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. 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!
  2. Manwoody
    Feb 10, 2016
    6
    Firewatch is a game where nothing of consequence happens. There is really no point to this game. The writing is decent and the voice acting is excellent, but all that is attached to a meaningless story that tries to force out artificial feelings. The game tries to force feelings out of you in the intro, through the way of text describing events taking place for the main character, this isFirewatch is a game where nothing of consequence happens. There is really no point to this game. The writing is decent and the voice acting is excellent, but all that is attached to a meaningless story that tries to force out artificial feelings. The game tries to force feelings out of you in the intro, through the way of text describing events taking place for the main character, this is largely ineffective due to the fact that we have not met the main character yet or the other character the intro telling us about. We're suppose to feel some sort of attachment, given that there are options to steer clear of telling the intro events to the other main character in the game indicating that it would be a "touchy" subject for our main character.

    The other "big" reveal again tries to coax out feelings from the player when you learn the fate of another character we have never met and have only had several lines of dialogue to go off of.

    The best thing Firewatch has going for it in my opinion is the beautiful art style. Unfortunately on PS4 the art style is hindered by almost constant performance issues, mainly in the form of frame drops.    … Expand
  3. gdiego135
    Feb 27, 2016
    6
    I was so excited for this game when i saw the annouce trailer, and now i barely got to play, and it is short it took me just one sitting to beat it, about 3 to 4 hours, but that's not the problem. I really wanted to enjoy this game soooo much, but it was just boring, at first i was pumped, but the story wasn't as great as it seemed it would be, nothing crazy really happens, and I hate thatI was so excited for this game when i saw the annouce trailer, and now i barely got to play, and it is short it took me just one sitting to beat it, about 3 to 4 hours, but that's not the problem. I really wanted to enjoy this game soooo much, but it was just boring, at first i was pumped, but the story wasn't as great as it seemed it would be, nothing crazy really happens, and I hate that the game has you walk from one side of the map all the way to the other, it gets so annoying. The art styles is beautiful, i really did love it, the voice acting is superb, and the music is pretty sweet as well. But it just wasn't that interesting, and the ending is just so anti climatic, this was my first walking simulator, and i know those games are story based, not gameplay, but this should have been a movie, or tv show, with the same art style, for adults, It just wasn't that great as a videogame. Sorry but i don't recommend.… Expand
  4. StRipper
    Feb 12, 2016
    6
    I was really expecting this one to come out and was amazed at the low price of 19.99Eur. It turns out it was that low for a reason. And now that I'm done with it I feel like a just paid a very expensive ticket for mediocre movie.
    The game performs terribly, which is unacceptable for the PS4. The stuttering literally hurt my eyes. Asset pop-in is very frequent. I kept my self wondering    I was really expecting this one to come out and was amazed at the low price of 19.99Eur. It turns out it was that low for a reason. And now that I'm done with it I feel like a just paid a very expensive ticket for mediocre movie.
    The game performs terribly, which is unacceptable for the PS4. The stuttering literally hurt my eyes. Asset pop-in is very frequent. I kept my self wondering "did anyone even play it on the PS4 before releasing it? Did they seriously think this is playable?". (They said a patch is coming at some point but still this is not a game you play twice) Yet I kept pushing on because the story was compelling but utterly felt flat in the end....
    Really wish this game was more. It has much potential gone to waste. Would suggest waiting for a discounted price and maybe a performance patch from the devs.    … Expand
  5. 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
  6. dolphindiddler
    Jul 6, 2016
    6
    This game is very divisive. I can only sum that thought up by the idea of expectation.

    Typically when I go into one of these games I watch the trailer and see what the length is. Already knowing this was a narrative driven game I had little expectation other than an intriguing story, which to a point I agree with. The trailer frames the game up to be a thrilling mystery with discovery    This game is very divisive. I can only sum that thought up by the idea of expectation.

    Typically when I go into one of these games I watch the trailer and see what the length is. Already knowing this was a narrative driven game I had little expectation other than an intriguing story, which to a point I agree with. The trailer frames the game up to be a thrilling mystery with discovery and intrigue. I was having a rough week (low on money, family issues, etc.) and wanted to have a quick getaway so this game would be perfect.
    I beat the game on one sitting with my girlfriend watching and we were let down by how everything abruptly ended, leaving us with very little to mull over. At the end the game's purpose is to tell you that resistance is futile and you shouldn't run away from your problems.

    In that sense it felt like a waste of 3-4 hours when the marketing for the game framed it up to be a much different experience. I understand that this is "art" and for us to interpret, but being that divisive puts a bad taste in my mouth. It would be like buying the new halo game and all you do is throw pillows at people. While throwing pillows is fun, you need to be in a specific mood to do so.

    I was happy to support the Campo Santo studio in hopes that the continue making games. If it wasn’t for the obvious love and articulate care I see behind the product, I would’ve given this game a 4 or 5. There are a lot of aspects to this game that I liked. I just don't care for how they manipulated the marketing to be something other than what it is.    … Expand
  7. 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 ...
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. ElleryHQ
    Jan 26, 2019
    6
    Игра-пустышка, в ней нет ничего кроме интересных диалогов. Начинается интересно, заканчивается ни на чем.
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. Rjunosuke
    Feb 10, 2016
    5
    Forget about the technical issues. Never mind the little time it takes to complete the game. What bothers me, and I mean really bothers me, is the outcome of the plot. It's mundane and low-key, which is not inherently a bad thing, to be sure. But when you couple this with an extremely tense build-up that precedes it, then you have a problem. It just doesn't work; in fact, it spoils theForget about the technical issues. Never mind the little time it takes to complete the game. What bothers me, and I mean really bothers me, is the outcome of the plot. It's mundane and low-key, which is not inherently a bad thing, to be sure. But when you couple this with an extremely tense build-up that precedes it, then you have a problem. It just doesn't work; in fact, it spoils the whole experience. You'll feel cheated by the time the final credits roll.… Expand
  15. Ghoster
    Feb 21, 2016
    5
    Usually I don't play much indie titles because there is not really a lot good ones. But, I got this because reviews was really good. I did it again. Shouldn't do that. Game price is way too expensive for what it offer. Gameplay is about 3 hours long and in that time you don't do anything than walking around and listening conversations. Script looks good from start, but in point when youUsually I don't play much indie titles because there is not really a lot good ones. But, I got this because reviews was really good. I did it again. Shouldn't do that. Game price is way too expensive for what it offer. Gameplay is about 3 hours long and in that time you don't do anything than walking around and listening conversations. Script looks good from start, but in point when you think it will culminate it finish in probably most stupid way. Graphics is bad what was expected from indie title, but framerate could be better. Generally, with better script this could be good title even if we exclude bad gfx. Some stupid gameplay things even make this game looks silly. Etc. you spend half of the game finding keys to underground cave while carrying an axe all the time!! Really ????… Expand
  16. darrenandrew16
    Feb 14, 2016
    5
    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
  17. Jackrov
    Feb 10, 2016
    5
    Was looking forward to this game. On PS4 it is a technical mess, with stuttering and framerate issues all around.
    Having played less than 30 min, I managed to get e refund through PSN email assistance.
    I suggest everyone disappointed with the game to do so.
  18. 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.
  19. Cubical_Gamer
    Feb 10, 2016
    5
    This highly anticipated game did not disappoint when it came to the price in the PlayStation Store. At $19.99 USD, $17.99 USD if you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber, the price matched the length of Firewatch. Seeing and exploring the wilderness in glorious 1080p is something to marvel at, however, that is pretty much what you're getting out of this game. As you navigate throughout theThis highly anticipated game did not disappoint when it came to the price in the PlayStation Store. At $19.99 USD, $17.99 USD if you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber, the price matched the length of Firewatch. Seeing and exploring the wilderness in glorious 1080p is something to marvel at, however, that is pretty much what you're getting out of this game. As you navigate throughout the semi-open world, and I use that term loosely, I will get frequent drops in frame rate. 1080p, yes, 60fps, no. With the power of the PlayStation 4 being strong enough to handle graphically intensive games like GTA5 or The Witcher 3, I have a hard time believing that Firewatch is more intensive than those. The lack of achievement is another thing that turns me off with this game. There is an absence of motivation to replay this game when you're not being rewarded for making a different choice. To spend another three and a half hours playing it just to possibly get a different outcome is not appealing to me when I don't receive a trophy for my time well spent. I found the collection of documents I have gathered throughout the game meaningless because it served no point, and the amount of items spread out across the wilderness didn't serve any other purpose than to add dialogue. The only way I can recommend this game to anybody would be to fix the frame rate problem and, perhaps, give the players a sense of achievement by adding more rewards for doing specific actions in the game rather than just getting a trophy when we finish a day.… Expand
  20. FlapJack72
    Feb 15, 2016
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love the inspired visuals, which are compelling in a serene kind of way. And, I suppose, the banter back and forth is a decent way to pass the time while exploring the world. That's about all the nice things I have to say about this overpriced indie game.

    At $20, Firewatch is a rip. It's not the length that is the problem, it's that so many of the game is undercooked, which is highlighted by the fact that the game could have been brilliant. Where to start? Ah! Delilah is a pain in the ass, and a bore by the time the game is over. She is every girl you've ever been instantly attracted to over the first drink at a bar, and repulsed by as the night wore on. She's far too full of herself, she is nosy, and she obviously thinks she's the most clever girl in the outfit (which she may be, seeing as she's the only girl in the outfit).

    Further disappointing than the wordy, mouthy Delilah, are all the unresolved plot threads. The main baddie is a total Scooby-Doo villain, and the setpieces leading the story along are pretty uninspired (go roust some drunk dorks, go find a way into a fended off area you inexplicably can't simply climb over, etc.). A mountain range in the wilderness should be a place rife with secrets and hidden goodies to find. Sadly, there are no such things in Firewatch's world. The world is also immensely barren of life -- where are the bears, the coyotes, the birds, the snakes, the ANYTHING? The most I saw in my entire walkthrough of the game was a few birds flying off in the distance, and that may have even been at the title screen; I can't quite remember. The world to this game is barren, which sucked me right out of the lovely visuals.

    On top of that, the mechanics are supremely limited. There are only a few items you find along the way, and don't expect to be too wowed by those, either. They're all pretty basic in application, and not creative in the least. I see where the developers were going with the idea of limiting exploration until you find certain goodies a la Metroid, but it just doesn't work here. The game became a bore to play, especially once...

    You get to the end. For a game relying so heavily on its narrative, the game wraps things up by having a convenient villain, and a convenient discussion with the cheeky Delilah, and that's it. For all of its narrative trappings, I ended up feeling more conflicted about the reason Henry arrives to begin with. As torn as he feels about his future, so to do I about parting with so much money for a skimpy game with a pretty face.

    Enlist if you must, but do so knowing that you could get the same conversational value at an Applebee's on a Friday night, and as much adventure at a bingo tournament. Firewatch gave me heartburn.    … Expand
  21. Speedy4324
    Jul 7, 2016
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great story to it really can pull you in and makes you wonder whats going to happen next, but the game is really short didn't even take 3 hours to finish. And the ending is really boring and terrible you don't even get to see Delilah which leaves you on a mystery and there was so much going for this game if they would have made it longer and shown more of Delilah… Expand
  22. 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
  23. elgarmius
    Jan 16, 2022
    5
    The biggest disappointment of this game is that none of your choices matter at all.
  24. lgndsgn
    Mar 7, 2016
    4
    Ok, this game.... Not super bad, but I didn't like it at all. Here are a few short points as to why: 1) Frame-rate problems — Game stutters/lags every few seconds, especially when turning, or near anything scenic. 2) The lighting and environment — so, you're in this forrest, and it is literally almost devoid of life in it. I saw only a duck and few butterflies over the course of the WHOLEOk, this game.... Not super bad, but I didn't like it at all. Here are a few short points as to why: 1) Frame-rate problems — Game stutters/lags every few seconds, especially when turning, or near anything scenic. 2) The lighting and environment — so, you're in this forrest, and it is literally almost devoid of life in it. I saw only a duck and few butterflies over the course of the WHOLE game (not including a couple other animals in cut-scenes). No bears, even though you find tress with bear marks. The lighting is strange and just seems like you're wearing colored lense glasses. It's very linear; the character can't jump over small logs or bushes, or walk up a short incline of rocks, or climb a damn fence. You are only allowed to go where the story dictates. You are forced to repel down rock walls, that look so sloped you could easily walk up them... You can also get stuck on logs/rocks. 3)The story — Oh boy... Not to spoil anything, it's about 2 white middle-aged people being sarcastic and over dramatic with each other over a walkie talkie, while making really stupid choices throughout the game. And you don't really control the narrative, even though they give you the illusion of choice. You the player are a man, and the other character is a woman (which you never see throughout the whole game..) There's almost nothing exciting that happens (aside from maybe one part, and even that was meh). The logic in the story is really bad, and there are even mistakes (non spoiler example: character says one thing, then game acts as if character never said that. This happens a few times) IT'S VERY SHORT. My girlfriend and I beat the game in 2 days, very casual playing. The ending is meh too. You're just left feeling like "is this really it?". I honestly thought the story was just about to get started. Overall, just not good. Seemed very rushed.… Expand
  25. kraster
    Mar 19, 2016
    4
    Graphically this game looks beautiful but the constant stuttering almost renders the aesthetics moot. I have a fairly high tolerance for frame dips and stuttering but this is simply unacceptable. It's constant.
    The story is badly paced, I kept expecting some twist to the story that never came leaving me completely underwhelmed. The voice acting and script is excellent but the underpinning    Graphically this game looks beautiful but the constant stuttering almost renders the aesthetics moot. I have a fairly high tolerance for frame dips and stuttering but this is simply unacceptable. It's constant.
    The story is badly paced, I kept expecting some twist to the story that never came leaving me completely underwhelmed. The voice acting and script is excellent but the underpinning story is ultimately pointless.    … Expand
  26. sityoazzdown
    Aug 19, 2019
    4
    Wait.. wha... what? What was the point of this game? was literally my last thoughts as the credits rolled. I bought this game because of my pleasant experience with what remains of edith finch, but this game just disappoints on all levels.
    Pros: Mildly interesting mystery.
    Cons: Framerate chugs literally every step i take in this game, to the point it was nauseating. The yellow/orangey    Wait.. wha... what? What was the point of this game? was literally my last thoughts as the credits rolled. I bought this game because of my pleasant experience with what remains of edith finch, but this game just disappoints on all levels.
    Pros: Mildly interesting mystery.
    Cons: Framerate chugs literally every step i take in this game, to the point it was nauseating. The yellow/orangey hint of the wilderness literally hurt my eyes. The dialogue between you and dialogue becomes quite pointless and uninteresting. The dialogue is like a choose your adventure game, except it's really not. The game was advertised as an light-hearted romp, it was anything but. There was no view in this game where I was blown away, it was drab and boring. The walking part was a chore, between the frame rate and bringing your map up every 15 seconds, what a chore. Like i said the mystery was mildly interesting and everything else isn't, I found myself just rushing to finish the game to see the ending (my god; the framerate). And then the game ends, and your just like...that was it? And by the way the collectibles (if you can even call it that) was literally collecting trash.
    To end, this game sucks..from the technical standpoint, gameplay standpoint, and story standpoint. This isn't buy when on sale, this is a wait for a ps plus, even then I would'nt reccomend it that much.    … Expand
  27. Mattcha
    Feb 21, 2016
    4
    Was curious about this game, so I watched a 2 1/2 hour entire play through on YouTube, and now I'm glad I didn't waste money on a linear walking simulator with an incredibly unsatisfying ending.
  28. aidano
    Jan 8, 2017
    4
    After reading a few reviews I had high expectations for this game, however I was severely disappointed. There's no real control over the story and having completed the game I was thinking 'What!? That's it!?'. Felt like I'd wasted 6 hours of my life. It reminded me of the types of games that came out when full motion video became possible on computers - substituting style and script forAfter reading a few reviews I had high expectations for this game, however I was severely disappointed. There's no real control over the story and having completed the game I was thinking 'What!? That's it!?'. Felt like I'd wasted 6 hours of my life. It reminded me of the types of games that came out when full motion video became possible on computers - substituting style and script for gameplay, which it almost got away with, but ultimately the story wasn't compelling enough.… Expand
  29. vahn
    Aug 26, 2019
    3
    I really wanted to like this game but, after reaching the very lackluster and disappointing ending, I was left with a huge sense of incompletion that only games who try to be pretentious seem to have.

    Let's start from the very beginning: the game, which is mostly story by the way, is about a man named Henry who decides to work as a fire lookout in order to escape his life for the summer    I really wanted to like this game but, after reaching the very lackluster and disappointing ending, I was left with a huge sense of incompletion that only games who try to be pretentious seem to have.

    Let's start from the very beginning: the game, which is mostly story by the way, is about a man named Henry who decides to work as a fire lookout in order to escape his life for the summer and in here he'll "meet" with a woman called Delilah, however something happens and you will have to discover why this is happening.

    I'm not going into spoilers but for what it was, it was very disappointing: it starts out very interesting at first but then it turns out it was just a flash in the pan, and the ending was just "there" to be made but with really no big send-off.
    I was told this game had a great story, and I think there was one somewhere buried beneath the rocks from mountains of this area, but it was so poorly written and explained that I just couldn't see the big picture. There WAS something but it was just there without an actual good explanation, and in the end it felt like none of my choices mattered: I could replay the game and I bet the results would be the exact same!

    Let's skip to the gameplay, which is barebone too: the place is rather large I'll give them that but with the inability to jump and being forced to go through forced paths throughout the area - and overall lack of exploration rewards - the big area feels as empty as a small mansion: it's big, nice and looks great at first glance, which I have to give them credit, but the interaction with the environment is very limited and you can only pick up some items and that's it.

    Overall, I don't think this game is bad, but it's just...uneventful, to say the least: something happens, which could lead to something interesting, but in reality nothing has really happened and I felt so underwhelmed when I finished the game because it just stops with nothing solved, nothing gained.

    Do I recommend? At full price no: try to find it at a discounted price and give it a look, although I got mine very cheap and I still don't think it was worth it.    … Expand
  30. Koog72
    Apr 25, 2016
    3
    You leave your 9 to 5 life in the city and decide to become a Firewatch person in Wyoming.
    So you sit up in a fire watch tower with a walkie-talkie speaking to a person called Delilah, she gives you instructions and you walk around the woods looking for things.
    The graphics are pretty, unfortunately that's the only good thing about the game - it's bad, really bad. You walk around the    You leave your 9 to 5 life in the city and decide to become a Firewatch person in Wyoming.
    So you sit up in a fire watch tower with a walkie-talkie speaking to a person called Delilah, she gives you instructions and you walk around the woods looking for things.
    The graphics are pretty, unfortunately that's the only good thing about the game - it's bad, really bad.
    You walk around the woods for hours looking for clues to some mystery. The conclusion is a MAJOR disappointment. Collision detection is crap and this is one of the most frustrating games ever. Did the makers get fed up halfway through and just finished it quick...?
    Save you cash and your time and buy something else.    … Expand
  31. chr1so
    Dec 27, 2017
    3
    I have no idea how this game has a semi-decent rating. It's just a nothing game really. Not fun, not exciting, no action, not really any puzzles. Just a time waster really.
  32. mathteachermike
    Mar 15, 2016
    3
    At this point, when I see the score of an indie (or Indie-like) game, I should subtract at least 2 points for the bias. I understand that those in the gaming industry want the small games to survive (versus the mega-franchises), but it's starting to get ridiculous.

    I'm sorry - Firewatch is just not that good. Maybe I was expecting too much; a legitimate mystery, unique story line or    At this point, when I see the score of an indie (or Indie-like) game, I should subtract at least 2 points for the bias. I understand that those in the gaming industry want the small games to survive (versus the mega-franchises), but it's starting to get ridiculous.

    I'm sorry - Firewatch is just not that good. Maybe I was expecting too much; a legitimate mystery, unique story line or mind-bending puzzles. Instead got a convoluted, nonsensical story and inexplicably poor graphics performance. How can such a graphically simple game have such immersion-braking frame-drop?

    I was sucked into buying this game by all the hoopla regarding it's story and how beautiful it was. Ugh.

    The graphics were interesting and colorful, but the art style was not all that unique, and definitely not worth buying the game for. I never got immersed in the main character (which I should have given we have many things in common) or the story, and the game play was little more that walking around - or rather walking down a very limiting path that takes you to the next point in the story (i.e. not open world or even really open world-ish).

    Wait for a savage summer price-cut (I'm thinking PSN will probably have it on sale by then for $4.99) before buying it. If not, don't say I didn't warn you.    … Expand
  33. Doctor_Huw
    Dec 31, 2017
    2
    Despite visual quality for a low-budget game and a story that can grab you, game play is slow, clunky and erratic. Worst of all, odds are excellent that you'll get trapped in the buggy geometry. You fall between rocks, for example, and the only way out is to restart the game from the beginning. It just isn't that good.
  34. Kryss_Everson
    Dec 26, 2021
    2
    Big disappointment. No gameplay, no life in a forest?! The story pushed me to continue until I finished it and got more disappointed. Avoid thi joke.
  35. tdebug
    Mar 27, 2016
    1
    This game almost completely lack a story. It pretends that story is so rich through all the talking (btw answers do not change the gameplay anyhow) and even tease player with some story elements, but in the end tells nothing. A walking simulator as is. Do not waste your money.
    If you want to spend your money on PNS game, buy SOMA - graphics may not be very beautiful, but the story is so    This game almost completely lack a story. It pretends that story is so rich through all the talking (btw answers do not change the gameplay anyhow) and even tease player with some story elements, but in the end tells nothing. A walking simulator as is. Do not waste your money.
    If you want to spend your money on PNS game, buy SOMA - graphics may not be very beautiful, but the story is so rich that most of the 60€ games do not have.    … Expand
  36. Stokly00
    Dec 22, 2022
    1
    This game is absolutely terrible. The characters are dull and uninteresting, the script is cliched and unoriginal, and the walking speed is painfully slow. Even if you are a fan of slow-paced games, this one is just too slow. The graphics and sound are passable, but that's about it. The game just doesn't have anything to keep you invested. All in all, I would highly recommend avoiding this game.
  37. PeaceWalker
    Sep 15, 2017
    0
    Its not a game but a boring walking simulator with an ugly orange visual tone and zero player choice. Also, its made by an SJW developer that supports censorship so thats something you should consider. Flushing your money down the toilet would be interesting than getting this.
  38. soulassssns
    Sep 11, 2017
    0
    Horrible game. Would not recommend even if GameStop was handing out copies for free at the door. Plays like it was developed by blind children of questionable mental capabilities.

    You are welcome Sean Vanaham. Next time learn to not abuse the DMCA features on YouTube like a child.
  39. AlphaRebel
    Sep 13, 2017
    0
    So didn't really pay much attention to this game when it got launched (watched the TB vid etc) unfortunately while the hypocritical dev wanted all the free publicity from LetsPlays etc even to the extent of putting an explicit permission page on their site, they are clearly morally bankrupt enough to abuse DMCA in order to punish a content creator who has said something to upset them nowSo didn't really pay much attention to this game when it got launched (watched the TB vid etc) unfortunately while the hypocritical dev wanted all the free publicity from LetsPlays etc even to the extent of putting an explicit permission page on their site, they are clearly morally bankrupt enough to abuse DMCA in order to punish a content creator who has said something to upset them now that his vid is of no benefit to them but they can still try and destroy the career of those who helped promote their wares.

    The TL;DR is for anyone planning on doing business with this developer or covering their games in the future is DON'T! - THIS DEVELOPER IS UNTRUSTWORTHY and you cannot believe anything they say so you put your business and revenue at risk if you engage with them .    … Expand
  40. MrWarMachine
    Sep 11, 2017
    0
    I can't recommend buying this game as the developers are attacking the livelihood of youtubers (Felix Kjellberg AKA Pewdiepie) who they have deemed to be racist for saying a racial slur on stream (not even streaming firewatch at the time) by filing DMC claims against them and encouraging others to as well. As if racial slurs aren't common place in competitive gaming and various forms ofI can't recommend buying this game as the developers are attacking the livelihood of youtubers (Felix Kjellberg AKA Pewdiepie) who they have deemed to be racist for saying a racial slur on stream (not even streaming firewatch at the time) by filing DMC claims against them and encouraging others to as well. As if racial slurs aren't common place in competitive gaming and various forms of music.

    They have also been banning and censoring people on their various forums for discussing this issue as well.

    I refuse to support this behaviour from game developers and I strongly encourage you to as well.    … Expand
  41. traskular
    Mar 27, 2018
    0
    Lead up, build up, for nothing. I don't feel good, I'm not sure I had a good time. There is no ending, don't waste your time :(
  42. SIPPIO
    Jan 13, 2018
    0
    This game is a scam.....
    There's plenty better options that are even cheaper..
    This game NEVER goes on sale for anything substantial...

    Not a coincidence..
    And the character of the Devs are also NOT a coincidence...
    DON'T BUY!
  43. inaneHELLRAISER
    Feb 9, 2016
    0
    Played it for about 10 minutes on ps4 and cant deal with he performance issues. Will make you sick with its fluctuating frame rate. Avoid this game until they properly patch it. WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE BEFORE RELEASE.
  44. Trunkis
    Sep 22, 2017
    0
    This is a really flawed game.
    Overhyped to kingdom come.
    Not worth your money.
    The best way to sum up this game is - Good Marketing campaign, Dud game.
  45. GetToThaChoppa
    Sep 14, 2016
    0
    I'm not against story-driven games but this was terrible. You have to listen to some incredibly sarcastic (not good sarcastic, irritating sarcastic) woman shamelessly flirt with a guy who is trying to piece his head together after his wife takes ill, all whilst meandering around a charmless terrain with framerate glitches galore.

    Also, the guy who wrote this must be some kind of sick    I'm not against story-driven games but this was terrible. You have to listen to some incredibly sarcastic (not good sarcastic, irritating sarcastic) woman shamelessly flirt with a guy who is trying to piece his head together after his wife takes ill, all whilst meandering around a charmless terrain with framerate glitches galore.

    Also, the guy who wrote this must be some kind of sick freak. From the two games I've played of his, it appears he takes enjoyment from writing dead children into his games. WTF is that all about?    … Expand
  46. al1en
    Feb 12, 2016
    0
    hasnt been tested properly before release, i experienced a gamebreaker bug at day 77. not amused...

    other than that its just another Walking Simulator, nerdy Story, nerdy Humor, Zero gameplay
  47. Raveren
    Sep 14, 2017
    0
    A game so good, it's developers will censor your free speech like they censored the free will of the main character. Make no mistake, do not attempt to play this game on YouTube, you will only be attacked by the creator after bringing them thousands of sales.
  48. JaySilver
    Mar 3, 2016
    0
    This game is the most overhyped piece of trash I have seen in a long time. 20 Bucks for a walking-simulator. Excellent. And the ending is a joke.

    People do yourselves a favour and play REAL GAMES.
  49. Jeenius
    Apr 18, 2016
    0
    This is my first metacritic review. I hate this game. I love story and character driven games, but this game is in no way driven by anything. You wait for it to get good and mindblowing like the raving reviews say, then it starts to get intriguing -- slow, because you're walking everywhere, but at least you want to know whats going on -- and then it completely fizzles out in a rageThis is my first metacritic review. I hate this game. I love story and character driven games, but this game is in no way driven by anything. You wait for it to get good and mindblowing like the raving reviews say, then it starts to get intriguing -- slow, because you're walking everywhere, but at least you want to know whats going on -- and then it completely fizzles out in a rage inducing anticlimax. Just watch a walkthrough of the game instead since it's completely linear and short. If you still want to play the game after that, you probably like playing with rocks.… Expand
  50. ABN
    Sep 15, 2017
    0
    This game is so simple, how could the devs screw it up so bad? Runs terribly and it is super boring. The game is also poorly written by the simple mind of Sean Vanaman. Swing and a miss buddy, try again. Not to mention this joker and his company support censorship. Never again will I make the mistake of purchasing a game from Campo Santo. Don't waste your money.
  51. HPMHS
    Jan 4, 2018
    0
    Piece of crap. Wasted time and money. If you are over 18 i reccomedn you not to buy this game.
  52. billcypher
    Sep 10, 2017
    0
    This game is utterly boring and is basically a walking simulator. I'll admit, the game looks great, but that doesn't make up for the fact that the developers are social justice warriors who try to silence anything they deem as "hate speech." They should be ashamed of themselves. You'd think that someone in the realm of video games would understand the importance of free speech, but I guess not.
  53. seanr06
    Sep 11, 2017
    0
    Bad story, pointless plot. Clunky Mechanics - the whole game amounts to nothing and is not memorable in any way.

    I wish I had never bought this game
  54. sussli
    Sep 12, 2017
    0
    The racist developers attack white people by banned Felix account
    These game are too expensive. What a waste of money when buying it.I can't recommend buying this game
  55. valknyght
    Sep 14, 2017
    0
    Issued a refund immediately after I heard what Sean Vanaman did to a streamer. A butthurt, immature, and hypocritical person who abused his power to issue a copyright strike to Pewdiepie for the sole purpose of not liking his personality. Never ever supporting this kind of man, not to mention how mediocre and rushed this game was. His actions just caused a lot of controversy for otherIssued a refund immediately after I heard what Sean Vanaman did to a streamer. A butthurt, immature, and hypocritical person who abused his power to issue a copyright strike to Pewdiepie for the sole purpose of not liking his personality. Never ever supporting this kind of man, not to mention how mediocre and rushed this game was. His actions just caused a lot of controversy for other streamers as well.… Expand
  56. Kratos_Redfield
    Nov 28, 2021
    0
    Waste of money. Performance problems, rushed ending and that attitude of “if you don’t like me you don’t understand me”. Avoid at all costs
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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 »