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. Doomhammer
    Oct 29, 2016
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My only Real qualms with this game were:

    1) Too F***ING Short ... holy hannah was this game over faster than I though

    2) Choices don't actually really change outcomes beyond 2, maybe 3 main branches - was left reeling at the shortness of it that I never bothered to replay it anyhow because:

    3) Of the aforementioned choices, they tend to have little bearing in re-directing the 'on-rails' story;
    If I withhold information for *reasons*, then 10 seconds later just blurt it out in a pre-set interaction ... I feel like my choice wasn't a choice at all. So I "beat the game" and continued with life rather than explore what else could happen if I had made different choices    … Expand
  4. seanr06
    Sep 11, 2017
    0
    Bad story, pointless plot. Clunky Mechanics - the whole game amounts to nothing and is not memorable in any way.

    I wish I had never bought this game
  5. allfixxed
    Oct 1, 2016
    2
    I bought and played through the Xbox One version of Firewatch this evening. It froze/hang continuously, every 5-10 seconds (literally), broke all immersion and made it very hard to enjoy what would otherwise be an enjoyable, well-written game. I persevered, attempting to make the most of the money I just wasted. The freezing continued right up to the end of the game. I've read up on theseI bought and played through the Xbox One version of Firewatch this evening. It froze/hang continuously, every 5-10 seconds (literally), broke all immersion and made it very hard to enjoy what would otherwise be an enjoyable, well-written game. I persevered, attempting to make the most of the money I just wasted. The freezing continued right up to the end of the game. I've read up on these issues and found that the PS4 version released (seven months ago) in exactly the same state. This tells me that Campo Santo chose to release the XBox version in this unfinished, broken condition. They knew it was broken, and I feel conned. What was the point of this Xbox release? A rushed out cash-grab to fund their movie ambitions? Any company that displays such laziness, incompetence and blatant disrespect for their customers is not worth your time or your money, no matter how "critically acclaimed" their product is. This is the most disgusted I have ever been with a game purchase and the first time I've been angry enough to post a review on here. I won't be recommending this game to anybody. Nor will I be buying another game from Campo Santo again. I certainly won't be watching any of their films. If you really want this game, wait a few months (years?) for it to be patched or get it on another platform, and get it as cheap as you can get it.… Expand
  6. metadubrev2
    Sep 27, 2016
    5
    super boring gameplay, horrible graphics, just an ok story. really not worth your time. no replay value at all. tedious slow walks through bad graphics with occasion chirps in from a crazy stalker woman on a walkie talkie
  7. AlphaRebel
    Sep 13, 2017
    0
    So didn't really pay much attention to this game when it got launched (watched the TB vid etc) unfortunately while the hypocritical dev wanted all the free publicity from LetsPlays etc even to the extent of putting an explicit permission page on their site, they are clearly morally bankrupt enough to abuse DMCA in order to punish a content creator who has said something to upset them nowSo didn't really pay much attention to this game when it got launched (watched the TB vid etc) unfortunately while the hypocritical dev wanted all the free publicity from LetsPlays etc even to the extent of putting an explicit permission page on their site, they are clearly morally bankrupt enough to abuse DMCA in order to punish a content creator who has said something to upset them now that his vid is of no benefit to them but they can still try and destroy the career of those who helped promote their wares.

    The TL;DR is for anyone planning on doing business with this developer or covering their games in the future is DON'T! - THIS DEVELOPER IS UNTRUSTWORTHY and you cannot believe anything they say so you put your business and revenue at risk if you engage with them .    … Expand
  8. Trunkis
    Sep 22, 2017
    0
    This is a really flawed game.
    Overhyped to kingdom come.
    Not worth your money.
    The best way to sum up this game is - Good Marketing campaign, Dud game.
  9. ABN
    Sep 15, 2017
    0
    Sub-par quality game from a company that supports censorship. This game should be shareware...yes, it is that bad. It is nothing but a poorly written interactive story from the simple mind of Sean Vanaman. This game is a snooze-fest. Don't waste your money.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. soulassssns
    Sep 11, 2017
    0
    Horrible game. Would not recommend even if GameStop was handing out copies for free at the door. Plays like it was developed by blind children of questionable mental capabilities.

    You are welcome Sean Vanaham. Next time learn to not abuse the DMCA features on YouTube like a child.
  13. MrWarMachine
    Sep 11, 2017
    0
    I can't recommend buying this game as the developers are attacking the livelihood of youtubers (Felix Kjellberg AKA Pewdiepie) who they have deemed to be racist for saying a racial slur on stream (not even streaming firewatch at the time) by filing DMC claims against them and encouraging others to as well. As if racial slurs aren't common place in competitive gaming and various forms ofI can't recommend buying this game as the developers are attacking the livelihood of youtubers (Felix Kjellberg AKA Pewdiepie) who they have deemed to be racist for saying a racial slur on stream (not even streaming firewatch at the time) by filing DMC claims against them and encouraging others to as well. As if racial slurs aren't common place in competitive gaming and various forms of music.

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

    I refuse to support this behaviour from game developers and I strongly encourage you to as well.

    Also, the game wasn't that interesting. Very predictable and redundant. Nothing new to be had here IMO.    … Expand
  14. 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
  15. SIPPIO
    Jan 13, 2018
    0
    Absolute CRAP!
    Don't waste yo time..
    Ethan Carter,,Gone HOme, Her Story are all cheaper yet better..
    *The creators are bad people which does matter..Look @ how you/we feel about Bungie & EA.
  16. 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.
  17. takjar
    Apr 29, 2022
    4
    This is just an ok indie game.
    No logic why this game has so much hype attached to it
  18. Broyax
    Jan 20, 2018
    6
    Il s'agit d'un jeu de niche mais sans clébard, d'un simulateur de promenade comme on en voit de temps à autre dans le petit monde des jeux indés roulés sous les aisselles. Pourtant, ce jeu de garde forestier à la première personne réussit assez vite à nous intriguer, puis à nous garder sous sa coupe grâce à une narration assez brillante il faut bien le dire.

    A part la forêt et nous, il    Il s'agit d'un jeu de niche mais sans clébard, d'un simulateur de promenade comme on en voit de temps à autre dans le petit monde des jeux indés roulés sous les aisselles. Pourtant, ce jeu de garde forestier à la première personne réussit assez vite à nous intriguer, puis à nous garder sous sa coupe grâce à une narration assez brillante il faut bien le dire.

    A part la forêt et nous, il n'y a qu'une seule interlocutrice pour nous parler à la radio dans cet environnement très solitaire, notre collègue de l'autre poste de surveillance de départs de feu. Et de ces conversations sur le chemin, va se développer un scénario ma foi très habile qui construit tel un nid une tension de paranoïa et de complot(s) au fil de quelques évènements d'allure très banale de prime abord.

    Ayant avancé jusqu'à un certain point, l'on se dit qu'on ferait mieux d'appeler Mulder et Scully en renforts, car il se passe des choses étranges et nous ne voulons pas finir enlevé par les proctologues de l'espace aux méthodes très invasives. D'autant qu'on a aucune arme pour se défendre : c'est un jeu pacifique dans lequel on ne peut rien dégommer.

    Evidemment, on s'imagine des choses et on veut des réponses, puis la vérité arrive éventuellement, assez décevante il faut bien le dire. Les dialogues à choix multiple n'ont aucune incidence sur ce qui n'est qu'un gros couloir. Ce que l'on fait consiste à faire l'épreuve d'orientation de Koh Lanta à intervalles plus ou moins réguliers : est-ce que tu sais lire une boussole au moins ? et la carte, tu sais la lire ? c'est tout de même rigolo, bien qu'un peu répétitif vers la fin.

    L'interface est simple et efficace, un peu comme les graphismes qui sont simples... mais pas efficaces, eux. Je ne suis pas sûr qu'il y ait beaucoup plus de 256 couleurs simultanées à l'écran ; l'impression désagréable est de pouvoir les compter sur les doigts d'une main : sol jaune, arbres verts, ciel bleu...

    Mais bon, c'est en tout 3D quand même (!) et on se fait plus ou moins volontiers à ce style graphique dépouillé ; on se fait moins aux à-coups récurrents, à ces saccades brèves mais brutales de l'affichage qui tient par ailleurs un 30 im/s à peu près correct. Pourtant, le monde est putain de vide, il est en 4 couleurs et demi, qu'est-ce qu'il y a donc à "streamer", à faire suer le GPU ? rien ! le CPU alors dans ce cas ? une IA à simuler peut-être ? non mon neveu, que dalle !

    Franchement, c'est difficilement pardonnable. Et encore, ça c'est sur la X, car j'ai lu des horreurs sur la version PS4. Oui, c'est programmé par des stagiaires, oui c'est un étron technique.

    Et pourtant ! on passe de très bons moments dans ces quelques heures de ballades et de conversations, à s'interroger, intrigué et aux aguets du pourquoi et du comment... Une "expérience" donc intéressante mais diablement perfectible.    … Expand
  19. CenkAlp
    Sep 21, 2019
    6
    Hikaye = 6
    Oynanış = 6
    Grafikler = 5
    Sesler = 6
    Keyif = 7
    Atmosfer = 7
    Süre = 5
  20. B-Bog
    May 26, 2019
    4
    Wasn't really worth the 20 bucks for me. I was intrigued by the concept and thought it was kind of like one of those "choose your own adventure" books, but the problem is this: Your dialogue choices don't actually make ANY difference story-wise. Which sucks, because those are the only choices you have in this game. The gameplay consists entirely of talking to your superior, Delilah (whomWasn't really worth the 20 bucks for me. I was intrigued by the concept and thought it was kind of like one of those "choose your own adventure" books, but the problem is this: Your dialogue choices don't actually make ANY difference story-wise. Which sucks, because those are the only choices you have in this game. The gameplay consists entirely of talking to your superior, Delilah (whom you never get to see), on the Walkie-Talkie, while walking through the national park and following her instructions.

    The visuals are pretty, but they're not so earth-shatteringly amazing that they could justify how incredibly laggy this game is on a regular Xbox One. Add to that a really short play-time with no real replay value and a VERY underwhelming climax and you've got yourself quite a mediocre experience. There were definitely moments in this game where I was enjoying myself and thought this could get really cool, but I was ultimately let down at the end.    … Expand
  21. 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!?
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. microchip18
    May 28, 2020
    9
    game looks good, story is realy great. But game is short you can beat it in 3 hours
  30. Yakuzet
    Sep 7, 2023
    7
    its just a basic walking sim. with story. liked it but didn't loved it. yep
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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
See all critic reviews »