Experiential games, those that favour narrative, character development, presentation and player ‘experience’ over more traditional gameplay codes have become somewhat of a favourite sub-genre of mine.
Whilst I understand the debate surrounding them, I do not believe there is any doubting the impact a select few have had in raising the stakes of story-telling within the industry, as well as effecting how video games are perceived as a narrative form.
Firewatch is no exception and rightfully deserves a place amongst the leaders of this emerging form.
Set in 1989, Firewatch almost entirely takes place within the Shoshone National Forest in the U.S. state of Wyoming, following volunteer fire lookout, Henry, working in isolation with only a single radio link to his supervisor, Delilah.
Both characters bear their own personal troubles but nonetheless develop a bond through constant communication, a bond which shaped by your dialogue choices. However, a series of strange occurrences and mysterious findings in the forest surrounding the watch tower call the nature of their work, and their relationship, into question.
The game interweaves plot through sub-plot beautifully – eventually all tying it together – drawing symbolic parallels between the stories. Immediately after my first play-through, I had to play through it again. At roughly three to four hours in length for a single play-through, I was able to do this in one sitting. It takes some careful consideration to completely comprehend, but I found the story very tight and kind of mind-blowing.
It’s central theme of escapism – something very relevant to video games as a medium of course – is one I ought to devote an entirely spoiler laden feature.
The art style seamlessly transitions between capturing the beauty of their Shoshone National Forest as well as its eeriness. The lighting design is mesmerizing and the colour palette truly complementary again creating a setting of two tones; one of tranquillity and one of suspense and apprehension. The day-night cycle and progressive climate effects again contribute to gradually building tension and work to make well-trod paths suddenly as unfamiliar as they were in the beginning.
Playing on PC, the game ran almost seamlessly. I was forced to reload a save once due to a bug, but considering it was a pre-release build, has received a patched since and the game’s quality everywhere else, it’s a minor annoyance I’ll gladly overlook.
The in-game disposable camera, which captures screenshots that they’ll develop and send to you for $15 is an awesome little feature for those inspired photographers. Sadly this is limited to currently limited to Steam players only.
Traversal of the map is almost entirely dependent on being able to read the in-game map and compass, which – as a bit of a geography and orienteering nut – was tremendously exciting for me. The map design is ingenious. There are plenty of landmarks that allow you to learn the map, but line of sight is continually blocked, driving me back to the map on occasions having spent hours seeking out every nook and cranny.
Between this consistent traversal, the choice of dialogue options and of course, mounds of items and objects to examine, I felt there was more than enough interaction with the game to consider it more than an interactive animation.
It’s certainly possible for people to come out of Firewatch with slightly different journeys and overall, I’d consider it well worth its price tag.
It tells a beautifully crafted, character-driven, engaging story with impeccable pacing. It’s deeply reflective and thought provoking, not only in the context of its characters and their situations, but in a broader context of player interaction with video games. It involves and engages players to greater affect than many of its predecessors in the experiential sub-genre, and does so with astonishing presentation.
Firewatch is a piece of video game literature, propelling the medium forward with messages relevant to us all, especially to gamer specific audience. It had made its impact on me, and ought to contribute to a larger impact on the industry as a whole.
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It finally went up on the PlayStation Store! Rejoice! https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-au/games/firewatch/cid=EP0144-CUSA04118_00-FIREWATCH0000000?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=playstation%20store&utm_campaign=PX+-+PlayStation+-+Brand+-+Australia&EMCID=GM300000_store
"It tells a beautifully crafted, character-driven, engaging story with impeccable pacing." - I definitely agree there.
That sentence probably sums up the game the best I reckon :)
For sure! Engaging from start to finish.
From what I've read it seems far too passive a 'game' for me. Interactive story telling sounds more accurate. Might pick it up in 6 months or so when the price comes right down.
I appreciate that these games are not for everyone, that's why I avoided saying "this is a must-play" or anything like that. They suit a particular audience, of which I am most certainly a member.
I agree John, but it does look like a good experience.
It certainly seems like it and generally that's not my type of thing. The only 'experience' game I enjoyed was The Order and that's because it had a great mix of passiveness and game play.
The perfect example of that for me was The Last of Us, but I agree, the Order did an alright job of that too.
That's fair enough. Passive is probably a good way of describing the game. It's definitely an amazing experience though!
@camposanto Great review! I’m very keen for Firewatch… Checked the PSN Store this morning without luck… Tomorrow then!
Yeah, it's taking it's time to appear. Thanks for the kind words though :) Tweet me and let me know what you think of the game when you eventually play it :D
isn't it meant to be out today? if so is it hard copy or do you buy it on ps store?
Didn't appear in recent update. Unravel is now live, a little strange Firewatch isn't. Stay tuned.
Sweeeeeet cheers
Will see if we can get an answer from Sony!
Any update? I keep checking!
Stay tuned.
What time does it come out? I can't refresh my PS Store fast enough!
Correct! It's out today on both PC and PSN. Digital only.