Firefighting isn’t a theme that often finds its way into video games, but with Firefighting Simulator: Ignite, weltenbauer. and publisher astragon set out to capture the unique tension and teamwork of battling real emergencies. On PlayStation 5, the game offers a simulation that is at once authentic and ambitious, with dynamic fires and a wide range of tools to master. While it’s a strong step forward for the niche, its technical and design choices don’t always make for a smooth ride, even if the end result is a positive one.
The structure of the game is built around responding to emergency calls across a large Midwestern city, using faithfully recreated fire trucks and equipment to tackle scenarios ranging from house fires to industrial accidents. The firefighting itself can be engaging and varied, with the need to select the right tools for the job and think strategically about how to contain a blaze. Missions involving civilians add a layer of urgency that ups the stakes, and there’s a real satisfaction in coordinating tasks like ventilating a room or sawing through obstacles. At the same time, some missions can feel formulaic once you’ve seen their structure repeat, and the AI teammates don’t always offer the most reliable support.
Moment-to-moment gameplay manages to capture both the thrill and the grind of the profession. Hoses feel powerful, axes land with weight, and the simulation of fire and smoke using Unreal Engine 5 helps to make situations look genuinely dangerous. Still, fire behavior can occasionally be inconsistent, with flames spreading in ways that feel scripted rather than natural. This undercuts some of the immersion, especially when combined with minor bugs or clunky collision detection. The potential is clear, but the execution doesn’t always live up to the ambition.
The PlayStation 5 controls are generally responsive, whether driving the fire engines or working on foot with tools. Steering heavy trucks through city streets has a certain charm and tension, though navigation can sometimes be cumbersome due to awkward pathfinding and stiff handling. On foot, the controls make switching between gear intuitive enough, but in high-pressure situations, the interaction prompts can feel a little fiddly at first, which occasionally breaks the flow of action.
Visually, Ignite benefits from Unreal Engine 5, offering detailed fire effects and dense smoke that fill environments with a tangible sense of danger. At its best, the lighting and atmosphere create a convincing firefighting scenario that feels more serious than arcade-like. On the downside, environments outside the fire itself can look bland or underdeveloped, reminding players that this is still a mid-budget simulation rather than a fully polished blockbuster. Audio design fares better: the roar of flames, the crackle of collapsing structures, and the team chatter contribute well to immersion, even if voice work and dialogue are limited.
Multiplayer is a highlight, with the ability to coordinate firefighting efforts alongside other players. This is where the simulation feels closest to its full potential, as human teammates cover for AI shortcomings and make coordination more dynamic and rewarding. Single-player is serviceable thanks to NPC partners, but they’re prone to lapses that can frustrate during more complex missions. The addition of mod support through Mod.io helps extend the game’s lifespan, offering custom scenarios and community-created challenges, though this aspect will appeal more to PC players than console audiences.
In the end, Firefighting Simulator: Ignite is a game that shines when you’re in the thick of it – smoke swirling, hoses blasting, and civilians being pulled from danger. It delivers a strong sense of authenticity and a theme that remains underexplored in the medium. Yet it’s also held back by repetitive mission design, uneven AI, and some rough technical edges. For those curious about firefighting or fans of niche simulations, there’s plenty to appreciate here. But for others, it may feel like a game best enjoyed in short bursts or with friends rather than as a long solo career.
Score: 7.8/10
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