So last night I wrote a big long post about starting new games, and how that differs from the tutorial. Then, right as I was previewing and adding a sentence or two, my whole computer locked up and crashed. So here are abbreviated thoughts on fresh starts in this game...
- New games are more random than the tutorial.
The tutorial sets you up pretty nicely with your first business, while the new games don't always do so. You'll always have the skills/materials for a specific booze manufacturing operation, but you won't necessarily get the one you want. Might need to "re-roll". Likewise, your nearby suppliers and customers are random so they may or may not be optimal for what you're trying to get going. I tried one game where I needed neutral alcohols, but only one person sold them (that I knew of) sold them, and the supply was slow. Likewise, in my latest - it took some time for me to uncover customers for my moonshine but eventually, that worked itself out. It took me awhile to finally get to the point where the tutorial ends (extra crew member/second building). So for an easier start - stick with the tutorial. For a more random, interesting start, go fresh. It lets you pick one of three different cities too, rather than just Chicago.
They can swoop in and bust you, taking everything you have on you (money/materials/weapons). I was recuperating from a fight, and they came out of nowhere and got me. I should have left everything in my safehouse, but I didn't see them anywhere on the map before hitting new turn. I got some favor with them, but haven't been able to bribe them so far.
- $%!+ happens, so save often.
With the autosave only happening once every 5 or ten turns, things go south quickly. I had a anecdote about a series of unfortunate events last night, but I forget a lot of the details now. But the RNG in this can be strong, and your decisions can have a major impact on your game so be careful.
- Don't take this post as criticism of the game.
While this can sound like I'm bashing the game, I'm not. These are just the parameters of how the game plays out. Things to be careful about. I'm really enjoying the discovery of the neighborhood, building up a base of customers and suppliers, and navigating the police, hoodlums and other syndicates. It's well done so far, and it was 2am when I had decided to stop last night.
After a few false starts - I'm about to hire a new crew member, and have bought my second building. I also have learned the skills necessary (through an earlier mission) to set up a brick wine operation to go along with my moonshine. Today I'll get those tasks done, and see how things roll. There's another gangster's operation a half dozen blocks away from mine, but so far, little contact. The cops are letting me alone so far. And one of the hoodlums was giving me gifts of free beer to sell. So we'll see. A good start so far.