Firewatch (PC) Review

There is a new genre being bandied about - that of the 'Walking Simulator.' It is a strange expression for gaming, making titles that fall under that header sound like tiresome treks with no real purpose. Firewatch is classified as that, by some quarters, but not here at Cubed3. In this team, Firewatch is actually listed as a true marvel in storytelling through the medium of videogames. That has a better ring to it, right? Well, it is not mere buttering up, it is indeed definitely justified. Those that delve into the prose that is dished out whilst wandering around a National Park in control of a newly appointed 'fire watch' park ranger, Henry - who, for reasons kept to himself, needs to get away from the distress of his wife becoming ill early in life and no longer remembering him - will realise how well written this tale is, and how engrossed they will become in the tale after just a short time.

On his sabbatical from general life, all he has for company is the detached voice of his new boss, Delilah, spoken to via a walkie-talkie, and the vast expanse ahead of him that needs to be carefully managed. The game takes place over various days, sometimes skipping ahead after certain events have transpired, and those in control start to grow increasingly attached to Henry and his vocal companion, becoming embroiled in the "will-they, won't-they" aspect of the relationship with Delilah. How that pans out during the story is entirely user-controlled - or so it seems - with the option of whether or not to confide in her, all the while having to dealing with pesky kids littering the park, discovering underground areas that are blocked from access, coming across various mysterious events over time, getting attacked by unseen assailants, and more.

Explore, explore, explore, whilst uncovering sub-plots (like notes left by previous rangers, or potential deaths or disappearances that may or may not have occurred in previous summers) - that is the core gameplay element, with Henry able to gather only a few useful items throughout, rather than this being a point-and-click adventure style affair, with a massive inventory. Henry gathers the core essentials, such as rope for abseiling down steep rock faces, or an axe to clear away overgrowth, and that is all that is required. The majority of other 'stuff' found around the park is either there for inspection only, or to pocket and inspect later on. It is highly compelling work, and there is a temptation to build up your own version of how the end-game will play out, with it shaped by the gamer themselves, depending on how deep they want to delve into the world.

So many conversational choices, such an open-ended world to wandering around in, many secrets to stumble upon - Firewatch is a tantalising prospect for anyone wanting to get away from the world and experience someone else's virtual existence.

Surely there must be a catch, though? Is there something that lets everything down? Well, it all depends on how you look at it, since the decisions made throughout bear no relevance to how the adventure concludes. None at all. Those that feel aggrieved in certain Telltale adventures when the decision trees actually prove to have no consequence on how proceedings unfold will realise that at least some of their choices mean something in those games. Here, however, there are a mere two ways that it can all go at the very end, and both options stem from the very final action, rather than from the plethora of decisions made during the hours of journeying. Major disappointment ensues, fits of rage undoubtedly from some sectors of the community, and there is the temptation to rip this apart and score it three out of ten, purely down to feeling like the developer just pushed you to the ground and gave a short, sharp jab with their collective feet to the midriff.

However, taking a step back, the outcome was always pre-determined anyway - Delilah gives off hints throughout that although she is a little on the flirtatious side, she never wants Henry to venture too close to her Watch Tower, telling him in no uncertain terms to not find a way across…for the entirety of the summer they spend together. It is crystal clear - she wants nothing more than a close friendship to pass the time, and that becoming closer to Henry gives a feeling that something might happen, she keeps him at bay.

As the credits roll, taking that step back and letting the weight of the story wash over you - the actuality of it all - it suddenly becomes apparent how smart the writing was to even invoke such a knee-jerk reaction. Campo Santo catches everyone that plays - grabbing them hook, line, and sinker - and it is the sort of experience that will be talked about long after completion, which is, ultimately, 'objective complete' on the developer's part. Well done, well done indeed.