Firewatch

 Xbox One
User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 181 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 181
  2. Mixed: 45 out of 181
  3. Negative: 49 out of 181

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  1. MrMT
    Apr 28, 2022
    10
    Absolutely wonderful interactive narrative experience. This really stretched the video game storytelling form, and I loved it.
  2. Zodiac71
    Apr 21, 2021
    9
    Didn't think I'd like this game , slow to start but once into the great storyline couldn't put it down ,got really emerged with the characters , great soundtrack the only let down for me was the ending , I actually physically cried at the end , hope they bring out a number two , probably the best walkthrough game I've ever played .
  3. tudormink
    Jan 31, 2018
    8
    A well crafted but somewhat short game which tells out the story of mysterious happenings in a forest. This game is successful in creating an eerie and edgy mood throughout, however don't we play video games to escape the toils of real life? The ending left me feeling more like I had been through a life lesson. Clever, but I'm still deciding whether it was enjoyable.

    Scenery-wise this    A well crafted but somewhat short game which tells out the story of mysterious happenings in a forest. This game is successful in creating an eerie and edgy mood throughout, however don't we play video games to escape the toils of real life? The ending left me feeling more like I had been through a life lesson. Clever, but I'm still deciding whether it was enjoyable.

    Scenery-wise this is a stunning game    … Expand
  4. EdLovesGames
    Oct 11, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Such a good story. it makes perfect sense that they are making this into a movie. The dialogue kept me from wanting to put down the controller. I kept wondering what was going to happen next. The end reveal to me fell a little flat but overall it did not take away from how I felt about the game as a whole. If you like narrative driven games then you should check this one out. it is short but a cool experience. 8/10… Expand
  5. Dr_Zaroff
    Mar 30, 2017
    8
    Engaging, beautiful, well-written, and well-acted. Some of the scenes and moments that the game creates are stunning. I remember walking through what appeared to be a burnt down patch of forest, but small saplings were beginning to grow through the ash. Simply a stunning, thoughtful setting. Those moments were scattered throughout and those were the moments that kept me walking.

    Not a    Engaging, beautiful, well-written, and well-acted. Some of the scenes and moments that the game creates are stunning. I remember walking through what appeared to be a burnt down patch of forest, but small saplings were beginning to grow through the ash. Simply a stunning, thoughtful setting. Those moments were scattered throughout and those were the moments that kept me walking.

    Not a perfect score due to some slow moments where the story halts, you get a bit lost, and end up just walking a bit aimlessly. Narrative games often have this issue, but these moments were not abundant. Still, they tended to break up the beauty and the engagement a bit too often.    … Expand
  6. Phil133
    Jan 9, 2017
    8
    I really enjoyed this game, I went into it without reading anything and i definitely recommend the same for anyone else considering playing. Just be aware that the game is roughly 4-5 hours depending on your pace, however it is still well worth your money.
  7. Speedie
    Jan 22, 2022
    8
    This is a highly disputed game, and understandably so. I avoided any spoilers on this game for years, not even knowing what the gameplay was like. I had no expectations or preconceived judgements about this game, and for me that was the best way to go about playing it. All I knew is that it was a short indie game, that was well talked about a few years ago, so I finally downloaded andThis is a highly disputed game, and understandably so. I avoided any spoilers on this game for years, not even knowing what the gameplay was like. I had no expectations or preconceived judgements about this game, and for me that was the best way to go about playing it. All I knew is that it was a short indie game, that was well talked about a few years ago, so I finally downloaded and played it.

    The story and back and forth interaction with Delilah, a long time park service employee, are the main focus points of Firewatch. The cool thing about that, is that you have to focus between speaking with Delilah, remembering things she tells you, and also making your way through your section of the forest and you receive new tasks. The developers were very aware that, while immersive, walking around their park was not the most exciting park of the game. At least not most of the time. As you walk, you're always given dialogue with Delilah that you, and Henry, can respond to and listen as more of their lives are revealed to each other.

    The writing and voice acting are stellar in this game. I was so encapsulated in these fake characters' lives and the voice actors delivered performances that few Triple A games have. Sarcasm, sadness, pain, reflection, joy, every line is delivered with emotional inflection and I can't applaud the team well enough for the amazing story they created. This game was clearly created by writing specialists, and not necessarily the most intense game designers, but in a four hour long indie game, that's fairly acceptable.

    Now, story is not the only thing the game has going for it. the twists and turns of the story provide an outstanding base for the environment to become more than just trees and tents in a park. Barely seeing any other humans in the game doesn't make the park feel any less lived in or explored somehow. The sounds of the forest begin to mean more and keep you on edge as you read collectables and make discoveries. The small world Henry lives in starts to close in even more around him as thing develop over time.

    Overall, this is a game that anybody with some free time and an open mind should absolutely experience. If you want constant action or inventive mechanics, you're not finding it here. What you will find though, is an adventure and experience that will stick with you and really play to your emotions.    … Expand
  8. BradMorgan
    Jan 6, 2022
    10
    Firewatch is arguably the best indie game I've ever played. From the first second I was hooked on the characters, the storytelling and the art style. I was constantly sitting on the edge of my seat because of the continuous tension of the unknown. The events in this world even make the player feel paranoid. Partly due to the fact that you have the feeling of freedom in this linear game andFirewatch is arguably the best indie game I've ever played. From the first second I was hooked on the characters, the storytelling and the art style. I was constantly sitting on the edge of my seat because of the continuous tension of the unknown. The events in this world even make the player feel paranoid. Partly due to the fact that you have the feeling of freedom in this linear game and the excellent voice actors, the story really came into its own. Also, it has a pure and realistic view of how life and the struggles within can go sometimes. Highly recommended!

    Pros:
    - Tension of the unknown
    - Voice actors
    - Art style
    - Way of storytelling
    - Emotional connection with characters
    - Just the right length (about 3.5 hours)

    Cons:
    - Sometimes a menu or pop-up on demand would be nice to check out your current goal
    - The ending can feel like an anti-climax if you missed the point of the story    … Expand
  9. SenorKoquonfaes
    Nov 14, 2019
    8
    After doing some initial research on the game... Wow, I didn't realize just how divisive this game was amongst fans and critics alike. Ultimately, I can respect a game that garners pretty passionate opinions about it, positively or negatively.

    My experience with the game was rather positive: I love the colourful, heavily stylized art direction of the game; it really helps make the    After doing some initial research on the game... Wow, I didn't realize just how divisive this game was amongst fans and critics alike. Ultimately, I can respect a game that garners pretty passionate opinions about it, positively or negatively.

    My experience with the game was rather positive:

    I love the colourful, heavily stylized art direction of the game; it really helps make the environments look beautiful and vibrant.

    I enjoyed the conversations between the two main characters; it's funny, clever and believable. It helped get me more immersed into the game world since it makes their behaviour seem believable.

    One detail that I did appreciate within the game, without wishing to spoil much of anything: as the story devolves and becomes more cloudy and hazy, with the main characters becoming more unsure of what's happening to them, the environment around them also becomes more cloudy and hazy as well. The environment become less clear and colourful, instead becoming more muddy and disorienting. Maybe that's a bit too simplistic for some players, but I thought it was a bit clever.

    The melodramatic stuff I can take or leave. It doesn't really help the story, but I don't feel that it harms it either. It was just sort of "there" for me.

    Without going into spoiler territory again, about two thirds of the way in, I found myself rather enraptured by the direction of the story. I was all Gung-ho for the story to take a rather darker and more "sinister" (for lack of a better word) turn, but the game throws a bucket of cold water on that potential plot thread and it left me feeling a little bit empty by the end of the game. Perhaps it's a subversion of expectations, but it didn't really jive with me.

    My main gripe with this game is that for an interactive storytelling experience, the choice and consequences within the game don't seem to amount to much of anything. Since there really isn't much in terms of traditional gameplay, this seems like an area that could have been far more developed and could have bolstered the overall story. In the end, it comes up quite short.

    This is a game that you can really only experience once, since a lot of the intrigue of the game is lost on a second play through. I think that's fine, it's still one of the better games I've come across this year.

    Overall, Firewatch is a great "experience" that I can certainly recommend.    … Expand
  10. microchip18
    May 28, 2020
    9
    game looks good, story is realy great. But game is short you can beat it in 3 hours
  11. drsmioa
    Feb 21, 2022
    8
    Interesting game! Worth playing! Even though the graphics are childish it's trama is good!
  12. Grevproduction
    Oct 26, 2022
    8
    It is an interesting story with two (or one mainly Henry) main characters working as fire lookout in the forest. For my experience nearly towards the end I was little creep out almost like a semi horror by doing yourself walking alone while Henry’s partner communicated each other sadly it ended nothing when it ended nothing when characters move on. Hopefully we get a possible sequel.
  13. Yurkavd
    Mar 8, 2022
    9
    Very good. I’m first time played look like book game. Good picture, good sound
  14. JeffMen
    Jan 4, 2022
    8
    Firewatch is the reason why i give indie games a chance! an Immersive story that makes you wish the game would never end, and characters that makes you want to stay for the ride. Graphics are aswell pretty great. But the mechanics on the other hand are a let down, with switching from your map to your compass makes it seems kinda janky. The map aswell prohibits you from exploring the mapFirewatch is the reason why i give indie games a chance! an Immersive story that makes you wish the game would never end, and characters that makes you want to stay for the ride. Graphics are aswell pretty great. But the mechanics on the other hand are a let down, with switching from your map to your compass makes it seems kinda janky. The map aswell prohibits you from exploring the map thoroughly with slightly angle ledges that looks climbable being unaccessable, which is the main reason why im not giving it a 10/10. But if your looking for an afternoon to burn away then firewatch is your game!… Expand
  15. GamePartisan
    Aug 28, 2022
    9
    This game falls into what I believe is the 'love it or hate it' category. I'll start off by saying this; It is a good game, it achieves so much in its limited time and its storytelling is innovative while still providing a unique sense of isolation amongst the games' beautiful setting of the Wyoming wilderness. However this is not a typical game, it is one that relies on the player beingThis game falls into what I believe is the 'love it or hate it' category. I'll start off by saying this; It is a good game, it achieves so much in its limited time and its storytelling is innovative while still providing a unique sense of isolation amongst the games' beautiful setting of the Wyoming wilderness. However this is not a typical game, it is one that relies on the player being (in the least pretentious way possible) an intellectual, someone who values a story and its characters over the gameplay and its challenges. If you think you might enjoy a game like this then I'd say it is a must play but If you lack the attention span or just generally don't like games that involve thought beyond what is presented to you, avoid this.… Expand
  16. onasphalt
    Dec 21, 2021
    8
    An engaging interactive story. Graphics are not cutting edge but the style suits. Vocal performances are great. Worth a run through while on Game Pass; takes about 4 hours.
  17. xKieran1995x
    Dec 22, 2021
    8
    Really enjoyed this game from beginning to end, great mystery and beautiful visuals could have been longer but in the end was an enjoyable experience.
  18. CiREdrol
    Jan 11, 2022
    9
    I don't understand why such a low userscore for this game. I absolutely loved it!! I enjoyed playing it. Atmospheric and also keeps you wanting to keep exploring more. I only took off one tick for the ending which I though should have been a little bit happier. Games are supposed to pick you up in addition to make you think.
  19. Abstract_Lazy
    Sep 10, 2022
    9
    The game is really relaxing. The world is also really well made being able to interact with a lot of objects. The world will also have you backtrack a few times. When you memorize the world you can start to not get lost as much as well as place ropes to move places faster overall great game do suggest if you wanna great relaxing story game
  20. Slh44
    Aug 31, 2023
    10
    Every second i'm spend on it with pure pleasure surely . dialogues is beautifuly written and spoken . when you played it ; you'll see there is a good personality creation for characters in this game
  21. Ezio1459
    Sep 8, 2023
    10
    这款游戏是我印象深刻的独立游戏，最最最优秀的独立游戏。

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best Xbox One Game of 2016
24
#24 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2016
60
#60 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Nov 1, 2016
    80
    An atmospheric trip that makes us pine for such amazing characters in all the games we play. [Dec 2016, p.73]
  2. XboxAddict
    Oct 25, 2016
    90
    An immersive, and at times eerie, experience. It is the video game equivalent of reading a mystery, suspense, or thriller novel - one that you won’t wish to put down until you reach its' conclusion.
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  3. ICXM
    Oct 17, 2016
    90
    Everything other than the technical aspects of the game are so good that I can’t help but heartily recommend it.
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