Sleuth Home - Message Boards - Newbie Questions

Mar-4-2006 20:34

I'm not doing so hot. My poor detective is about to disappear and I don't know where to find Mr. Shady. And I'm not sure I've made enough money to clear my guy. Since I'm losing close to half of my cases, I'm not making much money, and I feel like a real failure even though I know this is just a game.

My problem seems to be that I get locked into clammed up folks who won't talk, and I've exhausted every avenue, so I guess. Always wrong. I'm going to disappear.

Any suggestions out there?

Emmett from the south flatlands

Mar-4-2006 20:45

Emmet you can find the shady character in the Bar;
It will take some time to build up money, but don't guess; It is better to Quit a case than to lose your detective

Mar-4-2006 21:01

I'd suggest trying the tutorial, it isn't the technique I use now, but it did give me a better idea of what was important and useful so that I could get a handle on how the game worked.

I don't know what level cases you are working, but stick to the beginner and easy levels until you work out your system a bit and build up your skills.

Mar-5-2006 07:05

I did the beginner tutorial first before I started. And I read the FAQ's, and message boards a little later, after the tutorial.

My mind doesn't understand. There are threatening notes at the crime scene that belong to people who have alibi's, and I can't see that the notes connect in any way to the crime. They're just there--for red herrings?

I'm running 50%. I'm trying to write a mystery novel, and I thought this game would help--and it has, to a degree--but my goodness, I'm so frustrated. What is even worse is the sense of failure I am getting when I lose what is only a game case. I wonder if everyone feels this way when they lose a case.

Thanks to all who gave me tips. I guess I'll go have a virtual drink and flirt with Mr. Shady.

Mar-5-2006 07:54

Hi Emmett, I know how frustrating it can feel, but no need to beat yourself up about not getting into to the "technicalities" of Sleuth right away - all beginning is difficult, but I'm sure you'll get into the run of things soon :)

So a few additional pointers as to how the game works:
Each case level has more than 1 piece of physical present at the crime scene, however, only 1 of these will match the murderer - the others will match people with real alibis.

These pieces of physical alibis can be hairs, threads, notes and prints, and it's possible that all the pieces found on a given case can be the same kind and it's possible that they can be different.

When you're just starting out your detective is given the ability to find notes and foot prints straight off, however, it doesn't mean that there cannot be hairs and/or threads at the crime scene as well, you just won't be able to find them until you get basic hair analysis and bacis thread analysis. And so it can mean that the one piece of physical evidence pointing to the killer may not be among the pieces of physical evidence that you find at the crime scene if your detective doesn't have these basic smarts skills.

If you don't have them you may find it useful to track down the murdere by asking the other suspects who they think did it (best just to ask if they suspect those with fake or "none of your business"-alibies) as each case will have 2 people suspecting the killer and 1 person suspecting someone with a real alibi.

Hope it helps a bit, and if you need help or pointers just ask away on the boards, there are lots of friendly people around here ready to help you out :)

Mar-5-2006 10:45

You got a great explanation there! Ill just add:

Always ask motive first or you might end up with incomplete list of suspects.

Check alibis! Only suspects with a fake/none alibi CAN be guilty.

Stick to beginner cases till you understand the mechanics of the game.

Dont be afraid to ask us questions.

In order to accuse:
PE + fake/none alibi = Guilty
WE + fake/none alibi = Guilty
2 WE = Guilty

PE - Physical evidence
WE - Witness evidence.

GL!!!

Mar-5-2006 14:46

Greyling, you are just so sweet. :)

Mar-5-2006 19:41

I am also fairly new to the game. I've played for over a month now and instead of starting a new thread, I figured I would add on. I have just a few questins and maybe some pointers can be given. I am currently working on hard level cases and find them easy but I'm having trouble with the really hard cases. Should I keep sticking to the hard to continue to build my skills or is it something where I'm topped out until I move along? Second, does it make sense to leave New York before I've done all I could or should I stick it out until I've accomplished ennough? Any advice or opinions is greatly appreciated.

Mar-5-2006 20:05

i was wonderin...ive been doing intermediate cases for two skill ponits then all of a sudden they were worth one so i switched to hard cases and for a while they were worth two skill points and then all of a sudden they are now worth one??? im just wonderin why things have to change im kinda confused???

Mar-5-2006 20:28

To my friends

Thank you all so much for your tips. I appreciate your tips.

If I lose another case, and my detective gets kicked out (I only have $170 dollars & I bribed someone for $50. and gave the gypsy 20) but my money stayed the same. Don't they deduct these kinds of things from your case earnings?

I can't have my record expunged because it would cost $300 and I don't have enough money, so my detective will get kicked out.

Will I be able to make up a new detective and still play this online game?

Thanks again.

Emmett from the south flatlands

Mar-5-2006 20:32

Cowbell, the more experience points you have the more it takes to earn new skill points. Right now, it takes me about 10 Almost Impossible cases to earn 1 skill point.

Chet, as you gain new skills the harder levels will become easier. Don't give up, just keep plugging along. :) As far as travel goes, there isn't any reason to stay in one place, unless you are methodical and insist on getting your New York contacts before you move on to the next city. Travel may be just the thing to help keep you interested while you are working on building your skills.

Hope that helps!