The most fun part of a live newscast is when everything goes wrong. Someone swears on TV, the newscaster doesn't notice that the broadcast is back on the air, or a rowdy civilian starts waving his hands like a thug in the background of the shot. Moments like these give us a rough idea of just how much is always at stake in live broadcasting, but in Not For Broadcast, the pressure is on to put together a series of live broadcast programs so we can get the whole picture.

You are in charge of the National Nightly News switchboard during a series of live broadcasts. Being faced with so many TV screens, sliders, lighted buttons, and tape decks was a little overwhelming at first, but you quickly got used to it. Certain controls are linked to the keyboard, so it's helpful not to have to use the mouse for every operation.

Use the number keys to cut between cameras to entertain the audience. If someone swears for two seconds, you have to hit the space bar to break it up. Sometimes you have to use the mouse to move the slider up and down to dodge incoming interference.

Once the broadcast is over, you will be evaluated on your ability to edit, censor, and avoid interference. Afterwards, I can review the broadcast and admire my handiwork. Doing this gives me the break I need to cool down from the pressure of each broadcast before diving back into the next one. It also allows me to watch the rush of fun antics and ads.

The satire of the 1980s is intense throughout. The live actors know when to exaggerate their characters' personalities for comedy. The contrast between their off-the-air personalities and their on-the-air behavior is also worth watching. One big-name actor is messy around when he first storms into the studio, but sweet as pie when the cameras are rolling. I got a belly laugh when I saw a tourist ad for a place called Bumtown and it was revealed that the town was in the province of Taint.

The challenge of managing the switchboard and enjoying the comedy alone was enough, but "Not For Broadcast" goes a little further than "Papers, Please" after the second act. A new political party takes over the country, and people are sent questionnaires about their families. It is the beginning of putting one's life in danger, amplified by the realization that one has power.

For the next broadcast, they had to choose how to portray the various characters, either positive or negative images. You also had to choose whether to advertise toys that could overheat and endanger children. Your choices ultimately affect not only how much money you make, but also the public's opinion of celebrities, governments, and even newscasters.

Only the first three chapters of Not For Broadcast are available in the Early Access version released today on Steam. The developer, NotGames, plans to produce a total of 10 chapters based on player feedback. It's already worth checking out, and the mix of fast challenges, viewing breaks, and decision making will keep my attention for the duration of the scheduled chapters.