Starting out. I just saw the walkthrough for this game. It looks very complicated. Any tips?
First play I follow my instincts and make the choices based on my preferences with no outside assistance. I save the walkthrough info for second play, third play and so on. This game is not overly complicated. However, your choices do affect the outcome of the story. That is why I play, replay and play again... then play some more. The biggest issue I ever run into is "how do I unlock that scene?" As of chapter 11 release I only had one scene that required me to seek assistance. I received an answer in short order here in the forum.
The original walkthrough only goes to chapter 7, the current Steam release version. There is a fan made version that covers up to chapter 11. It's posted somewhere here in the forum. I have employed walkthrough details for several other VN titles yet have not needed one for this game. I did use the walk through for Philly's last title, Depraved Awakening.
Your first play should just be the experience of the story, meeting the characters and making your own choices. There are multiple paths for every character in multiple situations. First play a walk through may just confuse you, IMHO. So, relax, pick a name for your MC and go have fun. This is an amazing title, unlike most of what I have seen. Depraved Awakening is also a great title but Philly's skills have grown since then. The renders and animations are greatly improved in City of Broken Dreamers. I often replay Depraved Awakening after each new chapter just to hang out with Carli again. There's an opportunity to meet her in VR in CoBD. If you get stuck just post a note here in forums. One or more of us will be happy to answer. There are a bunch of Philly Games fans like me stopping by to check in on the forums. So, go have some fun and save the walk though for a second or later play. This is the kind of game best experienced the first time rather than studied and guided. When you unlock a new scene you'll see a pop up message. Those are then available to view again anytime you like. The pop up you see that tells of a clue in the area means take a moment and scan over the entire screen with your mouse cursor to find the hidden item. You'll know when you find it as it will light up as you hover. Click those "clues" to unlock new images. Otherwise, play... make choices... play again... make different choices... Still see a ? where you should see a scene that is locked, just ask us or check the walk through at that point. You don't need a map to enjoy this game. Just play, make choices, enjoy all the hotties and follow the intriguing story as it develops. You can thank Philly afterward.
Adventure on new friend, Phat