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. StudentCritic20
    Sep 10, 2023
    6
    It's not much of a game, it holds only through story. It's a very interesting story for an afternoon play through.
  2. 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。
  3. Yakuzet
    Sep 7, 2023
    7
    its just a basic walking sim. with story. liked it but didn't loved it. yep
  4. M1sfiT
    Sep 3, 2023
    7
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!!!!!!!! firewatch
  5. 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
  6. ThaFlu84
    Dec 10, 2022
    7
    This game starts off promising and mysterious, but ends up being unimpressive mainly due to an uneventful ending. It just felt empty. Throughout the game, there isn’t much to explore while hiking and a lot of what you find is uninteresting and unusable. Also, viewing the map is clunky as you have to frequently come to a stop to get your bearings and see where to go next.

    The characters,    This game starts off promising and mysterious, but ends up being unimpressive mainly due to an uneventful ending. It just felt empty. Throughout the game, there isn’t much to explore while hiking and a lot of what you find is uninteresting and unusable. Also, viewing the map is clunky as you have to frequently come to a stop to get your bearings and see where to go next.

    The characters, their backstory, and the banter between Delilah and Henry are the clear highlights of the game. It is interesting to hear them converse. There is a revelation in the game that is pretty shocking, but it is related to a secondary plot, so it does not feel as impactful as it would otherwise. I enjoyed this game and even played it twice, but sometimes it just felt dull and I was disappointed by the ending.    … Expand
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. Burzyk
    Jul 29, 2022
    6
    Nice story, but graphics, gameplay and 30 fps on XSX is a joke. A game for navigation and compass maniacs only. For others, only in Game Pass!
  11. ehtaco
    Jun 17, 2022
    7
    Solid narrative experience. Short enough to play in a single sitting if you have the time for it.
  12. Gornostai
    May 28, 2022
    6
    В игре есть атмосфера, но это всё. Сюжет очень средненький. Графика средняя (хотя для инди проекта хороша).
  13. takjar
    Apr 29, 2022
    4
    This is just an ok indie game.
    No logic why this game has so much hype attached to it
  14. MrMT
    Apr 28, 2022
    10
    Absolutely wonderful interactive narrative experience. This really stretched the video game storytelling form, and I loved it.
  15. Yurkavd
    Mar 8, 2022
    9
    Very good. I’m first time played look like book game. Good picture, good sound
  16. drsmioa
    Feb 21, 2022
    8
    Interesting game! Worth playing! Even though the graphics are childish it's trama is good!
  17. 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
  18. Ekon
    Jan 20, 2022
    7
    There's a huge gap between Critic and User reviews. The question is why? The strength of this game is the wonderful relationship between Henry, the park ranger, and Delilah, who is a sort of dispatcher and trouble shooter who maintains radio contact with him from a central outpost. They have a deep trust and friendship with romantic overtones that's quite compelling. She sends himThere's a huge gap between Critic and User reviews. The question is why? The strength of this game is the wonderful relationship between Henry, the park ranger, and Delilah, who is a sort of dispatcher and trouble shooter who maintains radio contact with him from a central outpost. They have a deep trust and friendship with romantic overtones that's quite compelling. She sends him out into the wilderness to investigate various problems that quickly involve a mystery involving missing persons, spying and vandalism. Everything involves a long haul for Henry through dense forest, streams and the navigation of steep cliffs. The problem for me on several of his arduous treks was that the 'payoff' often left me feeling disappointed. The two missing girls is a good example. They get a lot of play through much of the game. Are they the main villains? Have they been abducted or murdered? I was really annoyed how their situation played out. And I found the climax to be a real downer. Not that I needed a happy ending, but certainly not something this somber.… Expand
  19. Nerevarinho
    Jan 16, 2022
    3
    Pure psychological test. They collect data on how people would behave on certain circumstances. Game started interesting with a sad backstory (but went too long, I taught the entire game consists on taking story decisions and walking for 10 meters sometimes).
    The advisor is so annoyingly immature and b!tchy that it entirely destroyed the emotions built up in the prologue.
    They try to    Pure psychological test. They collect data on how people would behave on certain circumstances. Game started interesting with a sad backstory (but went too long, I taught the entire game consists on taking story decisions and walking for 10 meters sometimes).
    The advisor is so annoyingly immature and b!tchy that it entirely destroyed the emotions built up in the prologue.
    They try to keep you motivated (to tell more about youself, your psychological schema) with cheap tricks like laying bras and woman underwears around, with naked b!tches in the lake, and with a pseudo funny and immature b!tchy advisor. You can even respond to the advisor on the same immaturity level.    … Expand
  20. Bochenki
    Jan 13, 2022
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. To cover all the disadvantages of this game, I have to admit that it is way to short. The ending feels rushed, you do not have enough time to explore the storyline, nor the relationship between the characters. The ending is not satisfying at all, feels pointless and disappointing.
    On the other hand, these few hours were indeed a very well spent. An interesting setting, a story with a nice background (which cannot be said about the foreground unfortunately), likable protagonist, ambiguous characters - all of that works really well at the beginning. But then, if feels like they didn't have a slightest idea how to resolve all the mysteries they'd come up with.
    Like the two missing girls - their tent was destroyed, the police suspected our two protagonists and then - they were just found somewhere having the time of their lives. Or a whole espionage thing - instead of it being a major plot against our protagonists, it turns out to be a complete nonsense.
    I really liked the idea of exploring the theme of solitude, isolation and moral dilemma. Not showing characters' faces seem like an interesting idea to me, as well as the voice communication with D. The Easter eggs with the books left in the locations were a really nice touch.
    It is not a bad game, I enjoyed it while playing. It's just not polished and feels like they ran out of ideas.    … Expand
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. LastHope17
    Dec 23, 2021
    0
    Meh. Tried it and it's clearly just going to be a depressing game. Also no options for motion blur on consoles, why!?
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. Awanka
    Sep 18, 2021
    5
    A somewhat engaging walking simulator. It's short and basic. It has an interesting conspiratorial atmosphere, and plays around with psychological story-telling. It's not bad.
  28. 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 .
  29. StubbornStanley
    Jun 3, 2020
    3
    Another instance of me realizing I'm not like game journalists. Within 2 minutes, I knew this game was rotten. It has some of the worst writing in a game that I've ever seen, and that problem is exacerbated by terrible, unrealistic dialogue choices. It forces you to play as a boyfriend who is given two choices for many instances, both of which can make him look like an idiot, whilstAnother instance of me realizing I'm not like game journalists. Within 2 minutes, I knew this game was rotten. It has some of the worst writing in a game that I've ever seen, and that problem is exacerbated by terrible, unrealistic dialogue choices. It forces you to play as a boyfriend who is given two choices for many instances, both of which can make him look like an idiot, whilst trying to preserve the notion of a realistic, highly educated, caring relationship. The "either-or" scenario, such as allowing a significant other to potentially fall into danger or barricading her in her own bedroom, is laughably obtuse.

    The graphics have been overstated, as well. Nature looks good. Man-made objects and environments do not. For example, I bet many will be taken aback by the initial parking garage and elevator scene. It looks like Nintendo 64. Man-made contrast with naturescapes in a very unpleasant manner.

    Overall, the game does have a premise that could have been quite gripping. However, to pull off this type of game, the writing needs to be smart and mature.

    Yet another media darling fails to live up to the hype.    … Expand
  30. microchip18
    May 28, 2020
    9
    game looks good, story is realy great. But game is short you can beat it in 3 hours
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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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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