You struggle quite a lot of issues in video video games: zombies, terrorists, and people oddly enthusiastic blue slime issues from the Dragon Quest franchise. Fires, nonetheless, are usually not a very frequent foe. Certain, there was Konami’s Firefighter F.D.18 on the PS2 and even Burning Rangers on the SEGA Saturn, but it surely’s not as frequent theme as you’d count on it to be. Firefighting Simulator: The Squad follows within the footsteps of Farming Simulator, however given the subject material, it’s much more intense than cultivating crops.
Unsurprisingly, you’ll be chargeable for executing more and more tough rescue missions. Your entire recreation’s set in a fictional US-inspired metropolis sandbox, the place you’ll choose from an increasing record of mission aims and disembark from a central hearth station. You get to drive the hearth engine, of which there are a number of formally licensed fashions to unlock, and a fast and clear response time will improve your XP on the finish. You may select to play alongside a staff of AI firefighters, however the recreation’s at its finest in on-line co-op, which is on the market throughout all the marketing campaign.
The gameplay feels somewhat free – you’ll be able to inform it’s been tuned for PC earlier than consoles – however every mission requires a level of technique. Usually you’ll discover victims unconscious of their houses, and also you’ll want to securely extract them and get them to a paramedic earlier than tackling the flames. The hearth spreads organically, and whereas blasting it with streams of water can really feel a bit tedious, you’ll have to assume tactically about your staff’s strategy in an effort to wrestle again management of the scenario. It’s surprisingly difficult: one early mission noticed us take an eternity to douse a tree – it’s no marvel wildfires are so harmful!
The sport adopts a vibrant, SEGA arcade-style presentation, with shiny blue skies and plush inexperienced gardens. As such, it really finds a cheerful medium between realism and leisure – there are quite a lot of genuine duties right here, sufficient to make you are feeling such as you’re a reliable firefighter, but it surely’s not slowed down by meticulous particulars like some simulators are usually. This makes it a surprisingly enjoyable expertise, regardless of the high-stakes rescues on show, and it’s the sort of marketing campaign you’ll be able to relax with – particularly for those who’re planning to play in co-op with a gaggle of buddies.
Our solely main criticism is that missions, whereas considerably assorted, do are likely to fall into a well-known sample, the place you’re switching off the electrical energy, plotting escape routes for any victims, after which dousing the flames. The completely different constructing layouts do inject some originality from goal to goal, and there are even some smaller scale duties like burning sizzling canine stalls, however you’re going to really feel the pangs of repetition after a dozen or so hours. And for those who’re planning to play alone, regardless of the inclusion of a command wheel, you’ll find yourself cursing your braindead AI teammates.
Conclusion
Firefighting Simulator: The Squad takes an underrepresented idea and delivers a rousing co-op expertise. Regardless of its title, the sport doesn’t get too slowed down in particulars, making for an entertaining gameplay loop that’s oddly enjoyable – regardless of the extreme situations on show. Some shoddy AI and repetition imply we wouldn’t advocate it solo, however there’s simple enjoyable available with buddies.
