By Khloe Wilkerson

Headlines and High Water is a captivating educational game designed for people in grades six to grade 9, focusing on essential life skills such as responsibility, time management, and social awareness. Yet the game that recently one a Games for Change Learning Award, is compelling fun, too. The journalism-based story from Field Day Lab immerses players deeply in the heart of Twin Lakes, a tranquil town upended by an unexpected and devastating flood during its beloved Cherry Festival.

As you step into the role of a young reporter amidst this chaos, the game elevates beyond mere storytelling to become a profound journey of trust-building, personal growth, and the pursuit of truth in the face of adversity. This short, text-based game with a minimal amount of animation is certainly appropriate for middle school students. It imparts valuable skills that are essential at that age. Personally, I find it enjoyable and suitable for students looking to unwind during school hours or as a break after a presentation or project. But it’s meant to be taught in class, too.

The narrative of Headlines and High Water unfolds with El Benjamin, a recent graduate from journalism school, who has just landed her first job at the “Twin Lakes Gazette.” As an outsider in the close-knit community of Twin Lakes, El wakes up to urgent calls from her editor amidst the rain-soaked apartment, signaling downtown’s flooding crisis. Her dream job at The Smoke City Herald lingers as an aspiration, but for now, she’s on a three-month contract with the Gazette, tasked with reporting on breaking news and local events.

As El delves deeper into Twin Lakes’ unfolding narrative, players are challenged to navigate ethical dilemmas and manage time effectively amid pressing deadlines. Each decision made by El influences community trust and solidarity, shaping how residents perceive their resilience and the reliability of her reporting. The game emphasizes the delicate balance between the urgency of delivering breaking news and the responsibility of ensuring accuracy and fairness in journalism.

In essence, Headlines and High Water follows El Benjamin’s journey as she navigates her role as a journalist in Twin Lakes, grappling with professional ambitions, ethical decisions, and the complexities of community dynamics amidst crisis. The game invites players to explore these themes through immersive storytelling and interactive gameplay, offering a nuanced portrayal of journalism’s role in uncovering truths and advocating for societal change in the face of adversity.

In this choose-your-adventure style effort, El Benjamin is tasked with writing news stories across various stages of the flood disaster. From urgent breaking news alerts to in-depth scientific analyses and equity-focused investigations, players gather quotes, facts, photos, statistics, diagrams, and anecdotes to craft each story. The game evaluates the quality and comprehensiveness of their reporting, providing interactive feedback that illustrates how each piece resonates within the community. Players experience firsthand the challenges and responsibilities of crisis journalism, enhancing their understanding of media ethics and the impactful role of journalism in society.

The visual design of Headlines and High Water stands out with its vibrant and cartoonish aesthetic, perfectly tailored for its younger audience. Characters are whimsically designed with exaggerated features that effectively convey emotions, enriching the storytelling experience. Scene transitions are depicted through static drawings that seamlessly blend, accompanied by brief loading screens. The city environments are intricately detailed, highlighting the contrast between modern industrial structures and threatened natural landscapes.

Accompanying the visual charm is a dynamic soundtrack that adapts to different scenarios. In affluent neighborhoods, the music may be upbeat and celebratory. At the same time, in poorer areas with debris and neglect, the tone shifts to a more somber melody, effectively conveying the disparities in living conditions. Ultimately, there isn’t a wide variety of soundtracks, leaving me to listen to very simple and constantly used tracks. However, even though it’s very simple and to the point, it doesn’t take away from the overall game experience.

From a technical standpoint, Headlines and High Water generally perform well, offering a smooth and responsive gaming experience. However, occasional updates should be released to address minor bugs and glitches, such as repetitive dialogue from characters like the editor Donnie, when El’s given a new article to draft. Despite these minor issues, the overall stability of the game ensures that players can focus on the educational and narrative aspects with enjoyment.

The game features intuitive controls that are accessible to its target demographic of young players. Navigation through the city and interaction with characters and objects are straightforward, allowing players to focus more on decision-making and strategic planning. This ease of control ensures that players can quickly grasp gameplay mechanics and engage meaningfully with the game’s educational content.

Headlines and High Water also prompts players to consider the broader implications of urban development on fragile ecosystems. The origins of the flood may be traced to unchecked development practices and inadequate government infrastructure, highlighting the consequences of human intervention in natural landscapes. This theme echoes contemporary environmental debates and challenges players to contemplate the impacts of rapid urbanization on local communities and ecosystems.

This game maintains a realistic portrayal of urban challenges and community dynamics, drawing parallels to real-life scenarios where marginalized communities often face systemic neglect. By addressing these issues within a gaming context, the game prompts critical thinking and discussion among players about the broader implications of urban planning and environmental stewardship. This relevance ensures that the educational impact of the game extends beyond gameplay, encouraging a deeper understanding of social justice and civic responsibility. With the best journalism, people can get their voices heard with realism and authenticity without external influences.

In conclusion, Headlines and High Water stands as a standout example of narrative-driven gaming, blending compelling storytelling with thought-provoking themes of journalism ethics, community resilience, and social justice. Despite minor technical issues, the game’s educational value and thematic depth make it a valuable tool for teaching younger folks about responsibility, time management, and the importance of social equity in community development. I emerged entertained and empowered with the knowledge and skills to navigate real-world challenges with compassion and foresight.

Bronx native Khloe Wilkerson is our youngest intern. She recently won a college scholarship and completed our journalism and writing class at Mott Hall III twice in a row. 

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