The trick to the game (How to win and not be a sad panda).

[Ban Danna]

***Congratulations to the developers for making a game which kept me wanting to play to the end. A rare feat these days. Well done! ***

Okay, I have beaten the game. I love the pop culture references, and the combat / training system. At first though, I hated it, because I didn't understand it.

Everyone whinges about not being able to manage all their stats and work and food, there just isnt enough time. I felt the same. But the thing is, this is NOT pokemon. The trick to this game is not increasing your "stats" (Strength, Agility and Stamina), the trick to the game is fighting as many fights as you can, and getting "Skill Points" and spending these skill points in a given tree.

I recommend the Agility stat for beginners (blue middle sweat puddle stat) as it seems to be the most OP at this stage.

Early on, you need 1 strength, 3 agility and 2 stamina (For an agility build), and you can handle most fights. Keep fighting, every fight you can, and get those skill points. Focus on ONLY ONE STAT LINE. Do NOT get, say, the "never go below 4 strength skill", if you are an Agility fighter.

Also, it's okay to lose fights, just keep at it, and learn those SKILLS. They are the key to winning the game more than stats.

Also, the game is NOT over when you run out of food and Mick doesn't give you anymore (like many people suggest). Just go to the "Bar" and look in the bins there for a burger that should get you going again. This replenishes whenever you have no money / food. (it hurts your health and happiness though).

Once you figure out its about earning skill points as quick as you can, you will do fine. Also, Sparring / handbags with silver is worth it for the extra skill points early on.

Also, use the gym for $10 initially, do NOT buy gym equipment. Carrying that much cash to buy equipment will just get you mugged and make you a sad panda.

Once you have the routine down and start mastering one stat tree, the game just gets easier and easier.

I beat the game on my first real playthrough, in 128 game days, once I figured out its not about high stats, but about SKILLS!

Also

***SPOILERS***
Don't waste time repairing car engines once your friend says its great ;)
***SPOILERS***

[ArcAngel]

Yeah, this is the key, do fights get skill points, litterally makes a lot of difference.

Go Agillity until they balance the other two.

Its not too difficult, just takes a bit of repetitveness, eat,work,train,eat,sleep,eat,train,fight. Then the skill points start to flow.

[Ban Danna]

I should also mention, for those tough fights, its worth spending the $40 for a "Magic" potion. Only one can be used at a time, just use the one for your primary stat focus.

[Ducky-Hunter]

Keep in mind for one piece of gym equipment you could go to the gym 20 times. 4 is about 800. So unless you plan on spending more than 80 days in the gym it's never going to be worth it.

[Ban Danna]

Another good tip is that you don't have to "fight" your fights at the start of the day. Train until the last moment of the day before doing your fights. It's usually just enough extra time to get one or two stats to the next level. That said, it's still all about SKILLS! at the end of the day

Another good tip is to not unlock too many skill slots early. Sometimes less is more, so that you don't run out of Stamina.

Another good tip is don't buy Gym Equipment....like...ever.

Another good tip is - Use strategy when selecting your skills. Make sure you won't run out of Stamina in a fight. This is often more important than epic high damage.

[Ban Danna]

Another good piece of advice. Try everything. The magic potions, the spicy pizza. All sorts of fun and adventure awaits when you do :)

[Play Metaphor]

As someone who completed the game, would you play a whole playthrough again?

[Ban Danna]

Yes, I have a uni exam tomorrow, but when I get home I plan on playing through the game and taking the "bad" path while being a Strength based character.

[Poison]

278 days here. Agil build. want to play through to go bad and work for the Don this time. Also want to get the tail swipe thing.

Great fun and lots of good advise in here

[Ban Danna]

Thanks man. Hopefully lots of people read it before they get angry and give up on the game like I have seen so many do.

[TurnedToDust]

Carying a big amount of money gets you those extra fights aswell though.
I didn't have too much problems beating the muggers and eventually after beating up 2 or 3 you'll get the message that you are known for being a badass and you will get stopped being mugged all together.

[Futtbucker]

I don't know but for me it seems that a stamina build is as strong as agility. The Turtle tree has the 2 best skills to offer Spear and Bear strike. Toughness, efficiancy and energy drain. Effective against all types of enemies.

[Dartius]

Yep. AGL is a litle OP right now. We are working hard to fix it ;) Actualy OP is perk "Thin guy"

[TurnedToDust]

Originally posted by Dartius:

Yep. AGL is a litle OP right now. We are working hard to fix it ;) Actualy OP is perk "Thin guy"

Lol, like the game isn't hard enough. :D

[TurnedToDust]

To be fair, if people don't find the game challenging they should just try other paths to victory.

[Ban Danna]

Originally posted by Dartius:

Yep. AGL is a litle OP right now. We are working hard to fix it ;) Actualy OP is perk "Thin guy"

Haha, go figure. That was my starting perk.