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HEADLINER

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2017

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Quick resume

Short, thought-provoking adventure where you are a News Editor and decide what stories get published, set in a fictional city where most people are genetically modified. Multiple unique endings let you share your story and see what the Headliner before you did.

Global score

77/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Visual Novel

Pros

  • Thought-provoking narrative with meaningful choices
  • Multiple endings and replay value
  • Engaging moral and social dilemmas
  • Accessible gameplay and short sessions
  • Good price for content

Cons

  • Very short gameplay length
  • Limited character customization and art style
  • Repetitive dialogue and scenarios
  • No multiplayer or social features
  • Somewhat simplistic mechanics

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to choose which news articles to publish, influencing multiple outcomes and story branches."

  • Competence
    2

    "Engages players in decision-making and balancing competing goals, though gameplay is simple and short."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Single-player experience focused on personal choices without comparison or ranked modes."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Multiple endings and replay value encourage repeated playthroughs despite short session length."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player with no cooperative or multiplayer elements."

  • Creativity
    1

    "Players create narrative outcomes through choices but within a fixed set of storylines and articles."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power over other players; interactions are with NPCs and story only."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Players engage in a fictional dystopian scenario to explore social and political issues, providing mental escape."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in media influence and moral dilemmas, not obligation."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Encourages trying different news stances and choices to explore varied outcomes and endings."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Exploration is narrative-driven, discovering consequences of choices rather than physical world exploration."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited character customization; expression mainly through choice of news and story direction."

  • Fantasy
    -1

    "Set in a near-future plausible world with realistic social and political themes rather than high fantasy."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No multiplayer or community features; solitary experience focused on personal narrative."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players learn about media influence and ethical dilemmas through gameplay and multiple playthroughs."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during decision phases; short sessions but not idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Includes family interactions and emotional consequences, fostering some emotional connection."

  • Leadership
    3

    "Player leads the news outlet and influences public opinion, balancing competing interests."

  • Progression
    2

    "Progression through story outcomes and career promotion, but no item or upgrade accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "Moderate tension from moral dilemmas but overall calm and thoughtful pacing."

  • Sensation
    -2

    "Simple visuals and sound with limited sensory stimulation; focus is on narrative and choices."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social recognition or multiplayer status systems; achievements are personal."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative focus with branching storylines and meaningful player-driven outcomes."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Requires planning and balancing competing goals to achieve desired outcomes."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some suspense from consequences of choices but no high-risk or adrenaline gameplay."

  • Value
    4

    "Good perceived value for price given replayability and thought-provoking content."

  • Violence
    1

    "Violence is depicted as consequence of choices but not a gameplay focus or enjoyment factor."

  • Survival
    1

    "Player must avoid job loss and family harm, but no traditional survival mechanics."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026