Firewatch

I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when I played Firewatch. From the trailers and screenshots, I expected there to be walking and exploring in a nice-looking 3D-rendered nature environment. Still, I was also hoping for some interactive gameplay involving being a fire lookout. When I started playing the game, I quickly realized it would also be very story-driven, and this was OK so far since the voice acting and dialogue were good. Unfortunately, past walking from point A to point B, picking various dialogue responses for your walkie-talkie, and finding and acquiring random items on your journey, there isn't much gameplay in Firewatch. I confirmed online that there are no branching story paths or any way to affect the outcome of the game or any replay value whatsoever. This would be fine if the story ended up being fulfilling and interesting, but the "mysterious" plot that takes up the middle of the game has no exciting outcome. There is absolutely no character growth or payoff for either Henry or Delilah. Even *this* would be fine if there was some worthwhile interactive gameplay involved in a playthrough that made it a fun game. There is not. The truth is, Firewatch is not a game but a poorly constructed walking simulator narrative in a map that resembles the imaginative layout of Stonetalon Mountains (This is sarcasm. Firewatch has a small and uninteresting map). Firewatch is not a game; it is more like a disappointing movie.

Boring and unimaginative. Bland graphics and poor storytelling. In the end, nothing is resolved, you’re just left with a bunch of loose ends that don’t connect at all. Zero replay value.

A beautiful game with a fantastic art style and engrossing ambience complimented by its use of subtle music and setting. Great characters and voice acting, it surprised me in more ways than one, as I expected it to be more of an experience than a game. I didn’t like how the mystery part of the story played out, as the ending is a bit far-fetched, but the character interactions and how it deals with the mature subject matters was great, as was being able to lose myself in the wilderness.

Had I paid full price for this game, I would have been disappointed. I got it at a great discount, and it was well worth it. Right from the start, I was absorbed by the beautifully simple graphics and amazing storyline. Most of the puzzles were fairly easy, but there were enough that really had me scratching my head for a solution that it kept the game challenging enough. The storyline is a bit flawed at the end, but all in all, it was well worth the investment. You definitely should pick this one up, but wait for a sale. I'm hoping the developer has more games like this in the works.

The story about escapism is engaging but yet surprisingly short. Visuals and music is excellent, albeit the short repetitive gameplay (but this is what you get from a walking simulator). If you want to get the game, I suggest you wait for a price drop or during a sale, because it's short length can detract some players. That being said, wandering around in the Shoshone is breathtaking on its own and make sure you go through every detail of the world. The revelation is pretty heartbreaking if you ask me.