Not For Broadcast is a unique FMV game that places players in the role of a live broadcast editor managing camera feeds, censorship, commercials, and unexpected events. Its gameplay combines intense, real-time decision-making with a rich narrative experience, blending dark humor, political satire, and moral dilemmas. The game features professional acting and a well-crafted dystopian storyline, offering multiple endings and extensive replayability. Players appreciate the game's clever satire on media and politics, with some comparing its tone to British South Park or Monty Python. While the story is engaging and thought-provoking, the gameplay can be stressful and overwhelming for some, especially with the real-time multitasking and interstitial visual novel segments. The DLCs add further depth and wacky scenarios, enhancing the overall experience. Despite some criticisms about pacing and humor style, the game is widely praised for its originality, narrative, and production quality.
Players particularly praise the innovative gameplay mechanics of live broadcast editing, which create a challenging and immersive experience. The game's professional acting and well-shot FMV sequences are frequently highlighted as standout features. The storyline is appreciated for its complex political themes and moral dilemmas, offering multiple endings and replay value. The dark humor and satire add a unique flavor, making the game both entertaining and thought-provoking. DLC content is also well received for expanding the narrative and gameplay variety.
Common criticisms include the game's steep difficulty and stressful multitasking, which can detract from enjoying the story. The interstitial visual novel segments between broadcasts are often described as tedious and disrupting the pacing. Some players find the humor juvenile or cringe-worthy, which may not appeal to everyone. The narrative can feel disjointed due to episodic storytelling and an overemphasis on multiple-choice sequences. A few technical issues like occasional freezing were noted, though not widespread.
A new political Party has won a landslide in the General Election, and for some reason the editor at the news station you work at has done a runner. Now it’s up to you, the Janitor, to take over the editing booth in this tumultuous time - will you help the government, or stand in their way?