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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. Riskyreview
    Feb 9, 2016
    10
    From the writers of Telltale's The Walking Dead Season 1 (A.K.A the best game Telltale will ever make) comes Firewatch!

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

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

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

    There is some performance problems though which is pretty sad but Panic inc. has said that they're working on it.

    Basically if you like mystery, exploration and dialogue choices this is the game for you!    … Expand
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. imacwesker
    May 11, 2016
    10
    The voice acting is unbelievable, with a great delivery by the 2 main actors and great dialogues! There is a lot of replay value if you want to try all the multiple dialogue options, try different paths to go from A to B... a great game! My only problem was a technical one, with the framerate dropping to a crawl from time to time. But that was really minor, compared to the joy I had toThe voice acting is unbelievable, with a great delivery by the 2 main actors and great dialogues! There is a lot of replay value if you want to try all the multiple dialogue options, try different paths to go from A to B... a great game! My only problem was a technical one, with the framerate dropping to a crawl from time to time. But that was really minor, compared to the joy I had to play this game :D… Expand
  7. artmppv
    Feb 12, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's actually the first time ever I write a review, I loved this game so much, so I decided to say THANK YOU to all the people involved in creation of this masterpiece in this way. First thing I want to mention is that I didn't know anything about this game till yesterday. I saw a positive feedback in the Internet, watched the trailer and decided to give it a try. I really didn't expect that it's gonna be THAT good. This game goes straight to the "games I'll remember" category and deserves a fair 10 in my opinion. It's quite rare, though, when I give 10 to a video game, but that's the case. The atmosphere, dialogs, characters, the whole story is simply amazing. It's realistic and touching. Anyone could be in the skin of Henry. You're not a superhero, you're an ordinary man with ordinary problems and feelings. I really have a lot to say, but I think I'll stop now.
    SPOILER ALERT! The moment when I asked Delilah to move to with me and she was like "Oh, first I need to go somewhere else, but yeah, maybe I'll come later" was so real. It really got me.    … Expand
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. Eduarfin
    Jun 20, 2016
    10
    Surpreendentemente bom. Poderiam fazer uma sequencia. Finalmente um jogo de historia/drama que vale a pena, não aquelas baboseiras apocalípticas ou infantis.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. Walker_Bros_360
    Nov 8, 2018
    10
    An incredible narrative game with an incredible art style. Must buy for me.
  16. 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
  17. Dal_ReviewedDat
    Feb 11, 2016
    9
    After reading IGNs 9.3 review on Firewatch, and seeing it for £13.49 on PSN (with PS+ discount), I felt this game ticks lots of boxes of a game style I don't currently own, a walking Sim as they're currently called.

    Being a fan of non-fiction, I can appreciate good writing. Firewatch exceeded my expectations of script within the first few hours of gameplay. It's refreshingly witty,    After reading IGNs 9.3 review on Firewatch, and seeing it for £13.49 on PSN (with PS+ discount), I felt this game ticks lots of boxes of a game style I don't currently own, a walking Sim as they're currently called.

    Being a fan of non-fiction, I can appreciate good writing. Firewatch exceeded my expectations of script within the first few hours of gameplay. It's refreshingly witty, sensitive, emotional and well, real. Much like the banter I have with friends, I felt the game allowed and even encouraged it.

    As far as performance goes, I've read a lot about frame-rate issues on the PS4 version, but I've really not noticed these myself. It feels a good pace and to be honest, my boy-scout skills of map-reading weren't up to scratch and I found I spent a lot of time early on working that out whilst going to the wrong places!

    You really need to accept with Firewatch that it's a 5 / 6 hour journey to completion. That it's not going to demand frantic gameplay, and it wants to consume you into the character and natural world around you. All of these things it does fantastically, beyond that actually.

    This game will leave its mark on you. The weight of the characters past and the bitterness that consumes is melancholic-bliss.

    IGN reviewer said this was one of the most refreshing and memorable games of the last decade. I would agree fully. For me, I got it really as a break from Fallout4 whilst awaiting the DLC, and it has been simply a joy to play.

    Highly recommend this for people looking for escapism in gaming. Its a delight!    … Expand
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. BetterCallSalt
    Feb 10, 2016
    9
    The game looks absolutely stunning. It's watercolour-like art style is quite unique and only goes further to enhance the area in which the game takes place. The writing is superb and it is clear to see why when several of those who worked on the game also worked on Season 1 of Telltale's The Walking Dead. It's natural flow of dialogue, adult themes and convincing conversations really holdThe game looks absolutely stunning. It's watercolour-like art style is quite unique and only goes further to enhance the area in which the game takes place. The writing is superb and it is clear to see why when several of those who worked on the game also worked on Season 1 of Telltale's The Walking Dead. It's natural flow of dialogue, adult themes and convincing conversations really hold this game up when compared to other games, even those that are classed as "AAA". The game-play mechanics are quite similar to other games in it's genre but do just enough to separate it from the rest, especially with the walkie-talkie which is your only tool of communication. Other than some performance issues on the PS4, it is generally difficult to find any faults with the game. For £15, or 13.49 for those with PS+. this roughly 6-7 hour game is definitely worth the price, even for those not yet sold on "walking simulator" games.
    Overall this game is a great debut for this new developer and hopefully it represents what great games are still to come.    … Expand
  22. 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.
  23. 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 .
  24. efjot1402
    Feb 9, 2016
    9
    I was really looking forward to Firewatch and I'm impressed. This game is great, the plot and characters are fantastic. There are only 2 things I don't like about this game: the ending and the technical issues. But still, Firewatch is one of the best games I've ever play.
  25. mattthewkyle
    Feb 10, 2016
    9
    People giving this game a "0" are absolutely asinine and spoiled. This is a wonderful and fresh game that delivers a gripping story and beautiful landscape. This game has elements of suspense, (slight) horror, and romance all flowing cohesively. this game is 100% story driven and focuses on the brilliant voice acting. For $17.99, you're in for a treat..
  26. SkitOxe
    Feb 10, 2016
    9
    A truly awe inspiring game.

    Stellar voice acting and memorable characters that i'll remember for years to come makes this game one of the best titles i've played in recent years. The visuals are stunning. You could literally decorate your apartment with screenshots from this game. The story is spellbinding and exciting. I've read that some people is dissatisfied with the ending to    A truly awe inspiring game.

    Stellar voice acting and memorable characters that i'll remember for years to come makes this game one of the best titles i've played in recent years.
    The visuals are stunning. You could literally decorate your apartment with screenshots from this game.
    The story is spellbinding and exciting.

    I've read that some people is dissatisfied with the ending to some degree. However i don't agree at all. The ending is amazing and adds depth to to experience.

    If you have'nt played this game yet. Just do it! For your own sake!

    9/10
    Amazing in it's full right.    … Expand
  27. 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
  28. FabioC
    Aug 7, 2016
    9
    Beautiful story, immersive and emotional, maybe a little short, but if you try to understand what Henry is feeling you'll be amazed by the plot. Nice graphics, wonderful audio, some frame skipping and long loading, but the style and the acting is awesome.
  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. 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
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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 »