FMV games are not everyone’s cup of tea. The voyeuristic nature of these titles can make them feel disjointed and remote. However, I enjoy the cinematic finish, the often humorous material, and the occasionally terrible acting. Therefore, when I read about Not for Broadcast, I couldn’t wait to get hold of a copy.
Developed by NotGames and published by tinyBuild, this is an FMV adventure title. Additionally, it has some hectic action and a phenomenal amount of content. Accordingly, it is a breath of fresh air and something that rarely becomes tiresome. Moreover, it tests your spatial awareness and ability to multitask.
I’m a typical man that struggles to breathe, talk, and think at the same time. However, I somehow managed to execute the interesting mechanics of this funny and challenging experience. Consequently, if you struggle to multitask, then fear not, as you too will succeed.
Not for Broadcast goes off on a tangent.
A predictable plot may be boring for some, but I like to know what I’m doing. Not for Broadcast is different, as it throws many storylines at you while allowing the action to go off on a tangent. Now, this may seem exciting, but it was often confusing and hard to keep on top of. Thankfully, though, the developers incorporated different mechanics to help you track each story and recap what you had just experienced.
You are Alex, an up-and-coming editor that has been chucked in at the deep end. Your predecessor has abandoned his station, and you are left to pick up the pieces. Without your help, the National Nightly News show will flop. Subsequently, you must learn the ropes quickly, keep your audience happy, and influence the running of each show. Additionally, you’ll select the ad breaks, keep on top of your equipment, and focus on whatever takes your fancy. Yet, if you screw up, the consequences are dire as your job hangs in the balance.
A job for life.
The phrase, a job for life has little meaning these days. But, Not for Broadcast spans a lengthy career of ups and downs. The story starts on election night, where you are shown the ropes by the ex-editor. During the phone call, he talks you through the fundamentals as well as dropping hints about the problems that’ll arise. After this, you are on your own as you try to piece together successful broadcasts.
Alongside this, your choices influence the surrounding world. Do you pick a photo of a loving couple or one of them in the middle of an argument? Your decisions change the course of the game and this was phenomenal. Accordingly, this enhances longevity and replay value, as no playthrough is the same.
So many buttons.
At first glance, Not for Broadcast is a confusing beast! Luckily, though, the excellent tutorial sets you on your way. With 4 screens to pick from, 3 adverts to play, volume controls, power switches, cooling fans, and more, there are many opportunities for failure. On top of this, you must tweak the signal to prevent interference. Moreover, there is a censor button to disguise the multitude of swear words that you hear.
If you can juggle these elements, you’ll stitch together a seamless broadcast to entertain the masses. However, minor mistakes are a turnoff and you’ll see your popularity meter drop rapidly. Yet, if you can switch cameras, bleep swear words, and time your breaks perfectly, your fan base will grow.
As you can imagine, this isn’t an easy task. But if you manage to keep up, you’ll enjoy some of the most hilarious interactions you can think of. Additionally, you can return to watch the backstage content that you may have missed. This was incredible as you can witness the love, hatred, and jealousy between each protagonist.
A comfortable gameplay loop.
Though the plot often went in many directions, the gameplay loop was reassuringly repetitive. Effectively, each show lasted between 15 and 20 minutes. During this time, you must focus on the action, move for reaction shots, and keep the interference to a minimum. However, occasionally, the game threw in curveballs to keep you on your toes.
This minor layer was perfect, as it stopped the gameplay loop from becoming monotonous. Moreover, when combined with the weird action, you experienced a bizarre but amusing outcome.
Not for Broadcast is immersive.
I’ve never been to a TV studio but I can imagine Not for Broadcast perfectly represents the environment. With busy interludes, prima donna guests, and plenty of cussing, it soon becomes overwhelming. Additionally, the calm control room is anything but serene. Therefore, a mellow atmosphere can soon become a hellish arena as things quickly get out of control.
Thankfully, though, the excellent UI helps to alleviate any problems you face. Moreover, every usable switch is clearly labelled, and this helps when things get hectic. On top of this, the FMV aspects are incredible! With fantastic backdrops, interesting characters, and amusing scenes, you’ll be entertained throughout.
The visuals are complemented by some awesome audio. Unlike its peers, Not for Broadcast tends to use a selection of decent actors. Moreover, the often slapstick style affords each character the freedom to do as they wish. However, during the serious moments, there are some excellent sombre, sincere, and touching elements. Alongside this, the music and sound effects are great. They didn’t do anything more than I expected, but I enjoyed them nonetheless.
Incredible controls.
Though much of the gameplay is voyeuristic, you can quickly become overwhelmed. With so much going on, you need a phenomenal controller layout and responsive inputs. Thankfully, Not for Broadcast delivers this at all times. Furthermore, the aforementioned UI ensures that you keep on top of things with ease.
This genre has masses of replay value and longevity. However, Not for Broadcast takes it one step further. Not only do you enjoy multiple storylines, but the ability to revisit each recording was amazing. When you do this, you can witness every hidden gem that was otherwise missed. Accordingly, it helps to build a rounded view of each protagonist’s personality.
Not for Broadcast is a must-play FMV title.
I’ve never wanted to become a TV editor, but occasionally, things are forced upon you! However, I’m glad that I delved into this mad world, as this is a must-play FMV title. With awesome characters, excellent storylines, amusing moments, and the power to influence your audience, you’ll easily fall for its charms. As such, I recommend that you buy it here! Will you ensure the success of the National Nightly News? Control the screens, bleep out the profanities, and control the nation with your propaganda.
