Firewatch Reviews

Firewatch is ranked in the 83rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
XboxEra
Harm0nica
Unscored
Jan 28, 2022

Firewatch is in my opinion a great addition to Xbox Game Pass. The game is worthy of its highly regarded status and is one of the best older indie games out there. If you have never played it, you really should give it a look. Completion only takes around four and a half hours and having your emotional response manipulated so cleverly by a game of this type is truly worth experiencing.

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Essential
Jan 4, 2022

I spent over 5 hours in Firewatch and loved every minute as I got more intrigued by the story as events unfolded. The ultimate outcome of the story is quite grim, so fair warning to anyone playing with kids watching towards the end. It’s a great game for those times where you want to play something but don’t want to worry too much about multiplayer or difficult gameplay mechanics. The story left me thinking long after playing and I highly recommend checking the game out on Xbox Game Pass.

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B+
Apr 16, 2020

I found myself melancholy when all was said and done, and although I’ll likely never get to hear more about the lives of Delilah and Henry, I’m grateful for the summer I got to spend with the two of them. Firewatch seems to want players to understand that sometimes, life is about the moments you’ll never get back, the decisions you can never unmake. I’m glad I chose to spend that night in the woods with Campo Santos’ inspired first effort.

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90 / 100
Oct 22, 2019

Firewatch is a perfectly written narrative adventure with an ideal rhythm. We will accompany Henry in his new work, which he use to escape from his real life, and establish an important and emotional connection with our boss Delilah, while we face a mystery and a fire, each more frightening. However, nothing is as it seems. Highly recommended.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

Jan 13, 2019

A storytelling masterpiece

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9 / 10.0
Dec 19, 2018

Firewatch has an affective and engaging story that draws you in, and I couldn't put the game down after the halfway point. What initially seems like more of a relaxing walking simulator becomes something more consequential and dire. Anyone interested in great stories—not just those told through video games—needs to pick up Firewatch. Like Celeste and GRIS, Firewatch is a triumph of artistic and thought-provoking game design, and it can remind you of summer as you bundle up for the cold winter ahead.

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8 / 10.0
Dec 19, 2018
Firewatch Switch Review (Beautiful but Flawed) video thumbnail
9 / 10
Dec 17, 2018

It really doesn't matter that Firewatch came out over two and a half years ago, because it's just as engrossing and enchanting as it was the first time around. From the warm glow of its forests in the morning summer light to the subtle tension of exploring a rocky gorge in the isolating silence of night, Shoshone National Forest is a character in its own right. With a story that's both funny and heartbreaking – and enhanced by some brilliant performances by its two central actors – this is an essential purchase, irrespective of whether you're playing it for the first time on Switch or simply using it as an excuse to revisit an old favourite.

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Unscored
Dec 2, 2018

"Preview - Wallpaper material simulator."

Review in Finnish | Read full review

Oct 15, 2017

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

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9 / 10
Aug 6, 2017

All in all, I loved playing through Firewatch and ended up finishing it in a single epic 4-hour long session that ended at almost 2 a.m. I highly recommend this purchase to gamers looking for a different experience from your usual gaming sessions.

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7 / 10
May 1, 2017

Even though I thought the ending was 'meh' I loved the journey that Firewatch took me on. The great writing and performances make the game and characters enjoyable from start to finish. It's a pity though that the journey was hindered by constant frame rate issues.

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Adam Riley
Top Critic
8 / 10
Mar 5, 2017

Do not let the ending put you off Firewatch, nor let the talk of 'Walking Simulator' give any sort of preconceived notion of this being boring. What has been delivered is one of the most engaging narrative experiences in recent times, draped beautifully over a thoroughly enjoyable adventure, with plenty of scope for going back to uncover more details, finding new conversation avenues, and stumbling upon all manner of intriguing information not seen the first time round.

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ZTGD
Top Critic
8.5 / 10.0
Oct 11, 2016

Firewatch is a perfect example of a game that has something to say. You may not like the story it tells, and you may not feel totally satisfied with the outcome; but when the story is told in such a well crafted manner it doesn't really matter. Anyone who appreciates a good mystery will definitely get something out of Firewatch; just don't let your mind race to much, as you may end up feeling a little let down.

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9 / 10
Oct 4, 2016

A slow-burner of a mystery.

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85 / 100
Oct 4, 2016

That being said, Firewatch is not a difficult game. So long as you keep an eye on where you're going and don't walk in random directions, you should be fine.

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90%
Sep 27, 2016

Firewatch is immaculate storytelling in an unconventional way. It’s not for everyone, but if it’s for you, you’ll enjoy it.

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Sep 27, 2016

The ending really was disappointing, but it’s so superbly done in every other department that it really doesn’t matter. People will be talking about their experiences with Henry and Delilah rather than what happened afterwards. Find yourself a free afternoon, no distractions or spoilers, and experience Firewatch.

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Sep 26, 2016

After finishing 'Firewatch', I sat in a kind of stunned silence for awhile, the same way I do after watching a particularly powerful movie. It's the rare game that makes you feel something human, something ethereal and difficult to describe. It's not a long game but I finished it in one sitting, completely spellbound. If you are at all a fan of gaming as a method of storytelling, you should probably play 'Firewatch'.

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9 / 10.0
Sep 26, 2016

Firewatch excels at storytelling first and foremost. Thematic maturity and likable characterization only serve to complement the tale. Featuring gorgeous visuals that look amazing even in the dark of night, a visit to the Shoshone National Forest has never been this enjoyable! Get out there!

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