Many video games are filled with destruction, with the main aim being to cause as much mayhem and carnage as possible. This is all well and good, but what about the video games where the player's job is to prevent harm and put out fires, both in a literal and metaphorical sense?
And what about the people in these video games that put the safety of others above their own? These selfless acts of courage deserve to be celebrated, and what better way to do that than by recognizing the most iconic video game firefighters?
8 Chef – Overcooked
As the old saying goes, “those who can't stand the heat should stay out of the kitchen!” That phrase fits perfectly with Team 17's fiendishly addictive coop classic series, Overcooked. Working in a busy kitchen must be stressful. Preparing and cooking the food to a good standard and then serving it on time to hungry customers can take its toll. People can probably understand why Gordon Ramsey shouts and swears so much!
In Overcooked, not only do players have to do these things, but they also have to contend with fires. Leave something on the stove for too long and fire will quickly spread, burning down the kitchen and ruining all the meals. Handily, there is a fire extinguisher available should a fire break out. Nonetheless, the ever-increasing ticking sound as something is about to burn will still fill players with dread as they struggle with their other tasks.
7 Jack – Bioshock
Readers may be thinking “how is Jack from Bioshock an iconic firefighter?” The truth of the matter is though, Jack can create fire and also put it out. As Jack explores Rapture, his discovery of plasmids becomes an integral part of the story. Although the Winter Blast Plasmid is used primarily for freezing enemies and objects, it could theoretically be used to put out fires as well.
The role of a firefighter isn’t just to extinguish fires, but also to save people. Jack faces the moral dilemma of whether to harvest the Little Sisters, which makes him more powerful, or save them and not receive as much Adam. The story and decisions that the player must make in Bioshock are what make it one of the most compelling video game series in recent history.
6 Rosco McQueen: Firefighter Extreme
The prize for the most inventive video game title in this list must go to Rosco McQueen: Firefighter Extreme! The aim of the game is simple. Rosco must tackle burning buildings, rescue survivors, and stop fires from spreading. A nice ironic nod (and the potential inspiration for this game) is the lead character's surname and setting, which appears to be taken directly from Steve McQueen who starred in The Towering Inferno.
It’s worth mentioning that Rosco McQueen: Firefighter Extreme was developed by legendary British developer Psygnosis, They played an extremely important role in cementing the early success of the PS1 with classic games such as Wipeout and Destruction Derby. Although Rosco McQueen: Firefighter Extreme may not be the best game from the now-defunct studio's impressive catalog, he still deserves to be mentioned and remembered.
5 Sharice – Back 4 Blood
Sharice is one of the new playable characters from the Tunnels of Terror expansion in Back 4 Blood. Since the fall of civilization and the rise of the Ridden, Sharice has put her fire ax to good use lopping off heads like there’s no tomorrow.
Sharice is a great choice for players, with her abilities including additional trauma resistance, increased team bolstered health, and a chance for armor pieces to drop. She fits in perfectly with the existing Cleaners, and players have been using her new abilities to get through the increasingly punishing levels that Back 4 Blood has to offer.
4 The Firefighter - The Ignition Factor
Anyone who chooses to run into a burning building has guts, and that is exactly what happens in the 1995 SNES game, The Ignition Factor. The game starts when the Captain briefs the player on their task. This includes saving people before time runs out and fire consumes the building. Players can choose their equipment before heading off, but paying attention to the briefing is often key to the success or failure of the mission. Taking the wrong equipment can waste valuable time, which usually means game over.
There are different scenarios to choose from, each of which provides its own distinct challenges. As the level plays out, the Captain also calls mid-mission to give additional orders, which keeps the player on their toes. The graphics, gameplay, and sound add up to make this an excellent, albeit little-known title. Thankfully, curious gamers can check out The Ignition Factor today, as it’s available on the Nintendo eShop and also part of the Jaleco Collection 1 for the Evercade.
3 Henry – Firewatch
The role of a firefighter isn’t just to stop fires, it’s also to prevent them. In Firewatch, the player takes control of Henry, who has recently started a job as a fire lookout in Shoshone National Forest. His reasons for moving into such an isolated role are explained in the superb opening section. Henry's only link to civilization is Delilah, with whom he develops a relationship throughout the story.
There are many reasons to play Firewatch, including the excellent dialogue between Henry and Delilah. Both characters are well written, and they feel genuine and authentic and not at all like video game characters. There is real heart in Firewatch which explores several emotional themes including isolation, love, loss, and, ultimately, hope and redemption.
2 Big Landman - Burning Rangers
There are plenty of iconic firefighters to choose from in the futuristic firefighting game Burning Rangers, but the one that stands out most is Big Landman. Not only has he got an awesome name, but he also has an incredible design due to his numerous implants. Sonic Team made some wonderful games across the different Sega consoles, and Burning Rangers is often fondly remembered by fans.
Not only did Burning Rangers feature an excellent soundtrack, but its anime cutscenes also brought an added style and class which elevated the game to another level. Burning Rangers was one of the final games to be released on the Sega Saturn before it was discontinued in 1998. Although this could be viewed with some sadness, at least Burning Rangers meant the short-lived console went out with a bang.
1 Blaze Carruthers - Flame Over
If someone happens to choose the profession of firefighter and their first name is Blaze, they need to make sure that they're the best of the best, or it could all go up in smoke! Thankfully, Blaze Carruthers, who stars in the twin-stick rogue likeFlame Over, is more than up to the challenge.
Despite the cutesy look, Flame Over is a tricky game that requires quick thinking and good reaction speed. Every fire Blaze extinguishes earns him money, which can be used to upgrade his skills and abilities. Each level is procedurally generated meaning there is plenty of variety, so players shouldn't lose interest too quickly.