As far as multiplayer games go, you won’t find a more innovative and interesting series than Fireboy and Watergirl. Back in 2009, independent game developer Oslo Albet created the first game in the series, Fireboy and Watergirl: The Forest Temple, which laid the foundations for the legendary series.
With a total of six games, there was a lot of space to add new gameplay mechanics to each title, keeping them fresh to tempt players back for more. But because there are so many of them, it can be hard to keep track of what makes each one unique. Fear not! We’ve compiled this handy walkthrough of all the Fireboy and Watergirl games so you can see what each one has to offer.
Fireboy and Watergirl 1: The Forest Temple
The first game sets out all the basic components of the series. You, and preferably a friend, play as Fireboy and Watergirl, two characters that represent fire and water. You must solve problems by switching between the two characters, as well as navigate treacherous levels scattered with lakes of fire, water, and goo. The aim is to find the way out whilst picking up as many blue and red diamonds along the way as you can.
Teamwork is emphasized throughout the game as some puzzles are much easier with two players, although it is possible to play alone. Most of the obstacles you’ll encounter are physics or button-based puzzles. At the same time, players are trying to make sure that they keep the characters away from the elements that can harm them. It’s a solid platform from which the following games get super creative.
Fireboy and Watergirl 2: The Light Temple
Ever seen Indiana Jones? Then you’ll know exactly how the second game works. That’s because the big additions here are mirrors and beams of light. Instead of using buttons to open
doors, elevate platforms, and build bridges, now you need to use a series of mirrors in each level to deflect light into special conduits.
This is where the two-player game elements come to shine. If you want to beat the time targets and get a perfect score then you’ll need to work seamlessly with a partner to maneuver the light beams as efficiently as possible.
Fireboy and Watergirl 3: The Ice Temple
Another new temple brings a completely different gaming experience. In the third installment, ice is both an enemy and a friend. The two characters interact differently with the patches of ice dotted around the levels; Fireboy melts the ice beneath his feet meaning he slides across it quickly, whereas Watergirl sticks to it, slowing her down.
Both features are a help and hindrance at different times. When you need to climb up a steep slope, Watergirl’s grip is the only way to go. On the other hand, when you need to make a big jump, Fireboy’s speed is really handy.
Fireboy and Watergirl 4: The Crystal Temple
Portals are the name of the game in the Crystal Temple. All of the same physics puzzles remain but now there’s the added complexity of portal transportation to wrap your head around. Hopping through a portal will throw you across the level, behind locked doors, and give you access to crucial pieces of the puzzle.
Working out which portal to go through first is the main problem to tackle, so thinking ahead is really important. On top of that, some portals have two color-coded sides which will send you to different parts of the level. Keep an eye out for these or else you’ll quickly start to get confused!
Fireboy and Watergirl 5: Elements
Elements takes a different approach than the other sequels. Rather than adding one new element, it adds multiple, including wind, ice, fire, forest, and water. Playing through each temple will transport you across new scenery as well as a range of new puzzles. Some temples, like the fire temple, favor Fireboy, so you’ll have to decide who is best to take the lead on these ones.
Fireboy and Watergirl 6: Fairy Tales
The final title in the game series is possibly the most creative of all. Instead of playing with the elements, Fairy Tales takes a supernatural twist. Now it's not just up to our trusty heroes to get through each level as various colored fairies are thrown into the mix to help you along the way.
It also adds a different control system than the arrow keys/WASD. To control the fairies and unlock doors you’ll need to use the mouse or drag your fingers on a phone. This is a refreshing touch and helps to switch up the gameplay after six titles.
Well, that was a rapid rundown of the Fireboy and Watergirl series. As you now know, it’s changed a lot over the years and each game is well worth checking out. Looking for a similar game with quirky gameplay? Then check out our guide to Quax, our 4-sided platformer!
