Firefighters 2014: The Simulation Game

Firefighters 2014 is a game that simulates the life of firefighters. The main campaign consists of a number of days with mission days where specific events take place and free days where the operations are determined by random events. Examples of missions include house fires, traffic accidents with people stuck in car wrecks, subway derailment, barn fires, flooded basements and more. Rather than just taking the player from event to event, it simulates the full life of a firefighter. That way the player can explore the environment in the base of operations, interact with other firefighters and manipulate objects in the environment. Specific vehicles are assigned and these need to be maintained, including checking their fuel, water tank, tire pressure and more. They include a command post vehicle, ambulance, swap body vehicle, fire engine, turntable ladder vehicle and auxiliary fire engine. A vehicle needs to be driven to a gas station with complete controls for the process, such as opening the fuel filter flap. The same applies to filling the water tank. When not on a mission, duties include a full check-up, refueling, repairing, cleaning, recharging batteries, resting and doing fitness. There are also some easter eggs that can be discovered by exploring the grounds.

Once a mission comes in, the vehicle needs to be driven to the location in time. A co-driver often gives tips about the vehicle. Each type has a specific handling and the player needs to watch traffic and use the sirens, warning lights and indicators. Specific vehicles also have additional functions that can be controlled, such as a turntable ladder, a stretcher or a roller container. Once on site, the truck needs to be deployed through various options. During a mission, the player's character has access to an inventory system to hold a number of objects so as to not having to return to the truck each time. It has room for an axe, respiratory protection, a free slot for a random item and a fourth slot to carry an injured person. Missions are time limited and the player has to watch their health. A mini-map in the bottom left corner helps navigating the environment.

Fires can be fought with a regular fire extinguisher, a fog nozzle and the front jet of the fire engine. It is also possible to connect a hose to hydrants to get an unlimited supply of water. Each action often requires multiple steps that need to be completed. While fighting fire, a proper distance needs to be maintained. The player also needs to take into account the wind direction and the time pressure. If a fire source is not targeted directly, it can spread and cause a hazard. Fires also often change direction. When injured people are involved, a proper procedure needs to be followed or points are deducted. The axe is used to break through doors and a flashlight helps navigating dense environments. Additional services can be called when the situation gets out of control and for injured persons you need to contact an ambulance or an emergency doctor. Other actions include securing danger zones with traffic cones and applying binding agent to prevent spilled fuel from seeping into the soil. After each mission, the performance is rated in a briefing with the chief.