Firework Price History & Deals Across Stores

Language	Interface	Subtitles	Audio
Simplified Chinese	Yes	—	—
English	Yes	Yes	—

RecommendedSteam player

02/04/2021

We need English！！！！Show moreShow less

1.6 hours at review743 people found this helpful

Not recommendedSteam player

03/11/2023

Do you like exposition? Then you'll love Firework. What starts out as a really atmospheric, visually pretty and novel game, rapidly runs into trouble when its characters start talking...and then never ever stop. As a massive fan of narrative detective games, point-and-click and horror, I thought this would be an easy favourite, but Firework repeatedly misses the mark. It's not easy to explain how, but I'll try. The central crimes of the narrative are relatively straightforward and the majority of the plot can be pieced together from some newspaper clippings at the very beginning of the story, and through inference within the several simple puzzles scattered throughout the game. And yet, the game proceeds as though we don't have any of this information, slowly eking out each piece of the story like we are hearing it for the first time and it ends up complicating the plot in a really jarring way as you walk backwards and forwards for hours through rooms thinking "well I guess I must be missing the point". Along the way there are 'twists' though these are typically about minor details we apparently were supposed to remember this time, and in general seem of no great relevance. The final two thirds of the game absolutely plods along and the character motivations are all so bizarre and their speech so stilted, that it's very hard to care about anything that's happening. Please spend 1000 more words telling me about a peripheral professor character who has no bearing on the plot right at the climax of the story! But wait! Twist! Didn't you know that the cousin of one of the characters owned a shop that sold cigarettes and actually that means that if people see me pretending to smoke then they'll know that my advice to patients is bogus and also something about ghosts? Don't worry, this isn't a spoiler, and if it is and you decide to play the game then after riding a few waves of convoluted and disorientating exposition you won't remember. Nor will you care. Because there's nothing to care about, no one to root for. I guess, at best, protagonist Lin Lixun is supposed to be like a bland, faceless everyperson through which we can experience the at times evocative landscape of the game. But then there are like weird, distracting details that hint to a backstory and that don't lead anywhere. I can hear for three chapters of the game things that I already know and then suddenly there's a newspaper clipping about Lin's dad and oh wait, that's new - what does that mean? Oh no, no it's gone. And why do they talk to each other like this? I appreciate that some of the nuances were likely lost in translation, but the characters in this version end up like hollowed-out bots loaded up with forensic catchphrases and like a storyboard description of the literal plot. Was that heart photobooth moment with the manic pixie dream ghost supposed to approximate some romantic catharsis between two characters who have shared precisely no feelings with each other? It's okay, it's fine. I'm fine. I do get why people would like this game. It's stylish and has some cool ideas and mechanics; I just don't quite understand the level of recognition and enthusiasm, especially when there have been so many truly excellent games from this category over the last few years (The Darkside Detective, Pentiment, The Curse of the Golden Idol, The Excavation of Hob's Barrow, Chicken Police to name a few) that have received comparatively less attention, and it sort of makes it feel a bit like the emperor's new clothes. Do you like exposition? Then you'll love this review. Anyway...TL;DR: atmospheric game, wack dialogue.Show moreShow less

8.3 hours at review21 people found this helpful

RecommendedSteam player

12/27/2021

Playing status: 100% achievement Grindy Achievement(s): No. Optional Achievement(s): Yes (1 achievement). Difficult Achievement(s): No. Intro Firework is a horror adventure game based on Chinese culture. You'll play as a police investigator that is investigating a murder case and experiencing the story of the victims themselves. The game has several light jumpscares that will entice you with its unique atmosphere. Pros: - Simple puzzles - Great visual presentation of the horror elements Cons: - It's hard to remember the characters' names Specs Intel Core i5-9300H 2.40GHz, 8GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Should you buy this game? Yes. If you like to play 2D, atmospheric horror games, buy this game. The game can be very short compared to its offering price though, so feel free to buy it at a sale. In-Depth Review Visuals Despite using a lot of backgrounds from the same location, the game does a good job of making them unique. It tries to make the places look distinct with their lightings, showing a limited portion of images from the whole background. The variety also helps to create tension in the story. New elements will come out of nowhere to surprise you with their appearance. Story The use of Chinese names makes it hard to remember the characters. There are a lot of characters introduced in this game, and I couldn't even remember them all. Sure, some names like Ye and Yu might be easy to remember, but the others can be harder to remember, especially if you want to try remembering their full name. It took me a while before I could associate who is who, hindering my experience from understanding the story. The story can be confusing to understand though, even without the names. It might also be caused by the supernatural elements where you are teleported out of nowhere. There is a lot of unexplainable mystery that surrounds you, just like how you can suddenly move between places and most importantly, why you are getting sidetracked from your initial objective. Some mysteries will be solved from time to time, but sadly, the initial objective remains unanswered. I'm not sure if I missed it somewhere during my time trying to remember the characters' names. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2575360240 The relation to Chinese culture brings a unique standpoint to the game. Although some customs will be explained in the game, others like burning ancestral money won't be explained at all. This might be because it's not relevant to the game, but it's still nice to know the reason why they are doing it somehow. The explanation for others that are available in the game is done nicely though. The game will explain everything in the end, so you won't have to worry about not understanding everything. I was still bothered with the fact that I didn't get anything before the game explains it, but the conclusion tied up nicely apart from the initial case that seem to be forgotten. The Game Gameplay The game is played out like other adventure games that you play on a keyboard. Characters will be portrayed in sidescroller view, where you can walk left and right to find interactable objects to progress the game. Progression is mostly linear - all you need to do is to explore and interact with objects. However, I dislike when the game gives a dialogue whenever I hit a wall - I had to wait for a while and close the text before I can do anything. I wish that this will only be shown when you are about to hit a wall in a place that you can't see, not with every wall in the game. I didn't bother to explore the environment much because of this. Despite having to explore the same area several times, you won't get bored with the presentations. New objects will come out of nowhere, increasing the suspense before executing the jumpscares. The jumpscares aren't scary either - they will surprise you with their sudden appearance, but it's not so scary to give you nightmares. The atmosphere, however, was done perfectly to send shivers whenever someone shows up. I liked how bizarre and unique the experience was. It's similar to how it is in DISTRAINT, but with horror elements instead of gore. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2390340823 Simple puzzles will also be presented to break the repetitiveness. The puzzles will be varied, ranging from finding a number combination in the area to rotating pipes to reach the exit. They are very easy to solve, although some will require you to think a bit. One puzzle seems to lose its value from the translation though. There is a puzzle that requires you to find a number combination from Chinese letters, which had to be translated for the English audience. I know that those who don't understand Chinese won't have any chance to understand the puzzle without it, but it just feels like a waste to see such cleverly designed puzzles being toned down by the translation. Length and Difficulties Sadly, the game is very short. It only lasts for 3.5 for me, and since the game is linear, there is no need to replay it again. I liked the music in the ending though. The game isn't difficult at all since you just need to walk around and interact with the objects to proceed. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2403140787 Conclusion As a horror game, Firework knows what to do to execute a good quality game. Cutscenes are abundant, whether it's just to give a close-up image of an item or show an action that a certain character is doing. The presentation is also done well with the tension and build-up to give you a surprise that comes up from time to time. The number of jumpscares might be little compared to other horror games, but that's not the main point of the game after all. It focuses on a murder case at its core with a lot of twists and bizarre elements. It's a game that requires you to understand the story and watch how it plays out to experience it to its fullest. If you enjoy 2D atmospheric horror games, this game is surely meant for you. This game was reviewed with a key provided by the developer for free Visit SaveOrQuit.com for detailed game reviews, posted daily!Show moreShow less

3.5 hours at review57 people found this helpful

Received for free

Not recommendedSteam player

07/21/2023

I'm torn, because the puzzles and writing aren't bad, but I just found the whole pacing and gameplay to be supremely dull. If you're more into narrative games than I am, I'm sure this would be a good time, but it just wasn't for me.Show moreShow less

2.7 hours at review12 people found this helpful

RecommendedSteam player

12/26/2022

When I found this game, I wanted to play it but thought it wouldn't be worth the full price because it would just be another walk & click to interact kind of game. I waited for a sale, bought it, and now that I finished playing it, (unlike other people) I kinda regret not buying it for its full price. I wanted to give support to the people behind it, really. I wasn't actively critiquing the game while playing... I was really lost in the story and at the same time, I was trying to remember which of the characters was being pertained to every time a name is mentioned (since their names were Chinese). That said, all stated below are things I only realized post-game: It had a great story, unexpected twists (but not complicated) - I really dislike games that easily get predicable when you're not even at 3/4s of the game yet. This had its reveal right at the perfect time - not too soon, not too late. I loved that it didn't force to have a happy ending - they gave a closure to the Tian family story, but it was realistic in a sense that it ended the way it normally would (they didn't say in the story that those who really were innocent went to heaven, yada yada). It was all really just to uncover the truth. No try-hard jump scares. In fact, I don't think there were any at all. I loved the simple (yet effective) effects and the ominous atmosphere it set, even though the gameplay was very simple. I kind of hoped that the puzzles were a little bit challenging and that there was time pressure applied to them - that would've given intensity. All in all, I would say that if you are someone who really stays for the story, get this game.Show moreShow less

4.5 hours at review52 people found this helpful

Not recommendedSteam player

05/13/2021

A Detention clone that tries tell a good story. The art style and gameplay is heavily influenced by Red Candle's game. So much so some parts of the game feels identical. The story is alright with a few unanswered questions and a linear progression. Though the plot feels a bit uninspired and generic and afraid to tackle any difficult subjects. Short game, only lasts about 4 hrs. If you think this is gonna be as good as Detention, you not gonna be happy with this game. Buy it if you are okay with all Chinese dialog and only when it's on sale. Not worth the full price.Show moreShow less

4.2 hours at review12 people found this helpful

RecommendedSteam player

02/03/2022

This was an interesting game. I didn't love it but I did enjoy it. I was waiting for an English translation for a while now, and I'm glad it finally happened. The story is very engrossing for the majority of the game as you try and uncover the truth behind the presumed murder-suicide of the Tian family. It was difficult to figure out what exactly happened even with clues being revealed left and right. When the truth does come to light, it's not what I expected at all. I did find it to be a much more tragic explanation of what happened to the Tian family than what was assumed. That's a big part of this game, though: Nothing is as it appears. This applies to the Tian family but other characters as well. You also get a glimpse at Chinese myths and beliefs throughout the game, although, things aren't what they seem in regards to those as well. I think it's a brilliantly layered story, definitely one of the more complex ones I've played. The game has no audio dialogue -- just some sound effects and background music. It doesn't negatively impact the game, though. It may even have been a very effective way to enhance the atmosphere. One of the most important benefits is you don't have to worry about any subpar voice acting distracting you from what's going on. You just focus on the story progression and the soundtrack/sound effects. It does make the atmosphere feel quite eerie overall. There are a couple things I didn't like, though: (SPOILERS AHEAD) I didn't care much for the subplot involving Dr. Ye Jingshan . It felt a bit out of place, like it was shoehorned in to add another "twist" to the story. I think it could have been incorporated more efficiently. I figured out early on that Chen Qingsui was most likely a ghost because it was too obvious. Her death still has me kind of puzzled, though, since, again, maybe it's not what it seems like other things in this game. (END SPOILERS) The game was creepy and weird, relying more on sound and visual cues than gore and monsters. It wasn't very scary, though. It's not a bad thing per say, and I've played so many horror games it's tough to scare me anymore. I just wish it had some stronger psychological horror elements. Just a little. This isn't really a complaint but the English translation has a few errors here and there. Nothing major, just some simple mistakes. It doesn't take away from the story as you can still understand what's going on just fine. If you're obsessed with perfect spelling and grammar, though, you might be a tad annoyed when you encounter such a mistake in the dialogue. This is also not a complaint, but it may depend on who you are. The game has a few puzzles but they are simple for the most part, so you don't have to worry about being deterred from completing the game by complex puzzles and riddles. I don't think the game needed a lot of puzzles anyway, nor did it need complicated ones. The story, characters, soundtrack, and atmosphere were more than enough to keep things worthwhile. That being said, if you like more challenging puzzles and riddles, then you probably will find these few instances in the game boring. It shouldn't prevent you from enjoying the game, though. Overall, a very good game and it was worth the wait. It kept me guessing and I became very attached to some of the characters. I felt like I know some of them by the end, and could sympathize with them. There are a couple things that didn't work for me, though, but it could just be my opinion in the end. I definitely recommend getting this game even at full price, which is a modest $10. I think it could be a little more, like $15 or something but still...very affordable so you have nothing to lose!Show moreShow less

5.2 hours at review41 people found this helpful

Not recommendedSteam player

11/03/2022

I played 27 mins but it felt like 3 hours. The biggest issue is that what is supposed to be a visual novel is made into a click n point game. Regardless of how good or emotional the story might be, I can't find out due to the tedious, exhausting gameplay. The style is painfully wrong, more than half of the time it is simply walking a short distance left to right, without much to see, especially while holding a candle lit up in a limited space. Then clicking 1-2 items to trigger few lines and that's it. There might be time loops so I ended up repeating the same map 6 times, each with little change, not to mention the walking speed is irritatingly slow it is almost torturous. In addition, half an hour into the game I found things lacking logic: 1. Officer Lin investigated the med-department, with a "only authorities allowed" sign at the door, yet he kindly informed a intruder to not take away anything. After the intruder states she is related to the crime case, officer Lin raised no alarm and just let her go. 2. According to the police, "the shop owner dies without much money, the neighbors kindly raised money to bury him". The setting made it clear the story happened in a (remote) village, yet those wreaths dedicated to the past one are EVERYWHERE, especially near the store. It may fill spaces and make the graphics look better, but it is of little sense. 3. Doctor Ye smokes openly in the hospital corridor right next room where Officer Lin woke up from a coma. Met for the first time, the doctor asked "Do you want one?" Why doctor, so eager to get n trouble? Anyway, those are not the only issues - others include too easy puzzles - either pipe rotate/clicking or memories of a certain pattern, the story is obviously not for kids so why make puzzles for kids. Can't bear the gameplay to proceed. Not recommended.Show moreShow less

0.5 hours at review11 people found this helpful

RecommendedSteam player

07/09/2021

We need English :(Show moreShow less

0.1 hours at review35 people found this helpful

Not recommendedSteam player

02/02/2026

the first 20 minutes are really intriguing, then my interest started waning rapidly because... idk, i believe this was marketed as survival horror, but the puzzles are too juvenile and too few and far in between. and like most of the game is just dialogue so far, which in itself isn't too much of an issue but not what i was expecting going in. i think 'firework' purports itself as something bigger than it actually is and that made me bored. i'll keep playing but if there's no edit here i dnf'd it. edit: since someone asked me why i reviewed after less than an hour on steam -- i also own this on GOG from a bundle. i give games second chances. i still stand by what i said. this game spoonfeeds you every puzzle solution.Show moreShow less

1.6 hours at review9 people found this helpful

Firework

Price History

01About Firework

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