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. dethrush
    Mar 15, 2016
    8
    Great storyline, fantastic voice acting. A little bit overhyped game imho, but still wonderful one. I really enjoyd playing it, but at the end I was like "that's it? Is it really over?"
  2. JoyStikEnt
    Mar 11, 2016
    8
    Editor’s Opinions:

    Firewatch is a game that I have personally been waiting on forever. The sense of loneliness you feel during the game is something that is actually desired. We play games to feel something right? No matter is it is adrenaline, sadness, happiness, and in this case, loneliness. If you feel a connection to the game, they have done something right! Sound: The game    Editor’s Opinions:

    Firewatch is a game that I have personally been waiting on forever. The sense of loneliness you feel during the game is something that is actually desired. We play games to feel something right? No matter is it is adrenaline, sadness, happiness, and in this case, loneliness. If you feel a connection to the game, they have done something right!

    Sound:

    The game comes fully loaded with simple music for each occasion, whether it be something scary, or romantic, they nail it on the head. As for the in game audio, it is beautiful. I love walking through the mountains when no music is playing. You hear the running water of streams, or birds chirping in the background. It is just brilliant.

    Graphics:

    The graphics use a unique art style. They didn't aim for an extremely realistic graphic scheme, but then again, it is beautiful. It is a cross between real life and shell shaded graphics. The landscape of the forest and mountain side will literally take your breathe.

    Gameplay:

    The gameplay for Firewatch works for what it is trying to accomplish. You feel in control of the character, so in turn you feel for the character. The control scheme is so simple, any level of gamer could play it. I plan on introducing it to my wife actually! But as for gameplay, it is so simple, that it is the only thing where they could've heavily improved. This game could set the stage for an amazing game in the future. I will stick by these developers as they continue to impress!

    Replay Value: Moderately Low

    Story:

    This is where Firewatch excels. This could be one of the best, most engaging, stories I have ever witnessed. Notice I said "one of the best", because there are many out there that could top it. But honestly, the story in this game is so great, it would be a shame for anybody to miss out on it when it is only $20. GO GET IT!!    … Expand
  3. RNG-Games
    Mar 10, 2016
    8
    Firewatch is a great story that will keep you immersed and engaged throughout its campaign. The only real negatives to this titles is that it is quite short – with a campaign running in at between 3-5 hours, and as mentioned, brief frame rate problems at the time of writing. Its a refreshing detour away from some of the more intense games we will be playing this year, a welcome trip toFirewatch is a great story that will keep you immersed and engaged throughout its campaign. The only real negatives to this titles is that it is quite short – with a campaign running in at between 3-5 hours, and as mentioned, brief frame rate problems at the time of writing. Its a refreshing detour away from some of the more intense games we will be playing this year, a welcome trip to relax and get completely lost in a world we would happily revisit.

    For the full review: http://www.rng-games.co.uk/rng-reviews-firewatch/    … Expand
  4. ElephantJuice
    Mar 9, 2016
    8
    A beautiful and charming game from a very promising studio.

    Whilst the gameplay is nothing more than running around a forest for a few hours, the story is intriguing and takes you through a roller-coaster of emotions. What really sets this game apart is the characters. Henry and Delilah are well voiced and well written, making their relationship the main focus of the game. There is a    A beautiful and charming game from a very promising studio.

    Whilst the gameplay is nothing more than running around a forest for a few hours, the story is intriguing and takes you through a roller-coaster of emotions.

    What really sets this game apart is the characters. Henry and Delilah are well voiced and well written, making their relationship the main focus of the game. There is a great sense of attachment that the gamer will develop for these characters, (Without spoilers: It's the main reason this game has as many mixed reviews as it does) this is a testament to the game itself.

    There is no replay value to the game, in the same way there's no re-watch value to a movie. It only lasts 3-5 hours, but this isn't a necessarily a bad thing. For this kind of game, why would you want anything more? The cheap price, gorgeous looks, great story and amazing characters all add up to make this game worthy of a few hours of your time.    … Expand
  5. 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
  6. uneekdesigns
    Mar 5, 2016
    8
    Take a break from the usual games out there and give firewatch a try. It offers an incredible experience. I bought it day 1 and I made it last about two weeks. It's nice to be able to play a game knowing that it doesn't need a lot of my time to finish it. Sometimes you need those.

    So here's the deal. Almost every scene in this game is beautiful. The graphic style is not photorealistic    Take a break from the usual games out there and give firewatch a try. It offers an incredible experience. I bought it day 1 and I made it last about two weeks. It's nice to be able to play a game knowing that it doesn't need a lot of my time to finish it. Sometimes you need those.

    So here's the deal. Almost every scene in this game is beautiful. The graphic style is not photorealistic yet after a few mins into your play you forget it's a game world. The place feels real. The relationship you develop feels real. The dangers that happen feel real. The development team did a wonderful job of putting you into this world. Now, a lot of talk is about the ending and I won't really talk about it at all but I will say this... Much like the game make you feel... It too feels real.

    At the end you are left with a lasting impression that truthfully is thanks to amazing voice acting. It's a shame there is nothing else to explore in the game once you done but I really don't think it was intended on that. You really just have to sit back and enjoy the ride.    … Expand
  7. 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.
  8. DoughBoii
    Mar 2, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Firewatch is an amazing game living up to just about ever standard I had set before buying the game, the graphics and art work are pretty well done, story keeps you on the edge of your seat, and finally the amazing dialog between the two characters really brings you into the game and gives you a realist connection.
    While the game was very well done it felt short, after finishing the game within a 3-4 hours time span I felt unfulfilled.
    While I did not suspect the story to turn to such a light side I liked it but in the end I hoped for more, more than just a saddening talk between Henry and Delilah, I felt depressed and quite hungry for more in a sense that I had already been disappointed by the discovery of the accident with the boy and his father, but to be let down once more by the reality of Henry never seeing Delilah left my empty inside.
    My conclusion is a great game, very well made and again the voice acting phenomenal. Cons would be short and ending seemed rushed.    … Expand
  9. 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
  10. DanJor
    Feb 27, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Campo Santoe's first game was marvelous. The art was just amazing, it looked like you were traveling through a painting. Everything was good about this game except the ending of the game. You just leave its like nothing you did in the game mattered because you was going to leave anyhow. There was no closure of the story, it was much like that Campo Santo wanted you to imagine how the story would resolve. Would you go tell the police about the boy's body and the murder/arsonist who was the boys dad?, or was Dehlia the boy's mother and that is why she never cared for his dad because they were divorced? We might never now, but is this just the start of Firewatch or is there a sequel in the making? The only other problem with this game is that I lost all of my indicators on my screen. The ones that tell you to press a button to jump down or clime up. This could of been prevented by having players test the game. All in all for Campo Santoe's first game it was pretty good. I only have one question what will Campo Santoe bring us next?… Expand
  11. Optic_Darksyde
    Feb 26, 2016
    8
    Firewatch will be remembered for having a great art style, some of the best dialogue and voice acting in video games, and sadly a story without a proper climatic moment or fulfilling ending.

    Firewatches art style is amazing, its beautiful and you can get lost for hours while walking through its environments. and yes...you do a lot of walking. the game can be considered a "walking    Firewatch will be remembered for having a great art style, some of the best dialogue and voice acting in video games, and sadly a story without a proper climatic moment or fulfilling ending.

    Firewatches art style is amazing, its beautiful and you can get lost for hours while walking through its environments. and yes...you do a lot of walking. the game can be considered a "walking simulator" but the environments and interesting dialogue made it so i didn't mind.

    The story kept me hooked, I was invested in the characters, I was invested in the world and the story, and this mystery I was trying to uncover, but it all felt like hours of rising action leading to something amazing like a crazy plot twist, but it just sort of fizzled out. the presumed "plot twist" didnt shock me or change the story entirely, it just felt off putting and didnt really make sense, I was expecting more. and the ending just kind of left me hanging, I was like "thats really it?" I wanted more. I wanted closure.

    All in all, I really enjoyed firewatch, Its scenery, Its incredible, funny, interesting dialogue, and its interesting mystery to be solved (although with a anti-climatic finish) it kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next.    … Expand
  12. thenthomwaslike
    Feb 24, 2016
    7
    The 1.02 patch fixed all of the framerate problems firewatch launched with. Dialogue is absolutely seamless which is really gratifying. You feel like you are directing real conversations. It's actually really impressive how precise the dialogue is with the exception of one part (avoiding spoilers here) i decided to squash a particular suspician of one of the characters. When she rephrasedThe 1.02 patch fixed all of the framerate problems firewatch launched with. Dialogue is absolutely seamless which is really gratifying. You feel like you are directing real conversations. It's actually really impressive how precise the dialogue is with the exception of one part (avoiding spoilers here) i decided to squash a particular suspician of one of the characters. When she rephrased i reiterated that i thought she was wrong again. Then 5 minutes after i had made it to the end of the story and those dialogue decisions were not taken into account for the ending. There isnt much meat here, both in terms of depth and breadth. But what you get is a game with a story structure that is very unique, some pretty vistas and a little gated open world that you will know instinctively how to navigate by the end. Worth 10-15 usd imho… Expand
  13. 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.
  14. Syki09
    Feb 21, 2016
    8
    First of all, I've been pretty interested in this game since the first gameplay was released, but somehow I forgot about this campo Santo project till I noticed Firewatch on PSN. I've bought it expecting something sort of Zen Simulator with a bit of adult plot and unfortunately, it's not that what I expected. Nevertheless, this game made me amused and kept me focused from the veryFirst of all, I've been pretty interested in this game since the first gameplay was released, but somehow I forgot about this campo Santo project till I noticed Firewatch on PSN. I've bought it expecting something sort of Zen Simulator with a bit of adult plot and unfortunately, it's not that what I expected. Nevertheless, this game made me amused and kept me focused from the very beginning to the soon end. Yes, this game is pretty short. Instead of slow gameplay based on exploration which I was hoping to see, developers gave us an adult and serious story (yeah!) and set it in high tension atmosphere. To my mind, it's not that bad idea but the game lacks a few more moments without stressful feeling that something isn't okay. Though this misunderstanding, the whole story is accompanied by great scenery, beautiful graphics and the dialogs which made whole the game. Really they're strongly immersive and I'd been having that feeling I'm not alone, there is someone real, those conversations were fantastic till I ended this title. And here comes the ending. Before playing this game, I'd read some review which says the ending sucks, needless to mention that this kind of reviewing is bad, and I have to say that's not true! Seriously, I bet a lot of people agree with me, but the only thing I may say before you try it yourself is, do not trust those who say the ending is bad. Just check it yourself. To sum up, this is a fresh breeze in the field of adventure games, and it's worth to recommend to the people who can spend money on titles which are going to be beaten only once. Yeah, I don't think I'll play this again.… Expand
  15. SileSixEcho
    Feb 21, 2016
    10
    This is the unique, beautiful, engaging and emotionally involving experience you only get about once a year (last year it was Life is Strange). I didn't want to stop until the end and I rarely felt so much connection between the main characters in a game. Would replay and even rebuy it anytime despite its rather short playtime of 3-4 hours.
  16. 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
  17. noahbruhh
    Feb 19, 2016
    9
    This game is great, it has a well written script, great voice acting and a beautiful art style. The two things that let it down are the poor frame rate on ps4 ( although now it might be patched ) and the ending is VERY disappointing, despite the annoyances I would still fully recommend you buy this game
  18. Bugstaman
    Feb 18, 2016
    10
    Loved this game. What a pleasant surprise. If you love the outdoors like me this game is what we been looking for. Had a blast just roaming around using the map and compass exploring doing Henry's job
  19. Bionic-barman
    Feb 17, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not only is this game crafted beautifully, it is a great example of an interactive drama that genuinely makes you feel for the cast and make you think. I found it refreshing to play a game that constantly made me ask myself questions about what I would do in the characters shoes, if I agreed with the main characters decisions and it made me rethink what grief and loneliness can do to the mind. Some people are quick to dismiss games like this as "walking simulators" and therefore not worthy of the title of game and should be set aside in some sort of limbo-like side category. Personally, I value games like this greatly, even though to me they hold next to no replay value the genre as a whole has a worthy place in the gaming world if the graphics and dialogue are executed as perfectly as they are here. The voice actors made me even more engrossed in the game, finishing it in one session and feeling quite satisfied from the experience. The difficult part for me to review is the ending. I can't say I either loved or hated the ending outright. I completely understand the ending the developers chose and at the time I did feel a little ripped off, a little betrayed by the fact I basically sat through a 3 hour long therapy session with this man whose face I didn't even get to see till the credits, and it ended with me wanting more answers then I got. Then I took a step back and thought it over properly, and I decided the ending did suit the game. The game doesn't give any indication it's going to be a happy story, it's more of an experience to see this man deal with his life in tatters. For him to get the girl at the end wouldn't be true to the story at all and I am glad it ended how it did. All in a all a great start to 2016 with a great story driven game that leaves me wanting more… Expand
  20. waddi007
    Feb 17, 2016
    9
    atmospheric game truly immersive , a little too short , didn't want it to end !!!! frame rate judders a lot seriously needs a patch update to solve this .
  21. Culty
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    A great single player experience, running in at about 4 hours the game doesn't outstay its welcome and clever use of chapters removes a lot of mindless back tracking. simple choices that are not score related ( did you take the wedding ring?) allowed me to overlay my own feelings about love and loss and little touches like seeing your drawing (based on your descriptions) both at theA great single player experience, running in at about 4 hours the game doesn't outstay its welcome and clever use of chapters removes a lot of mindless back tracking. simple choices that are not score related ( did you take the wedding ring?) allowed me to overlay my own feelings about love and loss and little touches like seeing your drawing (based on your descriptions) both at the beginning and end from the two romantic leads in your life was a charming bookend to the whole experience. I can highly recommend for adult gamers and even some younger players… Expand
  22. mostobjective
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    One the most intriguing game over the last few years. Very immersing, detailed and interesting story with one of the best dialogues and characters (with that budget) that i remember. This is a Must-buy if you like thoughtful and subtle games. Just everything is perfect in this masterpiece and when you finish it it's you've read a very good book.
  23. lou_cypher
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    One of the few real gaming dramas. Takes big risks. Has great dialogues, awe inspiring views and a sense of loneliness and desolation. Paranoia inducing plot and great ending that mocks mysteries and conspiracy theories. Leaves you wanting more in a good sense. Length is adequate to the experience, the game serves it purpose. I don't know how you can finish it in just 2,5 hours andOne of the few real gaming dramas. Takes big risks. Has great dialogues, awe inspiring views and a sense of loneliness and desolation. Paranoia inducing plot and great ending that mocks mysteries and conspiracy theories. Leaves you wanting more in a good sense. Length is adequate to the experience, the game serves it purpose. I don't know how you can finish it in just 2,5 hours and appreciate it. It took me two evenings (8-9 hours in all and I still had the feeling I rushed through it a bit in the middle section when it gives you a moment to relax before the "storm"). I would not trade it for more catchy, cheesy ending, more "gameplay" or "replay value". My hat off to Campo Santo for having a courage to expose themseves to unjust criticism that may scare off some players. I encourage everyone to walk outside their comfort zone and give it a try.… Expand
  24. PeterPanzer
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    The reaction to this game is a case study in what is wrong with modern discourse about gaming. Gamers and reviewers want instant gratification, crowd pleasing finales, catchy mysteries and the most convenient definitions. No ambiguity or questions unanswered. Of course there's nothing wrong with wanting that. It's perfectly fine to have a formed taste. What is wrong is expecting this gameThe reaction to this game is a case study in what is wrong with modern discourse about gaming. Gamers and reviewers want instant gratification, crowd pleasing finales, catchy mysteries and the most convenient definitions. No ambiguity or questions unanswered. Of course there's nothing wrong with wanting that. It's perfectly fine to have a formed taste. What is wrong is expecting this game to be exactly what it's trying to avoid and not taking it for what it is. It IS a great game exactly because it asks more questions than it answers, because ending is not gratifying but simply **** SAD, as the tragic event it unveils is goddamn supposed to be. And because it's ambiguous. Its a drama exploring the themes of the loneliness and simple facts of life. It's not a suspense thriller although the moments when it evokes the paranoia of two main characters and induces it on a player are some of the best. As someone wise mentioned already: a whole lot of players have completely missed a giant element to the end because they didn't understand the whole "isolation fueled paranoia" side to the game. It had a very sobering conclusion. And Henry is a completely relatable character. He’s a man who just wants to get away from it all to think, to feel free again (even if it's not possible to get away from ourselves) something every single person can understand sometimes. He’s a perfect everyman hero to follow on this breathtaking journey and yet, by the end of the game, we’re still scratching our head about where this is all going. None of these questions need to be answered by this game for it to be dramatic. But they should give the audience something to talk about, in addition to being totally fulfilled by the story at hand. That makes for an absolutely perfect ending to a basically perfect game.

    And don't even get me started on the length "issue". Not in an age when people are willing to pay 65 bucks for punishing 474 minutes of film like Hobbit Trilogy that goes absolutely nowhere with it's story. I'd rather have the 20 bucks game that leaves me wanting more in a good sense. It's not just about the content of gaming within a game but about the way we talk about games and experience them.

    Games are a relatively young, fledgling form of art and entertainment. Their creators are still learning, exploring uncharted areas and facing many difficulties of implementing story telling with ever changing technology. They make many mistakes and they will continue to make them for a long time. But still too many gamers can't or don't want to see those correlations and instead of trying to explain and understand them they misjudge games unjustly, freely and easily handing authoritarian judgments. Instead of defending valuable initiatives with the awareness of the weaknesses and their causes they condemn them to oblivion. And so gamers, scared by severe, often unsubstantiated negative opinions, do not want to invest in the product. We all take responsibility for the present state of affairs in gaming if this keeps happening. Meanwhile my hats of to Campo Santo. They took a big **** risks and I truly think and hope it paid off in the end. What a great game.    … Expand
  25. 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
  26. Progressive-T
    Feb 15, 2016
    6
    I can't say a lot of good things about this game. It basically boils down to: go to a certain spot on the map and report via walkie talkie to your supervisor what you have found on said spot. Then get yourself to the next spot and report again. While you are doing this, some sort of intrige plays out aimed towards you and your supervisor, but the conclusion of this plot was a bitI can't say a lot of good things about this game. It basically boils down to: go to a certain spot on the map and report via walkie talkie to your supervisor what you have found on said spot. Then get yourself to the next spot and report again. While you are doing this, some sort of intrige plays out aimed towards you and your supervisor, but the conclusion of this plot was a bit disappointing, the same thing with the entire game.
    It's just quite an empty experience on all levels. The only thing that drives this game is the interaction between your character and Delilah. For the rest it's just an empty game with nothing to do but run around and report stuff.    … Expand
  27. Jbussy
    Feb 14, 2016
    8
    Firewatch is a beautiful game that functions more as a movie or a book rather than a game. It is fun to play even though there isn't really much if anything to do off the main path this game takes. The story of the game is really good and if played in one sitting can get you really immersed in it. The only low points I found in this game are the occasional glitch and the ending just sortFirewatch is a beautiful game that functions more as a movie or a book rather than a game. It is fun to play even though there isn't really much if anything to do off the main path this game takes. The story of the game is really good and if played in one sitting can get you really immersed in it. The only low points I found in this game are the occasional glitch and the ending just sort of ends un-climatically.

    JB    … Expand
  28. 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
  29. Dalco
    Feb 13, 2016
    7
    The game has endless systems that are teased but not explored. For example, at one point, you will be given a fishing rod that serves no actual function. You can admire it, but are forced to put it away before you can actually use it. Also, nothing you do actually matters. It's a linear game hidden in an open world. Don't even get me started on the pretentious ending.
  30. AndarneMG
    Feb 13, 2016
    10
    Let me preface this by saying that I don't subscribe to the idea that video games should be bound by such a narrow, player interaction-oriented definition. To me, the criticism that Firewatch is merely a short story in an admittedly short game's clothing willfully ignores the degree to which control conveys ownership. No other medium is as effective in directly involving the audience inLet me preface this by saying that I don't subscribe to the idea that video games should be bound by such a narrow, player interaction-oriented definition. To me, the criticism that Firewatch is merely a short story in an admittedly short game's clothing willfully ignores the degree to which control conveys ownership. No other medium is as effective in directly involving the audience in the consciousness of its characters, and no other game of this like has done so as effectively and deliberately as Firewatch.

    Every set piece: the opening scenes; decisions on where and when to use gameplay; how the studio dealt with passages of time and instances of urgency... Everything employed in Firewatch appears to have the singular goal of investing you in the relationship that defines the title. In this sense it's genuinely remarkable that the studio managed to condense such a feeling of familiarity, and growing intimacy, in an experience that barely tops out at five hours.

    I know and appreciate the criticism that Firewatch will receive. In fact I've never previously cared all too much for the growing library of "walking simulators" available across the platforms. But for me, Firewatch distinguishes itself in its effortlessness. Where the likes of Gone Home and Dear Esther seemed like the product of studios desperately straining after some special status (and, for me, came across as contrived and wooden as a result), Firewatch just is.

    Give it a go (especially when the price drops) and try to cast aside the preconceptions that come part-and-parcel with the genre. You won't regret it.    … Expand
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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.
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  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.
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  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]
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