Right now, the game feels like it’s missing a true sense of progress and balance that would keep players fully engaged. Personally, I think the game could benefit from being a bit more challenging overall. And for those who prefer an easier experience, there could always be cheats or mods available.
So what could be improved? First of all, clothing probably shouldn’t be completely free. Instead of being able to just open CAZ and pick anything, players might start with only a few basic outfits — like one for everyday, one for the beach, one for winter, and so on. After that, new clothes would need to be purchased in shops, and everything would be stored in the wardrobe. This would create a stronger incentive to earn money and spend it, rather than simply having unlimited access to outfits.
Relationships could also feel deeper and more meaningful. Dialogue options should matter, and not all NPCs should respond positively right away. For example, it might not be possible to become lovers after just one conversation. And if the player repeatedly bothers someone, that character could start avoiding them.
Conversations in general could work more like a mini-game, where players need to think carefully about what to say. NPCs’ answers could serve as hints to guide the right approach. For example, if you ask, “Do you like action movies?” and the reply is, “Yes, but only if they’re smart, not just mindless explosions,” then the player could be given several options to continue:
- Ask their opinion on James Bond movies
- Ask about Christopher Nolan films
- Change the subject entirely
(Of course, this is just an example of how it might work — I realize the current system isn’t designed for full back-and-forth dialogue.)
The player’s own skills could also play a role in conversations. For instance, if player has low communication skill, a joke might not land well. Players might also need to adapt to what they’ve learned about the other person: if someone is interested in fashion, wearing stylish clothes could make a better impression, while a creative NPC might respond more positively to discussions about art, music, or design.
Careers could follow a similar approach. Instead of instantly getting hired, players could go through an interview process. If their skills don’t match the requirements, they simply wouldn’t get the job. Advancing through a career should feel more challenging, more detailed, and more rewarding.