So... Firewatch came out today. Has anyone already played the game? What do you think? I just watched GameTrailer's GT Live with Campo Santo, and it's really interesting how the developer speaks about the game. If you're interested in the game, definitely watch that (for time the video is still up at least).
Meanwhile, here's a beautiful piece of concept art to look at:
That was going to be a day one buy for me, but the performance issues people are reporting put me completely off. I'll wait for a few patches and/or a sale.
I've played and finished it on the PC. Unfortunately, it's a very short game. The story is good, though the ending is a little stilted. I'm not going to spoil what happens, but I felt it kind of ended a little abruptly and there's no real resolution to the events that take place. However, the banter between Henry and Delilah is fantastic, and I applaud the voice actors for their work, especially as the dialogue is the only thing that will keep you engaged. The success of the game hinged on these guys getting it spot on.
Gameplay is basic, you pretty much just walk from A to B, with a little bit of climbing (always the exact same animation, on the exact same scenery) and rappelling down a steep incline (again, exactly the same), using your map every now and then to make sure you're on the right path. There's no optional exploration to do, no collectibles to find, no danger and hardly any fires. You can pick items up and examine them, but it serves absolutely no purpose as Henry doesn't even make a comment on them unless they are documents related to the story.
If you want a good game, this is not it. If you want an enjoyable, beautiful to look at experience, then I'd recommend this at less than RRP. Honestly, I was a little disappointed as I've been looking forward to this game for a very long time, and I feel like it's less than what it could be. Those few hours I spent with it were great, I won't deny that, but there could have been many more, and the story had the creativity within it to be something far more compelling.
@Crimson_Ridley: Sounds like you liked it more than me, but I was also very disappointed as it was one of my most anticipated, too. Such a shame it's so hard to talk about without spoilers, though. Maybe we need a spoiler thread as well?
This damp squib needs a sprinklers thread, I still wanna play it at some point, I wasn't all that excited but my interest is still there, if it gets fixed.
Anyone worried about PS4 framerate problems really need to get a grip. I am at day 77 - no idea how many days there are in total, don't wanna know either, but the problems simply don't ruin the game. It has me totally gripped but just don't wanna rush through it too quick. Ignore the 'problems' and focus on the story. First World problems. Oh dear. This is a small team of people needing to get their software out. I applaud them for their achievements.
@sm1979: Acceptance like this is what leads to broken games. It's cool that you're enjoying it and it's not affecting your experience, but don't say it's okay when it's not good enough.
@get2sammyb: I reiterate what I said and stand by it. They are working on a fix. If people want to complain at something so trivial then people really need to take a look at themselves and see real problems. They are a small team, trying something new and trying to earn a living. The big developers, EA etc, I could understand the critique, but come on, ridiculous to ridicule such a wonderful piece of software.
@sm1979: its not "ok" to accept consumer goods which are damaged or broken, whether it's fixable or not. As Sammy said by simply accepting broken games or games with performance issues, we're letting developers and publishers off the hook for selling a faulty product. In no other industry is that acceptable. You can argue it's the publishers rather than the developers fault for setting an deadline that was too soon perhaps but that doesn't change the fact we, as consumers, have a right to expect perfectly working games when we buy them. And calling it a First World problem doesn't mean it's not a problem, no one's saying this is more serious than Third World hunger issues so calling it a First World problem is kinda irrelevant. As for telling people to look at themselves if they have a complaint, everyone has a right to critique a product if they're not satisfied with it, it says nothing about their personality if they do so
I started playing this game last night and I'm in love with it so far. Yes, there are a few glitches, but the scenery and banter between the characters make up for it.
I did encounter a problem, however. I got to the part where you find the teen's campsite, apparently there is supposed to be a note hanging from their tent...but when I get there, there's nothing. Everything else was exactly the way it looked in the walk-through I found, but no note.
@Hego: Nope, still not having it. It's a debut game. Having people saying that they're not gonna play it til the problems are rectified baffles me, as the flaws are minimalistic in my view. But, you are fully entitled to your opinion, I just simply cannot agree as they aren't game breakers. I just think people are being overly harsh for no apparent reason other than to preach from their high horses.
@sm1979: I'm pretty tolerant but for me knowing there are frame rate problems is an instant turn off, especially in a game that is relying so much on its pretty aesthetics. You mention it's a minimal issue in your view, and that's fine, because I've seen people playing games that I feel perform terribly, and they seem to either not notice or it just doesn't bother them. But it just kills the immersion for me - I literally wouldn't enjoy playing it. I won't complain about it, and I'm glad other people are playing it and enjoying it, I just won't buy it. If I had a gaming PC I'd buy it, assuming it doesn't have similar problems (although looking on forums, that's not the case). If they successfully patch it, I'll pick it up no problem.
I did say elsewhere I'm quite okay with other technical issues in games, floating NPC's, weird clipping etc. but again, this bothers some people to the point they can't play it.
Not sure if I am getting this, but if I do it will be after the framerate is fixed. There are games made by a single person that don't have framerate problems, and giving them the money after they fix it makes them work on a patch faster.
I will comment in this thread, never being able to find it again.
Just beat it about an hour ago, or err, completed it.
So my quick thoughts, of course my main draw to this game was the very unique and beautiful setting (what a wonderful idea, who doesn't want to work in a national park?). But in the end, I felt like the world was a bit underutilized......it was used as a stage for a story, but it should have been more about wandering through nature and taking advantage of being a firewatch, just enjoying the wilderness, etc. However, in the end, those are my personal wishes, so I feel like I can't be overly harsh.....I didn't design this game, somebody else did.
Despite that, the banter between Henry and his boss, the atmosphere, the backstory of these characters, it was mostly really well done. The main story arc, I was a little worried about 3/4's through, as it seemed to be getting overly dramatized.....thankfully, in the end, it comes back down with a sense of reality. It could have been better as far as not feeling so forced, but it did it's job in creating anxiety and paranoia, and thankfully those feelings were dampered by the beauty of the environment and the likeable exchanges between Henry and his boss lady.
You do also have to keep in mind that this is a 20 dollar game.
I have just finished it myself and echo sub12's views somewhat. Without giving away any spoilers, I have to say it's one of my new favourite games. Unfortunately though I just don't see it having any replay value whatsoever. Give it a year and I think I might drop back in, especially if patched to see if they've done anything different. Certainly a solid 9/10 for me, maybe even maximum marks. Well done campo santo on an amazing achievement!
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