PlayStation 5 Review: Real Heroes: Firefighter HD

Real Heroes: Firefighter has taken the exciting leap to the PlayStation 5, bringing along some intriguing upgrades. In this overview of Real Heroes: Firefighter HD, we’ll explore what’s new and noteworthy!

Previously released on the PlayStation 4 as a closer cousin to its original Nintendo Wii version, Ziggurat Interactive has now enhanced Real Heroes: Firefighter for the PlayStation 5. This upgrade scales up to stunning 4K resolution and cleverly utilizes the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback. Players step into the boots of a rookie cadet who’s joined the firefighting crew in bustling Los Angeles. Your mission? Master the ropes quickly to save lives—those of both civilians caught in blazing infernos and your fellow team members. The game boasts a fantastic lineup of voice actors including James Marsters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Jack McGee from Rescue Me, Michael Jace from The Shield, Jamie Kennedy from Ghost Whisperer, and Jenette Goldstein from Aliens.

Playing from a first-person viewpoint, you’ll navigate using the left analog stick and aim with the right. Sprint with the L2 button, keeping in mind that this means you can’t use your tools. Use the X button to interact with your environment—whether you’re grabbing a vital fire extinguisher or dousing flames by pressing R2.

To tackle various challenges, you’ll switch tools with the D-Pad. A stuck door? Time to wield your trusty axe! You can also employ the axe on obstacles cluttering your path. For those particularly stubborn doors, the halligan tool comes in handy, letting you pry them open with ease.

Your fire hose is indispensable for battling blazes, and by pressing the right analog stick, you can swap to the fog nozzle for close combat against flames. You’ll know you need to find a new hose when the hose icon begins to blink. Use your fire extinguisher strategically, especially if you aim for the game’s Platinum trophy!

Dense smoke areas demand caution and crouching is essential; simply press the left analog stick to duck down. If nearby, a call-out function will appear—press Square and follow the sounds to locate fellow firefighters or civilians in need. Sometimes, carrying them to safety means forfeiting your tools, a risky but noble trade-off.

You’re not limited to these tools. With the hydraulic spreader, free trapped crash victims by prying open car doors. Align it properly with the X button, activate it with R2, and remember to close it with L2 before repositioning.

Another heavy-duty tool in your arsenal is the rotary saw, perfect for slicing through walls. Aim it using the left analog stick, maneuver the saw with the right, and hold R2 to cut. Training tutorials in the game will guide you through its operation with visual cues indicating where to cut.

As you’re earning trophies, the game’s achievements are familiar to fans of Real Heroes: Firefighter. The PlayStation 5 version entices players with a Platinum trophy, along with 10 Bronze, 9 Silver, and 6 Gold trophies. Objectives range from clearing the tutorial, completing each game level, beating the game on various difficulty settings, gathering special equipment, and uncovering all fire cause determination medals.

Real Heroes: Firefighter has taken the leap to PS5, adorned with new flourishes. Previously launched on PS4 in a version akin to its Wii origins, Ziggurat Interactive has outdone themselves with this PS5 iteration. Now in 4K and utilizing the DualSense’s haptics, you play the cadet firefighter aiming to master the job in Los Angeles, saving lives as you battle flames. Featuring the talents of actors like James Marsters and Jack McGee, Real Heroes: Firefighter HD is now available on PlayStation 5 for $14.99. The PS4 version, known simply as Real Heroes: Firefighter, remains available separately at the same price.

Disclaimer: This review of Real Heroes: Firefighter HD is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Ziggurat Interactive.