Firewatch for Windows

Since its announcement, Firewatch has been captivating with superb landscapes and subtle touches of mysticism hidden in the deep forests of Wyoming.

Numerous trailers showed us a forester wandering through fabulously beautiful places, always surrounded by strange events. For a moment it seemed that we had a new Alan Wake before us, where the calm and measured situation was instantly replaced by enveloping horror and a growing sense of anxiety. But then the release took place and, as it turned out, the developers cleverly deceived the gaming community. Fortunately, not for the worse. The game really tickles our nerves, but not at all because of the insane fear of being mutilated by monsters. Firewatch is more down-to-earth, telling a story about human relationships, loneliness and escape from ourselves, as sad as it sounds.

Firewatch Review

The main character of the game is the forester Henry, who got a job not at all out of love for nature, but for personal reasons. Whiling away his days on a fire tower, he tries to escape the torment that plagues his personal life. And it’s not about banal quarrels or betrayals – the protagonist’s wife is sick with dementia, which is why a lot of problems constantly arise in the family field. The woman is a little over 40, but the image of Henry has already become unfamiliar to her, like many other things. How to get through all this? How to make up for the bitterness?

The main character does not know the answers, which is why he is forced to hide in the wilds of the forest, looking for tranquility and spiritual peace. Henry’s past becomes the starting point of the entire narrative, which the screenwriters skillfully used. With the help of the character, Firewatch sets the right mood, helping to identify with the hero. His attempts to cope with the flow of thoughts become the primary task of the players themselves. Yes, in terms of the plot, the games are becoming more and more mature.

General concept, story and gameplay of Firewatch

At the beginning of the story, gamers will be able to familiarize themselves with small essays describing the life episodes of Henry. In some moments, we will even be given the opportunity to make decisions on our own that slightly affect the overall course of the plot. Short and somewhat abrupt phrases instantly draw images and pictures, which makes being in this world even more interesting.

Flashbacks like these show players Henry’s awkward flirting with his future wife, their choice of a pet, dreams of kids, the first episode hinting at a terrible diagnosis, and more. The skillful game design of Firewatch fulfills the main function – you just believe in what is happening, sincerely sympathizing with the main character. Over time, the story becomes more disturbing, and the inevitable feeling of anxiety torments every cell of your consciousness. When the conventional prologue is over, you suddenly realize that at some point the line that separates us from the characters on the other side of the monitor has disappeared. You yourself become the hero of this drama. Wandering along forest paths, the shore of the lake, climbing the tensely creaking ladder of the fire tower – at all these moments you will feel with all your heart the desire to hide from unresolved problems, albeit for a short time.

A bright spot in this story – Delilah’s girlfriend, will help Henry find a new meaning of existence. At one point, she will contact us by radio, after which she will accompany the hero throughout the game. Delilah, as well as the protagonist, looks after one of the forest sectors, and at the same time teaches Henry the basics of an inexperienced forester in his new profession. Jokes, gentle teasing of the hero and life stories constantly flow from her lips. However, from the very first seconds of acquaintance, you understand that humor is only a protective shell of a girl, hiding a meek and no less lonely nature.

Under the guidance of a colleague, Henry will begin work, completing simple assignments: monitoring the fire safety of the forest, disperse noisy teenagers with alcohol and firecrackers, and just chatting with Delilah. There is not much gameplay here – know yourself to wander and do some kind of interactivity. You will not be allowed to shoot, drive the car, or simply hit someone. But this is not necessary – all the beauty of Firewatch is in contemplation, admiring the local beauties and full immersion in the drama.

Over time, the routine of the forester smoothly turns into a real thriller-detective: someone cut the telephone wires, frightening sounds from the forest depths, a strange face that often hangs around our tower – all this is alarming and even frightening. The story leads to an unexpected ending, of which there are several. Firewatch will be a great way to spend your boring evenings, caressing our eyes, ears and even soul. In this world, you want to get lost, leaving the worries of the outside world behind.