A masterclass in storytelling, Firewatch uses both the unknown and the unseen to create a terrifying wilderness where the player is made to piece the truth together like a meticulously designed jigsaw. The atmosphere in this game is like nothing else, the suspense and tension keep you constantly hooked, desperate for the next slither of information. Both the writing and voice acting bring the story to life, with some of the most impressive and convincing performances I've ever heard. It's impossible not to empathise with the characters and their chemistry is astonishingly natural. Additionally, the multiple choices in dialogue trees allows the player to really feel that they are shaping the story that unfolds. The visuals of this game are just gorgeous, the unique artstyle paired with the amazing scenery meant I couldn't resist stopping and taking pictures at every turn. Firewatch is a perfect example of how graphical fidelity isn't always necessary to have a beautiful game with a strong sense of identity. Lastly, although it's short, the story feels like the perfect length, with a well rounded structure and almost no unnecessarily slower moments for padding.

If you haven't already, I implore you to give this game a go. I promise it's worth your time.