a certain situation the music will completely change your emotion to happy then sad in a instant. The lighting and art style has a similar affect. The mystery of the setting can b e quite a plus too. The reason this game sat so well with me was because it give you insight on how you would act in a certain situations, the dialog options are very realistic to genuine conversation and the topics of conversations, are so natural.

    I can uderstand that maybe 4$ per hour is not some peoples cup of tea, there is a deal on the play station store right now for 8$ which is a steal in my opinion, a value of    … Expand
  17. CiNEMALi_92
    Jul 6, 2017
    9
    I' really impressed by the quality of the narration for that game. For those screaming : THIS IS NOT A GAME, well, Firewatch is also far away from a traditional walking simulator. What really matters here is the relationship between Henry and Delilah and how realistically the narration depicts it. I won't go into spoiler territory, but the truth behind the mystery of story is a bitI' really impressed by the quality of the narration for that game. For those screaming : THIS IS NOT A GAME, well, Firewatch is also far away from a traditional walking simulator. What really matters here is the relationship between Henry and Delilah and how realistically the narration depicts it. I won't go into spoiler territory, but the truth behind the mystery of story is a bit unsignificative and lacks a true connection to the main characters. In the end, it's just an anecdote compared to what really matters : the relationship between Henry and Delilah. Also, the intro to the game (with the text) could've just been erased completely. It didn't give useful informations to understand the story.... which could've been just started right when the character accepted the firewatch job. Even after that moment, during conversations, the main character's past is mentioned. So why do the player get told all the details before the true story begins? It would've made for a more fluid narration for the start of the game. All in all, it is still a very, very good game. The ending lacks meaning for the player, but other then that it's really good a shows a beautiful sensibility in the writing and how the relationship unfolds.… Expand
  18. IONOSGAMES
    Jun 24, 2017
    8
    Recuerdo que mis analisis valen para todas las consolas, este es un juego walking simulator y de exploracion, aunque en el segundo apartado es muy pobre. Tiene una historia madura, unos graficos esplendidos, ademas de dos personajes carismaticos, Si os gustan las historias maduras y los juegos de caminar mirando el paisaje, este es vuestro juego. Lo malo es la falta absoluta de dificultad.
  19. BITESCREEN
    Jun 20, 2017
    9
    Manchmal braucht es nicht mehr als eine gute Geschichte – das beweist das Indiespiel Firewatch auf beeindruckende Weise: Auf der Flucht vor einem deprimierenden Leben mit einer schwer kranken Frau sucht Henry Halt in der totalen Isolation – als Ausgucker in der Wildnis Wyomings. Immer in Funkkontakt mit Kollegin Delilah sucht der Mitvierziger nach etwaigen Feuerbedrohungen oder hindertManchmal braucht es nicht mehr als eine gute Geschichte – das beweist das Indiespiel Firewatch auf beeindruckende Weise: Auf der Flucht vor einem deprimierenden Leben mit einer schwer kranken Frau sucht Henry Halt in der totalen Isolation – als Ausgucker in der Wildnis Wyomings. Immer in Funkkontakt mit Kollegin Delilah sucht der Mitvierziger nach etwaigen Feuerbedrohungen oder hindert pubertierende Teens an der Vermüllung der im malerischen Comiclook gehaltenen Waldlandschaft. Als zwei Junge Mädchen vermisst werden und ein Schatten Henry aus der Ferne beobachtet, wird aus einem meditativen Selbstfindungsdrama ein packender Videospiel-Thriller. Den erzählt Entwickler Campo Santo Bioshock-ähnlich fast gänzlich via Funkverkehr und integriert Multichoice-Dialoge, die die immer spannendere Story dezent, vor allem aber die glaubwürdige Beziehung der Hauptfiguren formen. Fesselnd bis zum etwas enttäuschenden Ende!… Expand
  20. SuperDuck23
    May 28, 2017
    9
    In a few years I feel that Firewatch will be looked back on and be re-assessed as a better game than people gave it credit for. It's a beautifully written and acted game with a poignant and mysterious story with an incredibly honest ending that stuck with me for a good while after I put down the controller.
  21. Mars1922
    Apr 29, 2017
    8
    This is what a walking simulator should be. Responsive controls, well designed visuals, excellent sound. And an immersive story that keeps you at the edge of your seat from beginning to end. I would have given it a 9 or 10 had the ending not left a little bit to be desired in regards to a conclusion. But that doesn't take away from everything the game does to keep you immersed in it'sThis is what a walking simulator should be. Responsive controls, well designed visuals, excellent sound. And an immersive story that keeps you at the edge of your seat from beginning to end. I would have given it a 9 or 10 had the ending not left a little bit to be desired in regards to a conclusion. But that doesn't take away from everything the game does to keep you immersed in it's environment. You play as a forest ranger of sorts, who encounters some strange mysteries out in the wilderness. Someone is watching him and his only contact to the outside world, a woman named Delilah in a nearby tower. You get to care about these characters, and about what happens to them.… Expand
  22. Termin8ter
    Mar 21, 2017
    9
    From the main writer and director of Telltale's The Walking Dead, one of my favourite games of all time, Firewatch was a very highly anticipated game for me. And it doesn't disappoint. The opening is emotional, involving, and explains the backstory really well. The rest of the game is a well-crafted experience, well written and acted. The art style is unique and nice to look at. But itFrom the main writer and director of Telltale's The Walking Dead, one of my favourite games of all time, Firewatch was a very highly anticipated game for me. And it doesn't disappoint. The opening is emotional, involving, and explains the backstory really well. The rest of the game is a well-crafted experience, well written and acted. The art style is unique and nice to look at. But it has some issues too. Frame-rate issues, lack of interesting wildlife or things to do outside of talking on your walkie-talkie, and a strange ending that feels like a slap in the face. Firewatch is a well-crafted experience, but not as good as some other games you could otherwise buy.… Expand
  23. Mr_Dante
    Mar 16, 2017
    8
    It is hard to compare Firewatch with it's other counterparts on the platform, as Firewatch offers a very unique experience in the current world of bells and whistles shooters, third person survival, and aimless fodder that's all too familiar. So if you feel like you need a breathe of fresh air and live life at a slightly slower pace, then perhaps Firewatch is the break you've been tryingIt is hard to compare Firewatch with it's other counterparts on the platform, as Firewatch offers a very unique experience in the current world of bells and whistles shooters, third person survival, and aimless fodder that's all too familiar. So if you feel like you need a breathe of fresh air and live life at a slightly slower pace, then perhaps Firewatch is the break you've been trying to catch?

    Firewatch almost feels like a one-man-show piece of theatre (accompanied by an off stage voice over), and you're allowed to progress through the events at your own pace. A pace that at times I pounded the forest floor, while at times I stopped to take in the vistas and the beautifully crafted environment. It's short, maybe five hours, but that's OK, the story feels probably weighted and not either eeked out or rushed, and in Firewatch, it's narrative and story that is King.

    The biggest problem with Firewatch are the controls, they are far from perfect. Sometimes rather frustrating. Although by the end of the experience I was more than competent and knew how to beat the gremlins that haunt the navigation.

    To summarise, if you like the idea of some gentle orienteering mixed with some very dramatic story ( with possibly some of the best voice acting in any game to date) then I would definitely recommend experiencing Firewatch at least once.    … Expand
  24. uVimOvil
    Jan 24, 2017
    10
    increible juego para ser el 1º de esta compañia es una autentica obra de arte, el juego no se en que genero catalogarlo pero sin duda es de 10 es muy inmersivo y la historia que narran los dos protagonistas es una historia que podria pasarnos a cualquiera es un juego adulto sin duda y el suspense que te mantiene hasta el ultimo instante lo sientes de verdad, obra maestra.
  25. mbrigham1223
    Jan 12, 2017
    8
    An gorgeous, tense first person walking simulator focusing on the relationship between the player and his only source of communication.

    Pros: - Excellent writing, both Delilah and Henry are well fleshed out, and their banter is so casual and authentic the conversations are a joy to listen to. - Excellent voice acting; what good is writing if it isn't well delivered? This absolutely    An gorgeous, tense first person walking simulator focusing on the relationship between the player and his only source of communication.

    Pros:
    - Excellent writing, both Delilah and Henry are well fleshed out, and their banter is so casual and authentic the conversations are a joy to listen to.
    - Excellent voice acting; what good is writing if it isn't well delivered? This absolutely is.
    - Visually striking. The depth of the trees and mountains in the distant, the vibrant colors of the meadows. It's nice just to sit back and look at it
    - Perfect atmospheric sound. Very little music is used in the title, leaving you alone mostly with your thoughts and the sounds of the world around you, and that world is brimming with sound. From wind swirling around your tower to the rustle of leaves on the ground, the sound really brings the world home, helping to build the sense of isolation and nothingness this game strives to achieve.
    - Well-built tension. The tense moments pack a serious punch in this game, with certain occurrences turning my arms to gooseflesh.
    - What music is there adds to the atmosphere, though it's exclusion was a good decision

    Cons:
    - The game stutters consistently. Sometimes every few seconds
    - Incredibly long load times. When I hit the first loading screen, I actually became worried that the game had crashed
    - Pop-in can be a real problem sometimes
    - The plot ends anticlimactically
    - The world and paths often feel gamey and inorganic
    - Animations are awkward. In a game where movement and pace are slow, Henry's ninja-like hand movements are out of place and unnecessarily quick.

    Overall, Firewatch is a tense and nervewracking experience that is held up by technical flaws. Any fan of story driven walking simulators will find a well crafted tale and plenty of beautiful visuals here, just expect to pulled out of the immersion occasionally when the games stutters for the third time in ten seconds.    … Expand
  26. av28
    Dec 14, 2016
    9
    A great narrative game which delves deeply with a mystery that needs to be solved in a sequel to this game, I would definitely LOVE a sequel to this game.

    I brought this game for a good $25 or so and I wasn't disappointed at all. The voice acting was really on point as they really acted like the character they were. Even though the graphics are low poly, it looks so beautiful. This    A great narrative game which delves deeply with a mystery that needs to be solved in a sequel to this game, I would definitely LOVE a sequel to this game.

    I brought this game for a good $25 or so and I wasn't disappointed at all. The voice acting was really on point as they really acted like the character they were. Even though the graphics are low poly, it looks so beautiful.

    This game takes around 5-6 hours to finish, but if you add in all the extra exploration, it could be another hour or so.

    This game is as if a book and an exploration game had a baby, perfect.    … Expand
  27. Realist_gamer
    Oct 20, 2016
    10
    one of the few small games that I enjoyed playing.nice kind of exotic graphics,well-thought meaningful dialogues and nice storytelling.but personally I don't like to see action elements in it's sequel(I mean I don't hope to) and prefer to play a pure adventure game than a act/adv nonsense with no balance between them.
    good job blizzard.
  28. nascent
    Oct 7, 2016
    8
    Firewatch is a really well made game. It's short, 2-4 hours (depending on how much you explore, and I recommend you explore a lot to make sense of the story), beautiful and full of intrigue. It's often called a 'walking simulator' and this fits fairly well, you walk from a to b, then b to c etc, while you investigate things and plot unravels. You're limited in actions, the gameFirewatch is a really well made game. It's short, 2-4 hours (depending on how much you explore, and I recommend you explore a lot to make sense of the story), beautiful and full of intrigue. It's often called a 'walking simulator' and this fits fairly well, you walk from a to b, then b to c etc, while you investigate things and plot unravels. You're limited in actions, the game completely depends on dialog. This is where you choices fall. You choose the questions/answers of the dialog, and this affects your understanding of the plot, so choose well. This game is a roller coaster of mystery and suspense. Sadly many people have been underwhelmed by the ending, but this is mostly due to human nature of imagination running amok and expectations getting out of control I found the ending completely satisfying and beautifully bleak.… Expand
  29. GoodApollo88
    Aug 24, 2016
    9
    In terms of script writing, this is up there. Fantastic dialogue and engaging two lead protagonists are the core of this games success. The gameplay is good in parts but can be very long winded as it's lethargic clunky and slow movement to get from point A to point B can be tiresome. Orientation is the key to getting from one destination to another, it can be off putting though as there isIn terms of script writing, this is up there. Fantastic dialogue and engaging two lead protagonists are the core of this games success. The gameplay is good in parts but can be very long winded as it's lethargic clunky and slow movement to get from point A to point B can be tiresome. Orientation is the key to getting from one destination to another, it can be off putting though as there is an over reliance on using your compass and map. Albeit this is a great indie game with fantastic well scripted dialogue. The story is full of mystery and intrigue as well as a feeling of self discovery.… Expand
  30. Slobr18
    Aug 23, 2016
    8
    Firewatch is an amazing game, with great gameplay, and great graphics. The only down side with the game is it's ending, it feels rushed and goes completely off tone the game set up. If you like more character driven games, play Firewatch.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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 »