Firewatch

Not all is what it seems

I have to admit that when I started this game I had some preconceptions about what I was to expect from a game titled Firewatch. What I was expecting was some sort of forest simulator where you put out fires. That you would be working for the forest service as a lookout. Keeping an keen eye out for possible fires or smoke in the Wyoming wilderness. I also thought that I would be doing some fire fighting as well, maybe calling out where planes would be dropping water to extinguish any fires. That is partly on me as I did no research on this title before I started playing. It just looked like an easy completion from the Xbox Game Pass Core lineup. The game immediately goes in a direction I wasn’t expecting right at the start of the game. What the game turns out to be is an open world linear explorer tied to a pre mapped out story that hits you with mystery and some intrigue.

What is initially jarring is the circumstances of the main character’s life. You play a married man called Henry. His reasons for spend his time at the watch tower are both depressing and saddening. It is addressed right at the start of the game where you make some choices. Henry is practically a middle aged man who came out to the watch tower to escape from his life. Maybe he has also come to the watch tower to contemplate, regroup, and find a new path in his life as well.

While on watch Henry meets Delilah, the seasoned watch tower lookout who helps and guides Henry in the game. They don’t meet in person per say, but over walkie talkies. She is in charge in a sense as she has spent the most time out in the wilderness. Delilah is a pleasant sounding woman with an easy going attitude. She gives you the lay of the land. She fills you in on the happenings of previous lookouts. She is also a little nosey since there is not much to do if all goes well. Meaning if there are no fires to put out, then time can move slowly, and what else is there to do then have a good chat during that time. So Delilah pries into Henry’s life and it’s up to you to choose what response she will get.

Through out the game you will have dialogue choices. You and Delilah end up working closely together as events start to unfold. The choices presented to you suggest that you might be able to follow a romantic route in the story. Which is not good considering that Henry is still a married man. At best you can hope to get a good friend out of the experience. Because there are different choices in the game you can replay the game many times to see all the possible outcomes if you are so inclined. Some of the choices are fun, like naming a turtle that you can find while exploring. I went with Shelly Duvall, which is also kind of funny because of the isolation.

The game is another easy 1000 gamer score and not at all difficult to complete. The graphics falls a little on the cartoony side. This is really evident when the 1st person perspective pans down to your limbs as you climb and descent obstacles. Otherwise the graphics are nice, giving you a pleasant outdoor experience. The atmosphere of mystery keeps you invested in the story, the characters are well voiced, and yes there will actually be a fire to deal with.