Firewatch

Well linear story told quite ok, I had around four hours of fun. Don't buy this at full price, at 5 Euro it is ok. No survival, no big horror or decisions. Just a story told.

Firewatch has an engaging story that is well written and voice acted (at least for the primary characters). The stylized setting works well and doesn't distract from the overall game. The music fits in with the game, which is set in the 80's and the game knows when to use silenece to build tension, as well as using audio effects to develop the mood. In these areas, Firewatch meets a high standard I expect from a work of interactive fiction. Firewatch falls short in a number of areas. But what about that word – interactive? Where is the interaction in Firewatch? In short, there is none. At least, there is no interaction which is endogenously significant, that is, which impacts on the system. Interactivity in Firewatch means walking to and from places, pressing space to get over obstacles, and looking at things while pressing left shift to talk to your boss, Deborah, on your walkie-talkie.

This is not an open world. You have a path if you are blocked with grass, plants and rock. The actions are too repetitive, then after five minutes, you're just thinking "not an other cliff please :(". The story is... terrible. There is serious lack of consistency. You're after two unequipped girls but you have to use ropes and stuff to get after them. You have a partner talking to you in the radio. You just want her to stop talking or leave your radio at home. I bought it for 5€ but it did not even worth it

I must point that Firewatch is a walking simulator first and foremost and have typical walking simulator qualities - it is short (3-4 hours) and there is no gameplay in a traditional sense, even less than in other walking simulators. If you are not ok with this, you probably won't enjoy this game. As a walking simulator this game is excellent - environment is scenic, story is engaging, emotional and cathartic. The main "gameplay" activity is selecting replies in dialogue. It has mostly roleplay value, because its impact on story is limited. In a way it reminds me of Telltale Games. The story starts rather slowly, but right from the start quite a lot of things happen and game is not boring. As I said there is not much traditional gameplay, I don't think there is any puzzle really in this game, but it is enjoyable if this kind of content is what you seek.

I just finished the game and I'm very positiv! It was a nice short trip! The game spread of love in each detail. Its a short hike (i got it in about 4,5h) but it's absolutely worth it. Fully recommanded.