In 2025, simulator games are a dime a dozen. So standing out in such a saturated market is difficult. That’s why when a game comes along and keeps my attention the way Firefighting Simulator: Ignite did, I know it has some special sauce.
You start by creating your firefighter from a limited creation suite, before being taken through a tutorial to get you up to speed. At its core, Firefighting Simulator: Ignite is a mission-based experience set in the fictional city of Oakridge. However you are offered some exploration as well. Before we go any further, yes you can explore the fire station and yes, there is a pole to slide down. If you don’t have a massive smile on your face while doing this, we can’t be friends.
Each mission presents unique hazards including gas leaks, electrical faults, and collapsing floors that demand quick thinking and strategic coordination. This results in the single-player being serviceable, with AI teammates that can be directed to perform tasks. However, their occasional clumsiness reinforces the value of human cooperation.
Because of this, Firefighting Simulator: Ignite shines brightest in its multiplayer mode. Cross-play functionality allows you to team up with friends or strangers, and the emphasis on teamwork is palpable. Assigning roles, coordinating hose lines, ventilating rooms, and rescuing civilians all require communication and trust. One misstep; like opening a door without checking for backdraft can turn a manageable blaze into chaos.
The game offers a robust arsenal of firefighting equipment. From hoses and foam lines to axes and thermal imaging cameras, each tool has a specific function and feels purposeful. You’ll learn to distinguish between grease fires and electrical ones, choosing the right suppression method to avoid making things worse. For example, spraying water on a grease fire triggers an explosion, while foam smothers it effectively. This level of detail helps to keep you on your toes at all times went a long way in raising the gameplay stakes for me.
Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Ignite is visually impressive on PlayStation 5. Oakridge may be a bit too pristine for a city constantly on fire, but the environmental effects, dynamic smoke, flickering flames, and particle debris really add to a sense of immersion. The fire itself behaves in realistic ways, reacting to oxygen and spreading quickly. Some may lament not being able to explore the world more, but it does a bang up job as a backdrop to get you from A-to-B.
Performance during my playtime was very solid, with the framerate rarely dipping below the advertised 60fps. I did experience a small amount of pop-in but nothing that was overly noticeable or affected my enjoyment. All in, it felt like one of the better optimised UE5 games.
Sound plays a crucial role in Ignite. The roar of flames, the crackle of burning wood, and the distant cries of trapped civilians all add to create a constantly tense atmosphere. The soundtrack is minimal, which makes sense in a simulator game where the stakes are so high. But I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t pop with excitement if the Fireman Sam tune randomly kicked in.
Multiple difficulty settings allow you to play the way you want. From a casual session where you just aim a hose and chill, to a hardcore simulation with realistic fire spread and limited resources. Playing on the regular difficulty Firefighting Simulator: Ignite is one of the more demanding sim games I have played, but that’s in the nature of the objective and players should expect that going in.
There are some drawbacks as well. The previously mentioned AI teammates can sometimes just brain fart and fail to execute commands, and the animations can look stiff at times. Civilians you rescue would benefit from more emotional reactions as well. I just saved your life mate, ham it up a little. These are all things that developer Weltenbauer could look to improve in a future sequel.
Overall though, the game does a great job of putting you in the role of a firefighter. It strikes the right balance between simulator and fun. Something the genre has struggled with at times. It is graphically impressive and solid performance wise. Whether you’re fulfilling a childhood dream or simply looking for a fresh gaming experience, Ignite delivers.
-Mark
