Players Like...

❤ Gameplay Mechanics

As a news editor in the game, players review a stack of articles each day and decide which ones to approve or reject. This core gameplay loop requires carefully weighing the competing interests of stakeholders like the government, corporations, and the player's own friends and acquaintances. Approving or rejecting an article can dramatically shape public opinion, impact the lives of the game's characters, and even lead to major political or social upheaval in the city of Novistan.

❤ Player Agency and Moral Dilemmas

One of the game's standout features is the level of player agency and the moral dilemmas presented. Players frequently face complex ethical questions without clear-cut "right" or "wrong" answers, forcing them to make difficult compromises. For instance, publishing an article exposing government corruption could lead to civil unrest and harm the player's loved ones. Or supporting a new healthcare policy could improve access to care, but also face resistance from powerful corporate interests.

❤ Replayability and Branching Narratives

The game's high replayability stems from its multiple branching storylines and endings, shaped by the player's editorial decisions. Each playthrough presents a unique set of challenges, and the game's world and characters evolve in response to the player's choices. As players explore different paths, they'll uncover new details, plot threads, and surprises that were previously hidden, encouraging experimentation with various editorial strategies.

❤ Atmospheric Presentation and Characterization

The game's atmospheric presentation and character depth further enhance the experience. Novistan's dystopian, rain-soaked setting features a moody, lo-fi aesthetic that complements the themes of power, corruption, and information manipulation. Meanwhile, the game's cast of characters feel like fully realized individuals, with distinct personalities, motivations, and relationships to the player. Their reactions to the player's choices add an emotional weight to the gameplay.