Firewatch

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Firewatch is a first-person graphic adventure video game developed and published by Campo Santo Productions on 2016-02-09 for Linux, Macintosh, PlayStation 4, and Windows, then later for the Switch and Xbox One. The game uses first-person perspective and allows the player to move around and activate objects. Communication decisions are made from a small preset list of options. The story is set in 1989 in Wyoming and follows protagonist, Henry. After finding out his wife is suffering from early onset Alzheimer's, Henry is unable to cope with her or her family. She is taken to live with them in Australia, and Henry escapes his life to become a fire lookout in the Shoshone National Forest. Although he is physically alone in his work, he is frequently in radio communication with his sarcastic supervisor Delilah. They develop a tight bond, but a series of mysterious events occur which seem to point to a conspiracy involving the massive Yellowstone fires of 1988 and several missing campers.

Personal

Firewatch showed up with positive reviews several times in video game channels I watch, so I added it to my Steam wish list. When it went on sale, I bought it and started playing it shortly thereafter. I was quickly pulled into the game's story and finished it after two sittings on 2021-03-30.

Status

I own this game, and have beaten it.

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9 6 7 6 8

Best Version: Windows

— This section contains spoilers! —

Good

  • I really enjoyed this game. It has a good plot, great character development, attractive graphics, and fitting music.
  • The story gets pretty emotional at times. Henry's wife, his relationship that develops with Delilah, the growing conspiracy, learning about Brian Goodman's past, it's all pretty heavy. However, there are plenty of funny moments as well involving the flirting between Henry and Delilah.
  • The voice acting is very professional and really helps flesh out the characters.
  • I like how each section of the game abruptly ends, and the loading screen gives you a moment to digest what just happened.
  • The graphics do a great job of adding to the game's immersion. Although they are a little cartoony at times, there are some beautiful views when you reach summits.
  • The game has great atmospheric music, and the ending song was really fitting.
  • Brian Goodman's various fantasy RPG objects are really interesting.
  • The assortment of novels strewn about the park are a nice touch.
  • Getting a brief look at Delilah's lookout was a nice ending. She's far neater than Henry, and I like that you see the picture she drew of you, her tequila bottle, and love that she stole the Pork Pond sign. I just wish there was a bit more of her personality to be found there.
  • The ending sequence with the photos you took, as well as those that were already in the camera was a great way to end the game.
  • I like how there is an in-game connection to Gone Home, a similar game which I also loved.

Bad

  • On several occasions I was unable to talk to Delilah about a specific topic. This was either because I couldn't stop what I was doing fast enough to respond, or because I triggered further dialogue that negated previous dialogue. In both cases, I didn't like this aspect of the game.
  • The cave section was already creepy in its own right, but I think the designers missed making it even creepier. Instead, it's so bright that you don't even need the flashlight.
  • It felt like I should have been solving a mystery from all the pieces of evidence I found throughout the park, and how they get setup in your tower. I spent a little time studying the clues and trying to make connections among the various characters, but, in the end, the mystery is solved for you.
  • There is no way Brian's fort would have lasted one year, let alone three years outside in the wilderness.

Ugly

  • Nothing.

Media

Box Art

Documentation

Videos

Longplay.

Links

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