Firewatch probably made me feel the most immersed in a story I've ever been, as far back as I can remember. I felt feelings of joy, surprise, sadness, and so much tension. Despite being a walking simulator I couldn't stop peeking over my shoulders because of how tense everything was. Although the story itself is full of plot holes and obscure character motivations (as I discovered after beating the game and reading some discussions), the way the story is told makes you really immersed. The dialogue in this game (most of which you control for your character) feels really natural and genuine, and really makes you connect with the characters.

As for the gameplay itself, it's as complex as walking simulators go, but at least the game allows you to run.

One thing that I absolutely hated was on the technical side: the frequent fps drops. Every time some terrain would load in the distance, I would lose anywhere from 10-50 fps for a split second, so be warned if that kind of thing is a turn-off for you.

I really enjoyed my time with Firewatch, but due to its short nature and really impactful story, it's probably a game that I would never play again.

Best. Indie. Game. Ever.

I've just finished Firewatch. I loved it. If you didn't watch it/played it already, please do. The story is interesting, the game is not long. The story is amazing and has a cool twist you won't expect.

https://firewatch.camera/HeavenlySequoiaRidge/

“You too good luck”

This was a great game about healing and acceptance.


9/10

I play a decent amount of walking sims, but Firewatch stands out amongst the pack. The main selling point of a walking sim is usually its story, but Firewatch's main selling point is its voice acting. The game has the best voice acting I've ever experienced in a video game, and the relationship between the two main characters is full of chemistry and intrigue. The story revolves around a man who takes a job as a fire lookout and the relationship he develops with his boss through radio. This is all I want to say about the story because it is best to go into the game blind. There is no mind blowing plot beat or twist, and some may not like the ending (I personally thought it was perfect and fit the game's message perfectly). The story ultimately is about life's problems. I came away from the game more grateful for life than I was going in. Life is hard, but that is what makes it worth living. This game encapsulates that. Outside of the story, the visuals and subtle music while not mind blowing were well done. The varying shades of oranges, yellows, and reds displayed throughout the game really made the visuals stand out. It is a walking sim, so there isn't much gameplay to be spoken of. You're mainly tasked with going to different points on the map, occasionally opening supply caches and unlocking gates. This is one of the few walking sims I'd recommend even to people who don't typically enjoy walking sims. Along with Gone Home, What Remains of Edith Finch, and Wide Ocean Big Jacket, this is one of the best walking sims I've ever played.

Stunning on all aspects. Writing is requisite, performances are dynamic, believable and full of life, and the world is truly fun and interesting to explore.

I could never run out of positives for Firewatch, what a beautifully crafted and perfectly executed game which stays with you in ways I did not expect. For a short 4-5 hour game, the relationship you form between the 2 main characters is wonderful and not something you want to leave behind as you have discovered plenty about each other and just want to keep on learning more. Add in the different scenarios which you are discovering as you explore more of the map and deal with what is happening in intuitive ways, you end up with a wholesome and greatly intriguing experience.

I love this game, and wish I could play it for the first time again.

A walking simulator - or more accurately a hiking simulator - in which players take on the role of Henry, a grieving chap who runs away from a turbulent family situation to take up a season as a firewatchman atop a tower in a national park in rural Wyoming. As you'd expect from the genre the big draw here is in the writing, which oscillates between heartbreaking tragedy and gut-wrenching melodrama before seguing into some surprisingly tense moments as the game reaches its climax.

In a lovely touch, players can opt for a less "gamey" experience by turning off standard open world fixtures like map markers and button prompts, relying instead on reading the landscape and their own map-and-compass skills to navigate the gorgeous wilderness of Shoshone. It's a brilliantly immersive way to play this particular type of game.

As far as walking sims go, Firewatch is one of the finer examples of just how far a smart developer can push an otherwise oft-maligned genre.