GLWY Episode 03: Firewatch

Let’s take a quick hike! Mel and S3VYN dive into Firewatch for a first full playthrough. We knew nothing about the game going in, other than that people seemed to enjoy it. Come on a journey through the wilderness with us and find out how Mel chooses to interact with the woman on the other end of the radio… as well as those who wander far closer.

Mel’s Review

Firewatch kept my attention but I honestly didn’t find it very exciting. The thing that kept me so interested was the thought that it was about to get crazy, but it never did, and I like things to get crazy. It was like a constant build up with no payoff. The story of the character you play is sad and that never really changes. I don’t regret the time spent on it at all but wouldn’t play it again.

S3VYN’s Review

At the end of it all, Firewatch is a game that explores how you choose to interact with characters you don’t know, and often can’t see, with very limited information at your disposal.

Your character has undertaken a solitary assignment in the wilderness a two-day hike away from their nearest park entrance. Initially, the game feels like a walking simulator as you learn to navigate the area, but it gradually turns into a mystery full of timed conversation decisions posed by the voice of Delila, your boss, who is in the only other person you actively interact with.

The game is almost completely narrative driven and lacks deep drama or action, even though the foreboding tone always points to drama. It’s engaging, has a fantastic soundtrack and beautiful art direction. I understand why so many people like it and would definitely recommend it for someone looking for a relaxing evening.