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About the Story
Something is rotten in City Hall—can you uncover it and...win a Pulitzer? When the mayor unexpectedly resigns, it's up to you, the rookie reporter on the City Desk to find out the real story and get it into print. Right away you smell a rat. As you track down sources and information, your reporter's instincts, brains, heart, or impeccable writing will lead you to the truth.
The Daily Blackmail is a 33,000 word interactive fantasy novel by Mary Duffy, where your choices control the story. It's entirely text-based—without graphics or sound effects—and fueled by the vast, unstoppable power of your imagination.
In The Daily Blackmail, you'll get all the news that is (and isn't!) fit to print.
Play as male, female, or non-binary.
Cross paths with an evil editor, a mobster, and even scarier: the publisher.
Lie, cheat, and steal to get your front page story.
Press your colleagues, political cronies, and underworld sources for information.
Reach for every reporter's dream—a Pulitzer Prize.
Ratings and Reviews
The Daily Blackmail feels pretty short. Even taking into account the 30k wordcount, the prose is a little wordy and can lead to the feeling that you are getting less time than you should. Still, this is a short and free HG title. As far as games in this category go, this one is good from a writing standpoint. There is a simple stat system which plays a small role in the game.
Still, some parts of the plot really stretch the suspension of disbelief. Given the length of the game, I understand that some things have to happen to push the plot along fast, but still.
I tried to keep the next part spoiler-free, but I've hidden it anyway in case anyone doesn't want to be spoiled in the slightest.
(Spoiler - click to show)In one part, a senior person working for the press, who is also involved in some shady dealings, leaves incriminating evidence behind in a nonsecure drive and the trash bins outside her place. Really? Given her line of work, she should know that journalists do dig for dirt in trash cans. Maybe be a little more conscious that you're doing something illegal?
A politician meets you to leak out incriminating information. It is quite a stretch that they would reveal their identity and give you all the good stuff without at least 1) ascertaining if you can be trusted and 2) knowing where your loyalties really lie. Furthermore, the chosen location could mean unwanted surveillance or unexpected interruptions, neither of which would be convenient for said politician.
Additionally, some choices involve you picking a response for an NPC. The player character (you) says something, and the game gives you a choice of replies the NPC will say. This felt very jarring, and as a result, I sometimes got mixed up as to who was doing the talking. Plus, it reduces the sense that your character is a player in the story.
It's a short story which might entertain you if you are willing to suspend your disbelief, and if you don't mind picking what the other guy says. Other than that, the writing was good and I didn't spot any typos.
Tags
Game Details
Current Version: Unknown
License: Commercial
Development System: ChoiceScript
IFID: Unknown
TUID: mpicqjea0k2c4cfo
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This is version 2 of this page, edited by dogdennings on 20 October 2023 at 10:25am. - View Update History - Edit This Page - Add a News Item - Delete This Page
