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The Firemen is a top down view action game for the Super Nintendo/Super Famicom, developed and published by Human Entertainment. It was released in Japan in 1994 and later in Europe and Australia in 1995.

I kept noticing this game recommended as a hidden gem, but I was skeptical because it is just about firemen, after all. How exciting could that be? Turns out, it is actually pretty damn good!

Japan only box cover art (Image source)

The Story

The fire is spreading too damn fast, and it is coming right for you!

A high-tech chemical factory has caught fire, and inside, a volatile substance called MDL is at risk of exploding. As part of a courageous firefighting team, your mission is to rescue the trapped persons inside and prevent the flames from reaching the MDL. And because if they do, the entire building will go up in hellish flames!

Box, manual and cartridge of the game. (Image source)

The Graphics and Sound

The game's biggest weakness is its visuals. In your first play, it looks like a low-budget movie tie-in, and the art style is not that particularly appealing which is something even the cover hints at. While the game is not outright ugly and includes nice details like the flower pots shattering when sprayed, the graphics are still quite underwhelming.

On the other hand, the soundtrack is good. It feels like the sound developers were aiming for a Mega Man X-inspired sound but did not quite reach that level. Still, the music is very solid, with some standout tracks with especially the boss battle theme. Unfortunately, the sound effects are minimal and do not add much to the gameplay experience.

https://youtu.be/ZjKsn7k2xg8?si=1Lu_wb-GFGkvi4yZ Gameplay video sample of The Firemen on the SNES. Watch in 360p for near TV resolution of that time.

The Gameplay

The game plays like a top-down action game, similar to that of Super Smash TV or Pocky & Rocky, but instead of a gun, you have a fire hose. Thankfully, it is not fully on firefighting simulation. The game takes on creative liberties. The fire behaves like living enemies, with flames moving around and even attacking in patterns. It is a bit over-the-top, but it makes for a fun experience. There are six levels, each taking about more than 30 minutes to complete, and even the boss battles at the end. It might not make sense, but it makes the game more playable and exciting.

The controls are smooth and easy to get used to. You can spray water straight ahead or at the ground in front of you. And each has its own use, with the second option helping to block small fires but slowing you down. Switching between them becomes a second nature after a few minutes. You can also duck and crawl to avoid explosions or get under obstacles, and there are smart bombs for clearing out fires quickly. Everything is very responsive, making it a joy to play, especially for fans of retro games.

There are hidden extras, too. Rescuing survivors restores your health, and collecting extra smart bombs makes your hose more powerful, so it is worth exploring. The game is fast-paced, thrilling, and never feels unfair. Every danger gives a warning before it strikes. There is also a Beginner Mode that makes the game easier, great for casual players or those who just want to see everything without too much effort.

However, the game does have some flaws. Even on Beginner Mode, the last two bosses are really difficult and feel a bit unbalanced. The time limit can also be frustrating since it clashes with the exploration part. But the biggest downside is that the second character, controlled by the computer, can’t be played by a second player. A co-op mode would have been perfect for this.

Replay value is good with trying to get the hidden extras.

My Verdict

The Firemen may not look impressive at first, but its gameplay is where it truly shines. The action is fast-paced, and the controls are very responsive, making it a lot of fun to play. The difficulty is well-balanced and never unfair. Fans of classic action games that value solid, skill-based gameplay should definitely give it a try.

Play it on the mighty Super Nintendo/Super Famicom or play it on a retro gaming emulator.

Let's keep on gaming in the free world!