Sleuth Home - Message Boards - Newbie Questions

Jan-18-2010 02:32

Is stress detection worth it? or should I just wait till after I get lockpicking? thanks!

BTW, I'm a smart and tough build.

Mar-12-2012 20:10

I also like it, PK. Of course the real question is - what do you value most ... and least? Which skills will you acquire first, and which later. After all, if one plays long enough, you'll be able to get them all!!

As to lock-picking vs stress detection, I love them both. For me, if I had a new character though, I would get lock-picking first.

Mar-13-2012 05:08

I agree. Research and lock picking first, + evidence analyzing skills, but I'd go for stress detection pretty soon after that.

Mar-13-2012 08:27

It seems that Stress Detection is as controversial as Judge of Character (JoC). As far as how useful it can be, it really depends on how you play. If you are soaking up every word of the story, every detail of every case, Stress Detection is pretty darn useful. If you have the rhythm of the game and don’t bother to admire the freshly bloomed roses in your client’s garden, you might not even notice the assistance Stress Detection is offering.

I haven’t done a statistical analysis of opinions, but I’d bet those who prefer Stress Detection aren’t in a big rush to use JoC. (Keep in mind that I'm losing dough at the tracks.)

Whichever you choose, I’m with the camp in getting Research and Lock Picking fairly early. It’s generally a good idea to collect your charm OR tough skills, smart skills, Research and Lock Picking, and then poke around at the others. (I’m not dismissing my Tough and Charming friends, but you know the challenges that you worked out on your own to succeed and I’m trying not to get so complicated.)