ten small suggestions/ideas

[umpisusi]

Been playing this with the missus, and we really love the game already. However, it could be ever better, so here's some thoughts we came up with. In no particular order.

1) Salary should be static, or at least there should be an in-game reason (a card) for it to go down or up.
2) Events like the Crime Wave would stand out better if they weren't personal cards, but some kinda global events, shown on the map.
3) If you have no food in the fridge or haven't eaten this week, maybe the character could rub their tummy in hunger or something that reminds you to eat. Wondering if you already ate this week comes up at least once or twice every game.
4) Just for fun, we'd like if the characters were actually working at their jobs during other players turn. Like, there would be a chance to see another players character as the cashier if they work at the market. Probably too much work for just a bit of fun, but we thought it'd be a nice additional detail.
5) The stock market is currently pointless. Let us sell when we want to, not automatically. Just depositing money in the bank gives you a lot more in return than the stocks ever can. Also, the screen needs to be accessible by RB/LB switching, like all the other screens. It took us a long time to realize the stock market was in the game, because trying to switch to it with the controls that work for everything else did nothing.
6) I know this is probably coming already, but the game really needs to explain what all the options actually do. As this is sort of a party game by nature, everyone should be able to play on the same level. Now experienced players have a huge advantage because they know what fast food is best, which clothes last the longest, what different appliances do whatever, etc.
7) Maybe show a shade on the clock when walking around town, telling the player long the travel time will be.
8) Health could have more function during the game, not only affecting the end of game score. Even if a minor change in travel speed, for example.
9) More dynamics to the cards could be a nice thing. Like getting some cards of your own, to counteract the bad cards. Something like taking a self-defence course and getting a card with which you can counteract a mugging card. Another slight issue with the cards is that even if you have no money, you can still get the same cards which say you bought this or did that. It's kinda silly that you can go bird watching and lose $100, but if you have no cash, you can do the same for free. (I know there are no benefits, so it doesn't really matter, but it still feels a bit awkward every time it happens).
10) Different maps! More characters! More choices in clothes!

Like I said, we're really loving the game and looking forward to even a better version of this. Thanks and have a great summer!

[DredrikTatum]

Hi Kobolde!
Thanks for these suggestions, all good points! I love the "shade on the clock" and more options for the other stats. Dynamics in cards is also something we want to add.
Again, thanks for the pointers, it means very much to us and helps us to get a clearer picture of what our players want in our game. Clearly a lot of stuff we can make better.
P.S
Please join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/sjbUTNd

Best Didrik

[jayjum]

Originally posted by kobolde:

Been playing this with the missus, and we really love the game already. However, it could be ever better, so here's some thoughts we came up with. In no particular order.

1) Salary should be static, or at least there should be an in-game reason (a card) for it to go down or up.
2) Events like the Crime Wave would stand out better if they weren't personal cards, but some kinda global events, shown on the map.
3) If you have no food in the fridge or haven't eaten this week, maybe the character could rub their tummy in hunger or something that reminds you to eat. Wondering if you already ate this week comes up at least once or twice every game.
4) Just for fun, we'd like if the characters were actually working at their jobs during other players turn. Like, there would be a chance to see another players character as the cashier if they work at the market. Probably too much work for just a bit of fun, but we thought it'd be a nice additional detail.
5) The stock market is currently pointless. Let us sell when we want to, not automatically. Just depositing money in the bank gives you a lot more in return than the stocks ever can. Also, the screen needs to be accessible by RB/LB switching, like all the other screens. It took us a long time to realize the stock market was in the game, because trying to switch to it with the controls that work for everything else did nothing.
6) I know this is probably coming already, but the game really needs to explain what all the options actually do. As this is sort of a party game by nature, everyone should be able to play on the same level. Now experienced players have a huge advantage because they know what fast food is best, which clothes last the longest, what different appliances do whatever, etc.
7) Maybe show a shade on the clock when walking around town, telling the player long the travel time will be.
8) Health could have more function during the game, not only affecting the end of game score. Even if a minor change in travel speed, for example.
9) More dynamics to the cards could be a nice thing. Like getting some cards of your own, to counteract the bad cards. Something like taking a self-defence course and getting a card with which you can counteract a mugging card. Another slight issue with the cards is that even if you have no money, you can still get the same cards which say you bought this or did that. It's kinda silly that you can go bird watching and lose $100, but if you have no cash, you can do the same for free. (I know there are no benefits, so it doesn't really matter, but it still feels a bit awkward every time it happens).
10) Different maps! More characters! More choices in clothes!

Like I said, we're really loving the game and looking forward to even a better version of this. Thanks and have a great summer!

1) yes. This was true in Jones in the fast Lane, it made the strategy different, also made you have to ask for a raise, or keep looking to see if wages have changed. Gave players huge advantages, or disadvantages depending on when you got the wage.
2)yes. Jones had a robber come out while you were travelling, so every time you moved there was a chance to get Mugged, was a great mechanic, and a fun stress
3)No idk, maybe. I struggle with remembering things, did I eat, did I eat fries twice already, did I pay rent, did the card say i needed new clothes, did I pay for the schooling yet? It does drive me crazy, but at the same time it is a big part of the game, as the sole purpose is to use your time as effectively as possible, if you had a constant reminder it would take away from the randomness, and mistakes that give the others an advantage, or you an advantage.
4)Yes, would be fun
5)Yes, we need to sell when we want, just like Jones allowed us.
6)Yes, transparency is good
7)No. I disagree with this one, a huge part of the game when I play with others is the rewarding feeling you get when you have guessed right, and are able to get a full days worth of effort in just one little speck left on the clock, and the devastation when you misjudged your time, and run out before you can eat.
8)Yes and no. It already does effect your game, after a while of bad health you lose time each week, and it increases your stress. However, more affect would be nice too, faster/slower travel speeds, reward cards etc.
9)Yes. Variety is always better, and logic is nice too.
10)Yes. Of course, more is better

I really enjoy this game, however it is not even on par yet with the game it was designed after "Jones in the fast Lane" . It is still missing a lot of options that Jones had. Please include all of what Jones had, and expand on it from there, I beg you. Jones is 20+ years old, and still has more to offer, you can not be please with this, and I can see you have big plans, but you should have started with all of Jones, i'm not sure why you left out many aspects of the original. This is a loving criticism, I have bought this game, I do support your efforts devs, I'm just a little disappointed, but have high hopes you will turn it around.