Firewatch is mediocre due to more than just its poor ending

Alex Gibson from GamersFTW writes "Firewatch garnered tremendous expectation in the build-up to its release, perhaps explaining why, despite mostly positive review scores, heated debate has ensued over the games lacklustre finale. Yet, rather than just its controversial ending, Firewatch’s flaws arguably stem from far more deeper rooted problems with both its poorly structured narrative, and fundamentally flawed game design."

[zcmilano]

I actually enjoyed the game as a whole, but agree that it never really encourages you to interact with the setting like Gone Home.. It felt like I wanted to rush through to find out what was happening.. and then it was over.. and the ending was just..meh.

[Yukes]

I agree, it was a shame there wasn't more encouragement to interact with things around you. That said, it was a generally well-told story, and Campo Santo should be applauded for a fairly unique premise, in my opinion.

[Shinuz]

So is it best to wait for a 50% sale on the game before buying it?

[opoikl]

Reading all these negative articles and comments makes me feel glad I decided to get st*ned for my nighttime playthrough.

The immersion was that much stronger (the gentle music and god...those colors), the pacing fitted my mental state perfectly and halfway through I started anticipating some messed up plot twist/ending which dialed up the paranoia a few notches. The 'ordinary' ending actually made for a nice change to what's to be expected from a game like this.

[c00lvilKid69]

So many good games seem to fall apart towards the end. I’m trying to avoid reading much about Firewatch because it’s a game I’m looking forward to playing. The critics seem divided though, I’ve heard good things as well as bad.

[Shillmeister]

Might be mediocre story-wise and all that, but it's a damn pretty game. Beautiful art style!

Maybe the devs might introduce a something along the lines of a Directors Cut to address the issues of the story and everything? Though wouldn't bet on it, just a wild thought.

[madhouse02]

It's a story adventure game.. so if the story is bad then it's obviously not a great game ..

[basilboxer]

Gone Home destroys this game.. if you don't agree then you don't understand the point of these games. Firewatch isn't terrible though.. still glad I played it.

[NarooN]

Gone Home wasn't really groundbreaking even with its story. I mean it was okay, but the way people talk about it it's as if they believe no one ever tackled those themes in any form of media before.

[goldwyncq]

Gone Home doesn't destroy anything lol

[generic-user-name]

"if you don't agree then you don't understand the point of these games"

The doctors say my eyes may never stop rolling.

[Dark-soul]

starts good, but after 3 hours or so starts to suck more and more + ending blows.
Very average game, not worth full price.

[RageofReaper]

SPOILER

The ending really disappointed me. Finding out what was in the fenced off area was also a letdown (I was hoping for a Lost style premise etc, but Elk trackers?) Of course, the pay off was the relationship, but that boiled down to some solid voice acting and nothing more really.

Amazing art style, real sense of isolation etc, but could have been so much more.

[MJunior]

I forced myself to complete this game. A really bad experience.

[Der_Kommandant]

Within the first few hours I ran into a game breaking bug and i can't continue the story, so i need to start all over again or wait for a patch.

And the frame drops are horrible, so yeah, mediocre at its best.

[InMyOpinion]

After feeling more or less robbed by buying Everybody's gone to the rapture, I tend to avoid "games" labeled as walking simulators.

[quaneylfc]

Why did no one like the ending?

First of all, reword that title, it isn't a fact because there are people (like me) who loved the ending.

I can tell you why i liked it but i can't explain why people hated it, did wanted the choice? Why? They wanted to meet Delilah? But that would have been WRONG?

[KentBlake]

SPOILERS

I also think the ending was great. People wanted a Lost-style plot twist full of sci-fi, but I really liked how they made a plot twist in the opposite direction.

[Toon_Link]

I agree. There's no need for anything spectacular. Great game that I ended u beating in two sittings.

[Mr Marvel]

After seeing the garbage trophy list, I decided not to bother with the game.

It's a shame when devs don't take trophies seriously, as they add enjoyment for me while gaming.

[imnotarobot]

I Loved the game, but was very disappointed in the ending. Firewatch had so much potential with an interesting plot and amazing voice acting. The ending was a bit of a let down but I am looking forward to more from this dev team in the future.

So much potential.