Firewatch has always been on my wishlist of games, and so I decided to use this assignment as a chance to finally make the purchase (and I’m extremely happy I did). Developed by Campo Santo, Firewatch does an amazing job blending peaceful scenery with an underlying sense of danger in the Wyoming wilderness. You play as Henry, a fire lookout seeking solitude, and a unique aspect of the game is that it makes walking a central part of the story, creating a personal and immersive journey. My gameplay experience mirrored these elements, and I’m diving into how walking both sets the stage and drives the narrative.
In Firewatch, walking does a lot more than just get you from one place to another; it draws you deeper into the story. My immediate thoughts while walking the vast landscapes was that while they were very serene and beautifully quiet, they also were a bit unsettling. For me, this mixture of peace and suspense built as I kept moving through the game.
screenshot from my gameplay
These feelings are also only strengthened by the game mechanics which immerse you fully into the role of a fire lookout. Navigating the Shoshone National Forest with just a paper map and compass adds a layer of authenticity and challenge, enhancing the exploration aspect. Interactions within the game are dynamic, facilitated through a walkie-talkie system that connects you with Delilah, your boss. This system offers dialogue choices which really reminded me of those seen in Telltale Games (like Last of Us), complete with a timer that pressures you to respond. This was one of my favorite aspects of the game since it changed the vibe from just walking and exploring to walking with an important purpose. The visual style is also super appealing, featuring this cell-shaded aesthetic that enriches the colors of the forest without becoming overly cartoonish. This backdrop sets the stage for the game’s standout element—its dialogue.
I also think the experience of walking through this world is so immersive because the storytelling is done so well. Right from the start, Firewatch grabs you with its story—Henry’s past sets a deep, reflective tone. Walking through the wilderness, the quiet moments felt genuinely serene. My only break from the silence was chatting with Delilah, my supervisor. This setup reminds me of another player’s review, where they talked about how every crackle and distant noise became more pronounced against the silence. This added a real depth to the simple act of walking. The voice acting also breathes life into the characters, making their exchanges feel spontaneous and genuine. I’ve played games similar in style to Firewatch, and generally these characters just sounded pretty scripted (because they are) but Firewatch made me genuinely feel like I was with Henry and listening/sharing all his thoughts.
screenshot from my gameplay
As I wandered, every small discovery felt important. Whether it was a photo or an out-of-the-way spot on the map, these moments built up the story in a natural way. The game’s slow pace (thanks to the walking mechanic) made these discoveries more impactful, ramping up the tension as the story unfolded. In fact, at some point near the end, I was honestly experiencing mounting dread as I approached the game’s climax. The game’s simple actions—walking, talking, examining items—let me get a real sense of Henry’s thoughts. Discussing everything from mundane to critical topics with Delilah made every choice seem heavy with meaning. Overall, Firewatch was an incredible game and experience!
