Firewatch Reviews
Firewatch doesn't provide the same emotional heights or satisfying conclusion you'd expect from such a story-heavy game, but Campo Santo definitely shows promise with their debut project. Even if it won't have you reaching for the tissues by the end, this woodland walking simulator still provides a pretty great way to burn through an otherwise unoccupied afternoon.
Though its plot doesn't fully pay off, Firewatch gives you a thorough, thoughtful insight into the formation of a meaningful relationship.
By attempting to invigorate a genre which many feel has gone rather stale, Campo Santo has simply reminded us what it is we liked about that genre in the first place. Perhaps in time Firewatch will be considered a forerunner, the one which broke the mould, but right now it manages to only fall painfully between two stools.
It's a beautiful, beguiling place to spend some time, absolutely worth it while you're there, but sooner rather than later you'll yearn to shed its shackles, to get off the beaten path.
If you're looking for a quick game with a lot of heart then this is definitely for you.
Despite the fact that Firewatch is the debut of Campo Santo, the developers have succeeded in creating an interesting adventure, altough with a slightly dissapointing finale.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
An above average narrative, excellent dialogue, and wonderful pacing should make Firewatch enjoyable to any adventure fan.
Firewatch is a little, fascinating adventure, that fail to fully satisfy its potential.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Fans of slow-burning stories will find much to appreciate here
Firewatch is a good debut that shines in some places and doesn’t in others. It definitely has a charm of its own, however it leaves the feeling that it’s not quite as refined as it could be. Going through it once will prove a pleasant trek through a beautiful patch of Wyoming wilderness with relatable characters who have great chemistry between them.
For an independent game Firewatch is impressive. It's relatively small but it's weighty. The open world setting is beautiful and a joy to explore. Once the story shifts into the mystery and conspiracy the game's lethargic pace quickens and the intensity soars. Throughout it all Delilah is your anchor. Her voice is such a comfort even in the darkest of times. She tethers you to the world and it becomes disorienting when she too begins to panic in the final act
Ich sehe es schon vor mir: am Ende wollen die Kids nicht mehr Feuerwehrmann werden, sondern sich – einen Sommer lang – in die stillen Weiten von Wyoming zurückziehen, um Waldbrände aufzuspüren. In dieser Hinsicht hat das Entwicklerstudio Campo Santo in jedem Fall geliefert. Ich habe es bislang auch noch nicht erlebt, dass mir im Supermarkt eine Radiowerbung vor die Füße fiel, in der für Firewatch (oder ein anderes Indie-Spiel) geworben wurde. Ich meine, wir reden hier nicht über Call of Duty oder World of Warcraft, sondern über einen Normalo, der sich in die Einöde von Wyoming zurückzieht, um Waldbrände aufzuspüren und zu sich selbst zu finden. Doch auch über das clevere Marketing hinaus ist Firewatch für alle, die etwas für story-lastige Spiele übrig haben, uneingeschränkt zu empfehlen. Eines ist mir beim Spielen auch noch in den Sinn gekommen: Ich habe in den vergangenen Monaten viele VR-Brillen getestet und mich immer gefragt, welche Inhalte sich eigentlich für diese neue Technologie anbieten. Für mich ist die Frage entschieden: Firewatch in einer VR-Version wäre der perfekte Content (genauso wie Gone Home, Journey und Abzû). Einfach nur in einer 360-Grad-Sicht eine für mich neue Umgebung genießen zu können, ohne dabei ein Action-Feuerwerk abfeuern zu müssen, würde mir einen Grad an Immersion und Atmosphäre geben, den die konventionellen Darstellungsformen bislang nicht zu liefern vermögen. Wenn man Firewatch denn als einen Vertreter der Gattung "Walking-Simulator" bezeichnen will, dann hat dieses Genre wieder eine glänzende Perle hervorgebracht. Unbedingt spielen!
Review in German | Read full review
The technical shortcomings do not overshadow the fact that the game is gorgeous, a fact that should be obvious even in screenshots. Though the landing is somewhat fumbled, the story wraps up in a meaningful way and achieves its intended effect. Coupled with excellent characterisation, it is a beautiful and painful look at how people try to hide from their problems, and the way people isolate themselves to hide their guilt and personal failings. Despite its issues, it is certainly an excellent game.
Overall, my journey in Firewatch was engaging and fun, with wonderful scenery and some of the best written and most believable conversations I've ever heard in a game. It was a special journey, however, the ending felt rushed and the feelings that were invoked during the game were brushed under the carpet. Additionally, the controls were frustrating and the technical issues are inexcusable.
An immersive experience that gives the player a sense of vulnerability, of being watched, of inducing paranoia but intriguing them enough to press on and uncover the mystery afoot - it's also a game that's best played knowing as little as possible.
The game is a feat of creative brilliance that should definitely be given a try by any gamer looking for a mellow, yet thought-provoking experience. Campo Santo has got a real winner here, and if Firewatch is any indication, it’s tough to contain any excitement over whatever the developer’s next project is.
A storytelling masterpiece
In the heart of its beautiful landscapes, Firewatch tells an engaging, mysterious story that explores many aspects of human nature. And despite a few flaws, Firewatch is a kind of a game that you don't see very often. With its fantastic characters and superb dialogues, Firewatch is one of the most memorable few hours of this year that you will remember for some time.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Campo Santo has delivered one of the most gorgeous looking games of our time