Firewatch

Not quite an adventure game - in the sense that there are no puzzles to solve - but more like a visual novel in which events unravel as you time goes by. Nothing wrong with that, just that I was never quite sure that my choices ever lead to diferent outcomes ( and from what I read on the internet, they don't ) - so it's not like a Telltale's adventure game. The scenery and voice acting really are great and contribute immensely to the game's atmosphere.I will not hide the fact that I was first attracted by the prospect of exploring the beautiful wilderness which I might never get to see. I got pretty attached to the characters - they really seem to be having chemistry , and the story offers some nice twist and turns, keeps you engaged - but in the end I kept wondering if I missed a clue or something that would have tied the story better, if I could have changed the situation in any way... probably not. It left me without a sense of closure ( don't laugh - but now that I think about it, I had the same feeling when I finished reading "The catcher in the rye" ). But maybe that's how it should be, as life doesn't always offer you closure and you have to find ways to cope with it and to accept what's happening to you. And after a while that lack of closure turns into a love for life and its unpredictableness, with a touch of optimism. Maybe I will replay it someday. But I do recommend that you give this a try, also. You certainly will enjoy the ride and maybe you will see the ending they way I do.

I guess it depends what expectations you go in with, but for me this game was such a wonderful time. Basically you're playing through a story, so your choice don't exactly matter, but it has a great atmosphere and I found it a delight to walk through. Nice, calm experience that pulled a little at my heartstrings, but your mileage may vary.

This is what you always wanted in a visual novel. You are playing a movie. It is a short self contained story where you make the decisions and it can be finished in a 5 hour play session. Everyone who likes a suspense movie should play this game. Similar titles: Stanley Parabel, The Witness (without the puzzels), Myst.

Firewatch has a lot of positive aspects, such as a beautiful art style, great dialogue, an immersive setting, and a great, albeit small ambient soundtrack. However, while Firewatch may look amazing, beneath the shiny veneer is a game that feels empty inside. I've only played a handful of walking simulators, but I’ve had a good time overall with most of these “games” - a term I use very loosely, as there is little actual game play featured in works such as Gone Home and the Vanishing of Ethan Carter. Their focus is on creating an engaging narrative and world for the player to explore. However, if the story, setting, or characters fails to resonate with the player, the game becomes less of an adventure and more of a chore to sit through. This could be said for any genre of video game, but unlike walking simulators, great game play can make up for even the most mediocre, paint-by-numbers story. Which brings us back to Firewatch. I didn't feel the plot was all that compelling. The majority of the game is spent exploring the vast Wyoming wilderness as Henry, talking to a woman named Delilah via radio. The dialogue feels very natural in part thanks to the great voice work, yet, apart from moments of silly banter between the two, the rest of the story is pretty bland. There are some nice moments, but I wish the writers explored the two characters emotions and backstories more deeply. Exposition is told mostly through radio, but not much else. The story also lacks conflict for the protagonists to overcome, and what little trouble there is does nothing to help develop growth, individually or through their relationship. It just happens. Again, this could’ve been mitigated if the game play was fun, but it’s not. You essentially go from point A to B in a slow, linear fashion, occasionally using tools to break up the monotony of walking and listening to the radio about people and issues you won’t care about. Firewatch: a game with a lot of style but not a lot of substance.

If you like walking around for hours and hearing people talk about depressing personal problems to which there is never any real resolution, this is the game for you. No real puzzle element to speak of.