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neko-neko-uwu-blog · 6 years ago

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Introduction:

As this is my first game review, I'll go through how I rate games. I usually have 5 or 6 categories that I rate the game 1-5 in and consider them when giving a final verdict. The categories are: Replayability, design, adaptability, fun/enjoyment, story/gameplay and mechanics. (Not necessarily in that order). So let's get started!

Firewatch Description:

Firewatch is a game that follows a fire lookout's job and what may arise while doing that job. The game puts a heavy focus on emotion and dialogue whilst still remaining graphically impressive.

Story:

Firewatch follows Henry, a man who recently finished a major in education. Henry is shown to be caring but stern and sarcastic at times. In the beginning sequences of the game, you meet Julia. Julia is diagnosed with onset dementia and later, Alzheimer's. Henry takes a job as a fire lookout to get away from it all, though he does not like to admit it.

When Henry arrives at the fire lookout tower, he meets a woman named Delilah. Delilah is a woman that Henry talks to over the radio as their lookouts are far away from eachother. She seems sarcastic, snarky and sassy at first.

Events transpire and Henry is convinced that someone is watching them, watching their movements and conversations and recording them. They then delve into all sorts of mysteries. However, Firewatch teaches us something. When you are bored to death, your mind starts making up these strange controversies. There are theories that none of the mysteries were even mysteries, they were simply made up by Henry and Delilah's bored minds.

This is a very cool concept and the story is one that grips you and often leaves you shocked. I was even hit with so much fear that I hesitated to continue at one point. With the theories and the meaning behind it, I give the story a 4/5. The one thing giving it away is that it can be a bit too short and feels like it is over in a moment.

Design:

Firewatch does not necessarily have a unique art style but it is definitely one to admire. From paper to computer, the landscapes are beautiful and stunning. The 'Ol Shoshone' forest looks mesmorising at times and can be very relaxing to look at. Even small details down to Henry's body and the look of a can of peanut butter are well thought out. The verdict for Firewatch's design is a 5/5 with usually no visual issues.

Enjoyment/Action:

Unfortunately Firewatch is a very linear, walking simulator like game that usually has little moments of action. However I believe that this is what makes it good. Firewatch has little to no action so when action does occur, it is strange and alarming. But because of the slow style of the gameplay, I am going to give it a 3/5 for enjoyment, with Delilah's shenanigans and fun secrets backing up my rating.

Adaptability:

If you like games such as Call of Duty, or Watch Dogs or any other fast paced game, you can play this game but the adjustment from fast paced action to slow walking is often a difficult one. Firewatch seems to adhere to a specific audience which is why I give it a 2/5 for adaptability.

Replayability + Mechanics:

Firewatch does a good job of setting boundaries by putting obstacles in the way but it sometimes struggles with invisible walls and animation errors. Sometimes you cannot go somewhere that you would easily be able to in real life or Henry just refuses to jump down from a rock. Each problem is frustrating and brings the rating to 2/5.

The Replayability value is good. You can replay the game over and over, but there is not quite that feeling of playing it for your first time. Also there is a free roam segment where you can roam around the Shoshone at your own pace. Replayability value is a 3/5 from me.

The Verdict:

Firewatch has a fantastic story, amazing visuals and cool idea but it lacks in mechanics and is too slow for some people.

The rating for Firewatch is 7/10 for me.

*These are all my opinion and this post was not meant to attack anyone who likes the game.

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