Burning Man
There’s a certain charm to games that pick a profession and try to replicate it with as much detail as possible. Firefighting Simulator: Ignite takes that concept and runs into the flames headfirst. It’s not about explosions or Hollywood drama, like in the movie Backdraft. Which as we discussed on the podcast, as a child of the 90s, that movie is really all I know about firefighting. Instead, FS Ignite is about the process, the teamwork, and the little details that make saving a virtual life feel meaningful. And while it doesn’t always hit the sweet spot of excitement, there’s enough here to keep players suited up for more than a few shifts.
The first thing that struck me is just how methodical the game is. You’re not rushing in guns blazing with a hose; you’re assessing the situation, hooking up lines to the hydrant and truck, breaking down doors, ventilating buildings, and coordinating with your crew. It’s closer to a puzzle game than an action one at times, and that’s not a bad thing. Fires behave dynamically, spreading based on oxygen and material, so every mission feels unpredictable. Different fire types require different approaches, foam is needed for electric fires, extinguishers on grease etc. There’s real satisfaction in figuring out the best approach, and when it all clicks, it feels fantastic.
MSRP: $34.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, PC
Price I’d Pay: $34.99
On the flip side, Ignite sometimes leans too hard into its simulation roots. Movement can feel stiff, the animations are clunky, and when missions drag on, the tension slips away. The game wants you to feel the weight of responsibility, but occasionally it just feels slow. Playing solo can get tedious because the AI teammates don’t always keep up their end of the bargain, and firefighting is clearly designed to shine with actual human cooperation.
I have spoken in length on the show about how my AI teammates will just spray water in one spot, regardless that the rest of the room is burning, or a civilian needs assistance nearby. About the only thing that they do consistently and well is set up at the beginning. I never had to run any of the water lines, which was usually when I ran around with an axe trying to open doors and provide ventilation in spots to control the fire.
Visually, Ignite isn’t going to set the world ablaze (HA!), but the fires look great. Watching flames crawl up walls and smoke choke a room sells the danger in a way screenshots can’t capture. The sound design also deserves credit; axes breaking doors, radios chirping, and the roar of fire all help immerse you in the moment.
What really sells Ignite is the sense of purpose. Every call feels important, and while I wasn’t always blown away by the gameplay loop, I appreciated that the developers leaned into realism instead of arcade thrills. When I wrapped up a mission knowing I cleared out every victim and contained the blaze, it felt earned in a way few games manage.
Firefighting Simulator: Ignite isn’t going to be for everyone. If you come looking for high-octane action, you’ll probably bounce off quickly. But if you’re patient and willing to embrace its deliberate pacing, there’s a rewarding experience here. It’s niche, no doubt, but it’s a niche worth exploring.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
