Headliner:
NoviNews

Headliner: NoviNews (2018) is a narrative-driven simulation game where you play the person in charge of the headlines and stories that are released to the public. Each article you approve from your office has a direct impact on the world outside. Which news stories you choose to push will affect the graffiti on walls, the moods of other people and your relationships with the other three main characters, Evie, Justin and Rudy, all with their own complex and compelling backstories.

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The game is an in-depth look at journalism and political issues that feel very relevant to today's society, like the prospect of making national healthcare available in the midst of an epidemic. Headliner seems to take a very neutral approach to each issue you face, presenting facts for each side of the argument, as you decide which articles will be seen by the public and what title they'll have.

Overall, Headliner: NoviNews presents a dim reality where neither side of the argument is truly right. It challenges you to assess your own political and social views and the consequences of them becoming a reality. The game has a variety of art styles which maintain gameplay that's visually diverse. However, it is worth noting that due to the identical daily schedule, the game can become repetitive over time whilst watching the effects of your headlines unfold around you.

Headliner: NoviNews was built off of a smaller game called Headliner. The game is similar in how it is played but has a much shorter 7-day story. Headliner is only available on PC and MacOS.

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Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Headliner: NoviNews 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Ellen Robertson and updated 4 weeks ago.