Firewatch

I like 3D games that deviate from the boring 3D Ego Shooter theme, Firewatch is such a game. Firewatch is some kind of very basic 3D adventure where you work as a Firewatcher in the wilderness from a lookout tower. The game focuses on the interaction over radio between you and a fellow female firewatcher. Since the puzzles are largely about simply going somewhere, it could be seen as an interactive movie, too. The first hour or so of the game starts very nicely, but afterwards the story just feels weird. Many here complain about the ending, but I don't think the ending alone is the problem. It rather feels as if the developers ran out of ideas or budget too quickly. Also the interactivity is very limited for a game like this. The atmosphere depends on the good graphics and sound as well as the voice acting, which is ok but could have been improved by allowing you to perform some more basic things like throwing rocks into the sea, encountering animals etc. Since I bought it discounted I still give it 4/5 stars just for being a nice and unique game, but I recommend to not spend more than $10 on this.

The majority of the story was great. It did a wonderful job laying the foundation for a story at the beginning, built up nicely with a few twists and turns to keep things interesting, but the end felt like it was tacked on. After all the build-up of a couple different plot-lines, they all seem to end abruptly without any sense of fulfillment. The ends of the various plot-lines feel like an afterthought to a great narrative. Now, while the story could've been better, the graphics absolutely blew me away. This game should be the sample of why games don't need to keep moving towards photo-realism. That's not to say photo-realism is bad, it's just not necessary to make a beautiful game. The voice-acting was also remarkable. They seem to have traded to get fantastic voicing as opposed to many voices. It did seem a bit short given the normal price, though it felt just about right for what I paid for it. (on sale 45% off)

Just finished Firewatch and I was mostly happy with it. The game play is very good; it has its own style and mood. I really liked the forest setting. Of course, it is a "walking simulator" so you are so a large extent led through all your actions. Many people have mentioned bugs but I did not encounter any while playing. The big reason to play (aside from the gorgeous graphics and great voice acting) is learning the details of the characters' lives. It is essentially a character study. I did feel a slight disappointment with some aspects of how the story was resolved but for the most part it was very good. I think my gameplay time was around 8 hours. I bought the game on special for A$8 (around US$6.50). Overall, quite satisfied with it.

Firewatch is rather short in its story. But at the same time its long enough to convey everything that needs to be conveyed. The two protagonists are well flashed out and their voiceacting is well done. As for the game aspects of this game? I am rather reluctant to call this a game. I have not run to a failure state (and I am a terrible gamer). Its more of a interactive storry told by iteractions between to people and the world. All in all, if you are in a mood for not overly long, down to earth story of everyday people that are running away, go for this game. For the right mood, right time and right person, this game is gold.

Not worth the price even if it was being given away for free. Huge let down. Sean Vanahan this review is for you buddy. If I could give you no stars I would.