In fact if you had shown me it's design on paper I may have dismissed it as just another narrative driven walking simulator: Jesus that scares me and makes me question how many other gems I might have passed on over the years. The only downside to this lovely way of interacting is that is really hints that the developers were planning to do a lot more with it because as it stands most objects you can pick up can’t be used for any purpose other than looking pretty.Īfter coming straight into this from playing Fallout 4 and Don't Starve the gatherer in me wanted to grab my backpack and start collecting wood: but Firewatch really isn't that type of game at all. For no reason in particular I love this intimate way of dealing with objects and it entices you to look closer at your environment for secrets as well as just being nosey. Books, pictures, notes on the wall and even the paper map you carry with you work this way.
I'm not exactly sure what the technology is called but when you look at a map on the wall and then zoom right in, the details don't go all pixilated like they would in other games: everything is crystal clear like it would be. What is also very cool is how the textures scale up when you get closer to an object. Most objects can be picked up and rotated in your hand for a closer inspection, I found myself just spending ten minutes to playing with this simple mechanic as games very rarely let you get super close to items. One really cool idea is that you can actually order photographs you've taken and get physical hard copies of your adventure - a novel idea indeed.Īs you start to explore the tower and take on jobs you start to learn how the games interface works: it's a lovely thing. As you set out from your tower you will be treated to some truly beautiful vistas and areas of the park: as usual my F12 key (Steam screenshot) was a blur but also the game does let you take pictures in game with an old disposable camera you find: one piece of advice here: use it lots. The time of day is scripted by the dialogue and which day you are on but while this might sound like a negative it does allow the story to be played out in some of the most stunning sunsets I've ever seen in a game: the warm reds of the large red boulders and immaculate blue skies that warm the heart are sublime. The game's aesthetic is beautifully realised with a basic painterly effect, some places almost look like cell shading but without the harsh black outline. The chemistry between the two main characters for me was what made this game so good with a very convincing human element that can be all so elusive in video games. You usually have a few options open to you and even staying quiet can lead to different branches of the conversation. As you look around a radio icon will let you know if there is something you can say to her about a certain object or view. One of the main items you will use is the hand held radio you get at the start of the game, this acts as your link to Delilah (played by Cissy Jones). What is immediately clear is the acting quality in this game is exceptional and is even more impressive when you consider these powerful performances are delivered with no facial cues to help nail down context. As you arrive at your tower you meet (via a two way radio) a woman who is essentially your boss and who is tasked with getting you up to speed on how things work. So let's just say Henry (the chap you play as) has been through a rough time and has taken a job out in the wilderness to escape your troubles - as a lookout your job is to watch for fires in the parkland and take care of any basic jobs that need doing. Even the opening sequence that sets the tone for the game is something I do not wish to tell you about because the unwrapping is part of the magic. The thing about Firewatch (from developer Campo Santo) is it's very difficult to review without spoiling it, because nearly every moment I could tell you about is part of why the game works so well. See games like these and hundreds more having been turning up now for years and the journey they take you on is as visceral and emotionally raw as any good book or film. Did anyone here play Limbo? Or the Journey? Everyone has gone to the Rapture maybe? Well no matter if you didn't, you can finish reading this review and then go and sort your life out.
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