In a world where ordinary people often dream of doing extraordinary things, someone actually decided to let you live out that fantasy of being a firefighter in "Real Heroes: Firefighter". You won't be saving the world from evil aliens or embarking on a quest to defeat dragons; instead, you'll be putting out fires, rescuing kittens, and ensuring that the toast doesn't burn during breakfast. This first-person shooter, now on the Nintendo Switch, showcases what it really means to be a local hero, one extinguished flame at a time.
In this game, players assume the role of a freshly graduated firefighter affectionately dubbed 'Probie' (short for probationary firefighter, in case you weren't keeping up with the lingo). The game offers a variety of playable scenarios, chiefly revolving around saving lives and putting out fires with a suspiciously limitless water hose and a not-so-limitless fire extinguisher. The control scheme makes use of the Switch's motion controls so you can wield your hose and axe as if you were actually getting caught up in a case of flames -- and boy, will you burn through your imagination more than actual propane tanks. Players are tasked with various objectives, including saving civilians, snuffing out raging infernos, and completing the obligatory tutorial level where you rescue your colleague who thought it was a good idea to role-play as a mannequin. Each segment of gameplay is crafted with checkpoints, which means you can save yourself from crying in despair when you inevitably misjudge a leap over a crumbling wall. Plus, there are hidden collectibles in each fire scenario, which add a little replay value to your firefighting escapade.
Graphically speaking, "Real Heroes: Firefighter" isn't exactly pushing the envelope. It lives somewhere between the nostalgic 2000s and the better-looking stuff we've come to expect from modern games. Fire effects are decent, but there are moments where you'll find yourself questioning if that Colonel Sanders-looking fire hydrant really belongs in this decade. The models range from somewhat realistic to 'What even is that?'. Overall, it's package that tries its best with the technology of the time, but it can't quite catch the visuals of its competitors. That said, gameplay tends to outweigh presentation here when you remember you're playing a game about putting out fires, not one about C-3PO making tea.
To sum up, "Real Heroes: Firefighter" offers players a quirky dive into the life of a firefighter. While it may not rival major blockbuster titles in terms of gameplay depth or graphics, there's a certain charm in saving civilians and dousing flames. The comedic moments - when you realize you've just used an extinguisher to spray down a bunch of cardboard cutouts instead of saving a trapped cat - make it a worthwhile experience, especially if you enjoy indie games and quirky scenarios. Just remember when tackling those burning structures, it's not about the flames you extinguish, but the virtual kittens you rescue along the way. So, grab some popcorn and prepare to save the day, one hose spray at a time!