Firework is an emotionally resonant and atmospherically rich indie horror game developed by Shiying Studio and published by Gamera Games. While at first glance it appears to follow the familiar structure of a side-scrolling mystery, it quickly becomes apparent that the game offers something far more intimate and layered. Set in a quiet, rural Chinese village scarred by a tragic event, the narrative is rooted in cultural folklore and steeped in melancholy, unfolding through a delicate blend of puzzle-solving, exploration, and supernatural intrigue. Rather than relying on cheap scares or action, Firework builds tension through a slow-burning story, ethereal visuals, and a strong emotional undercurrent.

The player takes on the role of Lin Lixun, a rookie detective assigned to investigate a sudden fire that breaks out during a funeral. The fire reopens an older, unsolved case involving a grisly massacre at an orphanage—a case that many believed was long buried. Lin’s journey into the heart of the investigation slowly transforms into something far more personal, as he discovers his unique ability to communicate with the dead. This mechanic isn’t used for spectacle but is carefully woven into the narrative, allowing Lin to access hidden memories and uncover the painful truths lingering within the village. The use of the supernatural serves not just as a gameplay device, but as a mirror to the human tragedies that fuel the horror.

What makes Firework stand out from other horror titles is its pacing and tone. It doesn't rush; instead, it invites players to sit with the unease, to absorb the weight of each memory, and to piece together a story built on sorrow, guilt, and loss. The visual style supports this mood beautifully. The game employs hand-painted, watercolor-like backgrounds and subdued color palettes that convey both the rural isolation of the village and the ghostly presence that pervades it. Character sprites are minimalist but expressive, and the game’s frequent use of still frames and fading transitions gives it the feeling of a storybook slowly turning dark. Every location—from abandoned schools to misty graveyards—is crafted with care and a sense of quiet dread.

The gameplay itself is rooted in exploration and light puzzle-solving. Movement is restricted to a 2D plane, keeping the controls intuitive and focused. Players navigate from scene to scene, examine objects, trigger memories, and engage in simple puzzles that advance the story. These puzzles are never overly complex but are satisfying in their thematic relevance. Clues are often grounded in narrative context, encouraging the player to pay close attention to character dialogue and environmental details. It’s a design philosophy that values immersion over challenge, and it works well in a game so driven by storytelling.

Sound design plays a crucial role in creating the atmosphere. The game avoids traditional background music for much of its runtime, instead employing ambient sound effects—crackling fire, footsteps on gravel, the low hum of wind—to cultivate tension. When music does appear, it’s often subtle and mournful, underlining moments of emotional revelation rather than jump scares. The voice acting is sparse and intentionally reserved, allowing silence to speak as loudly as any spoken line. Combined with the game's restrained visual storytelling, this minimalist audio approach makes every sound, every creak, and whisper, feel deeply unsettling.

Though short in length—many players finish it in three to four hours—Firework offers a meaningful and replayable experience. There are multiple endings based on decisions made throughout the game, and a New Game+ mode is unlocked after completing the story once, allowing players to approach the mystery again with a deeper understanding and added challenges. These alternate endings add replay value and invite the player to reevaluate earlier moments with the benefit of hindsight. It’s a clever way of reinforcing the game’s core themes—how memory, perspective, and truth are often shaped by time and experience.

While the English localization may contain a few grammatical rough edges, it successfully conveys the game’s emotional weight and cultural nuances. For Western audiences, the story offers a rare glimpse into Chinese spiritual traditions, ghost lore, and rural societal dynamics. Yet its themes—grief, guilt, redemption, and the search for truth—are universal. The cultural specificity doesn’t alienate; instead, it enriches the experience, grounding the supernatural elements in a world that feels authentic and lived-in. Players don’t need a deep knowledge of Chinese culture to understand the sorrow at the heart of the tale.

Firework is not designed to appeal to players looking for action, jump scares, or high-stakes survival. Instead, it caters to those who appreciate quiet, story-driven horror with emotional depth. It’s a haunting tale told through restrained mechanics and poignant art direction, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll. In a genre often dominated by intensity and shock value, Firework is a rare example of subtlety and sincerity, telling a story that’s as tragic as it is beautiful. For players who value atmosphere, narrative, and introspective horror, this game is a quiet masterpiece worth experiencing.

Rating: 9/10

Amazing game that initially draws you in with very unsettling horror mystery vibes, but evolves into an emotional adventure with peak storytelling, featuring lots of simple puzzles, hand drawn art, and good music/sound design that really breathe life into the story and atmosphere. You won't want to put this one down until you finish.