Longevity: Sadly, this is a major breaking point of Firewatch. The controls themselves are easy to learn, meaning a learning curve that lets you just get stuck in without any issues. You get to be able to run around with him, and there is no depleting energy bar, so keep on running should you so choose. Gameplay: Henry is easy to control, not the fastest as he is a middle aged man now, but that doesn't mean he is slow and cumbersome. Aside from the teenagers, your only contact is Delilah, and thankfully the voice acting is superb and won't be letting the game down in this area. Sounds are as expected, with an ambient set of sounds in place for certain events, and background noises. Music/FX: Not much in the way of music until the end credits, but a game like this doesn't need any. One of the strong points about Firewatch, and it all runs smoothly too, with no noticeable dip in frame rate that I encountered. Th sunlight shining away in the canyons, off the rock and boulders, to the forested areas all look stunning. Graphics: A gorgeous looking game, and for me personally, reminds me of the art style used in Team Fortress 2. It works well, and doesn't look odd when he walks about. Just stuff to look at with little consequence as to whether or not you interact with them.įor a first person game, it is unusual in that when you look down, you will see Henry's body, and not just a floating camera.
Firewatch game based off of which forest update#
Cache boxes will allow you to update your map at various points within the game, but you will find little of use inside these boxes. A bit confusing at first, but you will soon become accustomed to it. You don't just press a button to view a map in a pause screen, but an ordanance survey map in Henry's hand and a compass to find your way around. One aspect I found to be a unique touch was the world map. You will uncover claw marks from a grizzly bear, but that is you lot when it comes to one of natures behemoths. There is very little in the way of wildlife, except some insects, and deer. You will know which name I chose when you get the options, and let's face it, the name is a great play on the real world counterpart. You do get to name a forest fire, and a tortoise. Despite the size, there is very little to do within Firewatch, which is a crying shame. But you will find some areas off limit, and impassable due to cliff faces, or needing a fire axe to clear the way. The game lets you explore nearly everywhere from very early on, and there is a lot to explore in terms of the size of the sandbox. Fear, panic, anger, it's all there for you to listen to and engage in. However, by the time you complete the game, you feel it has been huge build up to nothing, as the anti climatic nature of the story does let down what is some very good story telling and excellent voice acting. I won't spoil it and tell you, as you will want to find out for yourself. You get to choose from several options of conversation throughout, although choices don't offer any change in the story until the end, where you interact with Delilah. An area chained off which has popped up out of nowhere escalates further, and the teenagers going missing brings the situation to boiling point. Panic soon sets in, and a conspiracy about being watched and spied on unravels before you. What starts off with dealing with some rowdy teenagers soon takes a turn with a mysterious figure standing high above you. The voice acting from both Henry and Delilah is convincing, as it leaves you believing that their growing friendship and emotions are real as you progress the story. Anything and everything that you can interact with can be relayed back to Delilah via your walkie talkie. A friendly sounding woman with a mischievous nature, but all in good faith as she tries to bring Henry out of his shell. Henry only has Delilah at the other end of the radio. Henry needed a change of scenery, and what better way than to opt for solitude in a vast wilderness? Surely nothing could go awry? The actual game play begins after you walk to your truck in an underground parking lot, which is interspersed with the text at the start, and then on your way to the watch tower in the National Park. It doesn't have the impact on any events in game, but being able to tailor the back story to your taste is a nice touch regardless. The beginning of the game sees you making choices for the back story through text based narrative. A down and out kinda guy, having had his wife taken from him by her family, as her dementia takes a firm hold of her, and Henry's drinking takes control of him. Firewatch puts you in the boots of Henry.