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Firewatch

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Firewatch
Item: Firewatch
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresAdventure, Indie, Thriller, Drama, Mystery, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableFeb 9, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperCampo Santo

Overview

Firewatch is a single-player first-person video game where you, as a man named Henry, explore the Wyoming wilderness after taking a summer job as a fire lookout. What is supposed to be a peaceful respite from your complicated life takes a turn when you start to question some of the things that are happening to you. Your only human connection is over a handheld radio, which you’ll use to speak with your supervisor Delilah about the things both of you are experiencing.

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Firewatch received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many praised the game for its thought-provoking and engaging narrative that explores themes of escape, self-discovery, solitude, privacy, and paranoia. Critics such as DarkStation and Game Debate highlighted the emotional and compelling opening act, while TheSixthAxis and Game Informer praised the relationship between the main characters, comparing it to the impactful relationships seen in films like The Last of Us and Up. The narrative-driven story, lifelike characters, and exploration of adult issues such as love and rocky relationships were also commended by CGMagazine and Yahoo!. The affective and engaging story, top-class writing and acting, and the unnerving atmosphere created by the story were lauded by VideoGamer and Brash Games. However, there were some criticisms regarding the story of Firewatch. USgamer mentioned that the finale felt rushed and that the relationship between Henry and Delilah did not pay off, while ActionTrip raised concerns about the impact of player choices on the overall narrative. PSNStores also noted that some plot points felt unresolved and the story did not come together satisfactorily. Arcade Sushi mentioned that the resolution of the mystery lacked punch. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Firewatch is very good. The majority of reviewers praised the narrative for its emotional depth, engaging storytelling, and exploration of mature themes. The well-written dialogue, lifelike characters, and the ability to evoke emotions were also highlighted as strengths. Despite some criticisms regarding the resolution of the story and the impact of player choices, the overall sentiment towards the story of Firewatch remains highly positive. Critics such as Examiner, Gaming Age, and GameCritics commended the emotional heft and suspense built throughout the narrative. The story's ability to tackle topics rarely broached by games and its impactful nature were also appreciated by GamingTrend and PlayStation Universe.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics rave about Firewatch's narrative depth, emotional storytelling, and exploration of mature themes like love and solitude. Praise for lifelike characters and impactful relationships akin to The Last of Us. However, criticisms exist about rushed finale and unresolved plot points. Despite flaws, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive for Firewatch's engaging story and emotional impact.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

19%

Mixed (50-79)

81%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Firewatch are generally positive. Many critics appreciate the freedom of movement and interaction that the game offers. DarkStation mentions that Firewatch provides more freedom compared to other games in the genre, allowing players to explore the environment, collect objects, take photos, and make decisions. Digital Spy also highlights the gameplay elements of looking out for signs of woodland fires, chatting to the boss over a radio link, hiking, and solving light puzzles. TheSixthAxis and Game Informer both emphasize the exploration aspect of the gameplay, with the story unfolding as players visit locations and discover clues. The interactions between the protagonist, Henry, and his boss, Delilah, are praised by USgamer and ZTGD, who consider them to be some of the best aspects of the game. The gameplay is also commended for complementing the unique storytelling potential of Firewatch, as mentioned by IBTimes UK. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Game Debate points out that the gameplay is not focused on fighting or overcoming obstacles, but rather on getting from place to place. They also mention the lack of player agency and puzzles. Brash Games mentions issues with movement and climbing, while Examiner highlights occasional performance issues on the PS4 version. XBLA Fans finds the gameplay mechanics lacking compared to other walking simulators, with little of interest to collect and no notable alternative routes or hidden areas to explore. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Firewatch offers an immersive and engaging gameplay experience. The game's focus on exploration, navigation, and meaningful tasks as a fire lookout is appreciated by many reviewers. The interactions and choices in dialogue with Delilah add tension and depth to the gameplay, as noted by ZTGD and games(TM). The physicality of interactions with objects and the seamless blending of the mundane and the mysterious are also highlighted as positive aspects of the gameplay. However, some critics mention limitations in terms of combat, puzzles, and alternative routes. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment is that Firewatch provides a unique and enjoyable gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Firewatch for its immersive gameplay, emphasizing freedom of movement, exploration, and engaging interactions between characters. The game's unique storytelling potential is commended, although some critics note limitations in combat, puzzles, and alternative routes. Overall, Firewatch offers a compelling and enjoyable gaming experience, despite minor drawbacks.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of Firewatch, with many describing it as gorgeous, stunning, and visually appealing. DarkStation commends the game for its cel-shaded landscapes, stating that they are visually stunning and even offer postcards taken from in-game snapshots. TheSixthAxis also highlights the stylized version of the Wyoming wilderness, describing it as gorgeous with changing tones and tension as the game progresses. Digital Spy mentions that the game expertly captures and conveys the stark beauty of nature with its visual stylings. USgamer and Game Informer both emphasize the visually stunning stylized forest setting, with Game Informer noting that the environments look like silkscreened poster art come to life. However, there were a few criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of Firewatch. VideoGamer mentions performance issues on the PS4 and describes the game as looking a bit ropey from a technical perspective. XBLA Fans also mentions frame rate issues and constant stuttering that ruin the atmosphere, stating that the game fails to live up to the expectation set by the beautiful still images. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the graphics and visual design of Firewatch remains positive. Overall, the critics' consensus is that Firewatch has excellent graphics and visual design. The game is praised for its gorgeous and visually stunning environments, with critics like CGMagazine comparing it to a Pixar cartoon mixed with the style of a Wes Anderson film. The game's use of color is also highly regarded, with critics like NintendoWorldReport mentioning that it makes the wilderness come alive. The art style is often described as gorgeous, capturing the majesty of the natural world and immersing players in a sense of solitude. While there are some technical issues mentioned by a few critics, the majority of reviewers appreciate the visual beauty and attention to detail in Firewatch's graphics and visual design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Firewatch's stunning graphics, praising its cel-shaded landscapes and stylized Wyoming wilderness. Despite some technical issues like frame rate problems, the game's overall visual design is lauded for capturing the beauty of nature and immersing players in solitude.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of Firewatch, considering it to be a standout aspect of the game. DarkStation commends the musical score by Chris Remo, stating that it complements the exploration experience with its lonely sounding guitar and electric piano. CGMagazine describes the soundtrack as fantastic, mentioning that it effectively complements the narrative and adds to the overall experience. GamesRadar++ also highlights the superb sound design, noting the beautiful incidental music and deliberate sounds that heighten the player's senses. While the overall sentiment towards the sound design and music of Firewatch is positive, there are a few critics who provide some negative feedback. GameCritics mentions that the game has little to no background music, but acknowledges that it is used effectively for emotional effect. Examiner briefly mentions a sometimes creepy soundtrack that adds to the high-blood pressure experience of the story but does not provide much detail about the overall sound design or music. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Firewatch are very good. The majority of the reviewers express their admiration for the voice acting, dialogue, and how they contribute to the immersive experience. TheSixthAxis, Digital Spy, Game Informer, Yahoo!, NintendoWorldReport, VideoGamer, Brash Games, PSNStores, games(TM), Slant Magazine, XBLA Fans, Gaming Age, IGN Denmark, XboxAddict, GamesRadar++, Nintendo Life, and GamingTrend all highlight the excellent voice acting and dialogue in the game. They mention that it creates a conversational tone that feels organic and natural, paints a vivid picture of the characters, and enhances the atmosphere of the forest. The occasional and effective use of well-written music cues is also praised by XboxAddict, contributing to the feelings of foreboding and intensity in the game. In conclusion, the sound design and music of Firewatch receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics. The majority of reviewers highlight the excellent voice acting, dialogue, and how they contribute to the immersive experience. The soundtrack is praised for its ability to complement the narrative and add emotional weight to certain scenes. While there are a few critics who mention the lack of background music or provide limited detail about the sound design, their comments do not detract from the overall positive consensus. Overall, Firewatch is widely regarded as having a strong and effective sound design and music that greatly enhance the gameplay experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Firewatch's standout sound design and music, with praise for the lonely guitar and electric piano score by Chris Remo. While some critics note a lack of background music, the majority applaud the excellent voice acting and dialogue that create an immersive experience. Overall, Firewatch receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its strong and effective sound design and music that enhance gameplay.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Firewatch has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. Many reviewers praised the believability and engrossing performances of the voice actors, particularly Rich Sommer and Cissy Jones, who voiced the main characters Henry and Delilah respectively. Critics such as Game Debate, Digital Spy, and NintendoWorldReport highlighted the excellent voice work of Sommer and Jones, emphasizing how it helped players bond with the characters and see them as real people. The chemistry between the two leads was also frequently mentioned, with IBTimes UK noting the charismatic and funny performances that bolstered the already excellent script. The voice acting in Firewatch was often described as natural, adding depth and enhancing the overall experience of the game. Despite the overwhelmingly positive sentiment towards the voice acting in Firewatch, there were no negative opinions expressed by the critics. This suggests that the voice acting was consistently regarded as a strong aspect of the game, without any significant flaws or shortcomings. The lack of negative feedback further reinforces the notion that the voice acting in Firewatch was of high quality and well-received by the reviewers. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Firewatch was exceptional. The majority of the critics praised the performances of Rich Sommer and Cissy Jones, highlighting their ability to bring depth and believability to their characters. The chemistry between the two leads was also frequently mentioned as a standout aspect of the voice acting. The natural delivery of dialogue and the engaging interactions between the characters further contributed to the positive reception. Overall, the voice acting in Firewatch was widely regarded as a significant strength of the game, enhancing the storytelling and immersing players in the narrative.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously praise the exceptional voice acting in Firewatch, particularly the performances of Rich Sommer and Cissy Jones as Henry and Delilah. The chemistry between the actors, natural delivery, and engaging interactions added depth to the characters and enhanced the overall game experience. No negative feedback was received, solidifying the voice acting as a standout feature that immerses players in the narrative.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

23%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Firewatch, the opinions of the critics varied depending on the gaming platform. Starting with the positives, the Nintendo Switch version received some praise from Nintendo Life, stating that it is smoother and less choppy compared to previous versions. This suggests that the technical issues present in other platforms may have been addressed in the Switch port. Additionally, Brash Games mentioned that the PC version ran fine without any reported issues. Moving on to the negatives, the PlayStation 4 version seemed to be the most problematic. Multiple critics, such as TheSixthAxis, Yahoo!, VideoGamer, IBTimes UK, Examiner, PSNStores, GamesRadar++, and Gaming Age, pointed out various technical issues including game-breaking bugs, freezing, merging character models, slowdown, visual pop-ups, stuttering, frame-rate drops, choppiness, and instances of the game freezing. These issues significantly impacted the gameplay experience and were disappointing for the players. As for the Xbox One version, XBLA Fans highlighted frame rate issues, constant stuttering, and severe lockups that ruined the atmosphere. This suggests that the technical performance on Xbox One was also subpar. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Firewatch suffered from technical performance issues, particularly on the PlayStation 4 platform. The game-breaking bugs, freezing, merging character models, slowdown, stuttering, frame-rate drops, and other issues mentioned by multiple critics indicate a lack of optimization and polish. While the Nintendo Switch version showed improvements compared to previous versions, it still had occasional moments of chug and longer loading times. The PC version seemed to have the least reported issues, but the focus of the critics' concerns was primarily on the PlayStation 4 platform. It is clear that technical performance problems hindered the overall experience of Firewatch for many players, and some critics even suggested waiting for patches before purchasing the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed opinions on Firewatch's technical performance across different platforms. Nintendo Switch version improved, while PC ran fine. However, PlayStation 4 had significant issues like game-breaking bugs and stuttering. Xbox One also faced frame rate problems. Overall, technical issues impacted gameplay, especially on PS4, urging players to wait for patches before buying.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Firewatch are varied. Some critics, such as Game Informer and ZTGD, highlight the game's replay value through different choices and dialogue options, which can lead to small but interesting payoffs. This suggests that there are positive aspects to replaying the game and exploring different paths. Additionally, Examiner mentions that the game is worth playing multiple times to hear everything and explore different dialogue options. Nintendo Life also mentions the added value of a second playthrough with an audio commentary mode and additional stories behind certain areas. These positive opinions indicate that there are elements within Firewatch that can make replaying the game an engaging experience. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the replay value of Firewatch. TheSixthAxis and Digital Spy both mention limited replayability as a negative aspect of the game. They suggest that once the mystery is solved and the game is completed, there is little incentive to replay it. USgamer echoes this sentiment, stating that the game only lasts a handful of hours and there is not much to gain from immediate replay. GamesRadar++ also shares a similar view, describing the game as short, linear, and offering little in terms of replayability. Arcade Sushi adds that the choices made in the game do not affect the ending, further diminishing the replay value. These negative opinions indicate that Firewatch may not offer substantial reasons for players to replay the game. Overall, the critics' opinions regarding the replay value of Firewatch are mixed. While some critics highlight the game's replay value through different choices and dialogue options, others express concerns about limited replayability and a lack of incentive to replay the game. However, it is worth noting that several critics, such as Game Informer, Examiner, and ZTGD, emphasize the positive aspects of replaying Firewatch, suggesting that there are elements within the game that can make it worthwhile to play multiple times. Ultimately, the decision to replay Firewatch may depend on individual preferences and the desire to explore different paths and dialogue options.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on Firewatch's replay value. Some praise its different choices and dialogue options that lead to interesting payoffs, while others criticize its limited replayability once the mystery is solved. Positive aspects include added value in audio commentary and additional stories, but negative opinions point to short gameplay and lack of impactful choices. Ultimately, whether to replay Firewatch depends on personal preference for exploring diverse paths and dialogue options.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

28%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Firewatch has received mostly positive reviews from critics, with many praising its meaningful story, engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and immersive music. Critics such as DarkStation, Digital Spy, and CGMagazine highlight the game's unique and emotional experience, superb writing, exceptional voice acting, and beautiful graphics. The game is described as a triumph of artistic and thought-provoking game design by NintendoWorldReport, while GameCritics and IGN Denmark recommend it for its mature story, emotional impact, and suspenseful atmosphere. These positive aspects contribute to the overall consensus that Firewatch is a worthwhile and engrossing game that offers a fresh and captivating experience. However, there are some criticisms raised by certain reviewers. Game Debate mentions a weak ending and occasionally strange pacing, while TheSixthAxis points out technical issues that bring down the overall score. Game Informer also mentions tonally jarring events near the end and an unsatisfactory ending as detracting factors. ActionTrip criticizes the game for not delivering a deeper and more dramatic mystery, and for a slow start. PSNStores found the story to be flat and the technical issues disappointing. Despite these negatives, the overall sentiment remains largely positive, with critics recognizing the strengths of Firewatch outweighing its flaws. In conclusion, the overall consensus among critics is that Firewatch is a unique and engaging game that offers a compelling narrative, beautiful graphics, and exceptional voice acting. It is praised for its meaningful story, emotional impact, and immersive atmosphere. While there are some criticisms regarding weak endings, technical issues, and pacing, these negatives do not overshadow the game's positive aspects. Firewatch is highly recommended for players who appreciate a well-crafted and thought-provoking experience, as it offers a fresh perspective on storytelling in the gaming medium.

TL;DR

Firewatch has garnered positive reviews for its gripping story, stunning visuals, and immersive music, with critics praising its emotional depth and exceptional voice acting. Some reviewers note weaknesses like a weak ending and technical issues, but overall, the game is seen as a captivating experience that showcases unique game design and storytelling. Despite some flaws, Firewatch is recommended for players seeking a meaningful and thought-provoking gaming experience with beautiful graphics and a compelling narrative.

MONSTER

Reviews

191 reviews found

100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Feb 10, 2016