smoking, clothing, and a neo-noir futuristic aesthetic

[unkempt blaze]

I’m sure these have already been suggested to some degree, but I think that given the great amount of detail and effort put into the roleplay and feel of the game, with food, cafes and the whole backstory, there are some key features that might heavily improve the game’s aesthetic.

First and foremost character personalisation, (clothing) being able to see YOU, wear different clothes, your beige detective overcoat, hat, etc would just help with the immersion.
Different clothes could provide different buffs, and clothing could be a great way for players to have an extra goal, as clothes will not only allow them to look how they want, but also provide benefits. (Unlike buying a bigger apartment that does nothing really)

Secondly, smoking. There is pipe tobacco, pipes, cigars, lighters and cigarettes, but no way for you, or any other npc to smoke.
It would be cool to see NPC’s going around with a lit cigarette in their mouth, leaning against a wall while smoking their pipe etc.

Finally, some extra noir soundtracks, or sound effects could be added.
Depending on the situation, like if you’re trespassing (sneaking in) or being chased

[ember fulcrum]

I'll double down on the smoking thing for two reasons:

1. Noir aesthetic, plain and simple. Everyone smokes, and we don't have to worry about lung cancer here

2. Finding discarded cigarettes near and around victims could be HUGE for creating subtle-style clues for the player to find, ESPECIALLY if there are multiple brands that NPCs can "prefer." And, if DNA analysis is added to the game, that gives the player another vector to explore in terms of establishing a case against a suspect

[unkempt blaze]

I agree, many clues and depth could be added. Heck, lipstick mark on cigarette butts for example

[unkempt blaze]

I saw some smoking animations, so i assume this is somewhat already planned, at least the smoking part of the game.
Would still be cool to see/personalise your own character at some point

[unkempt blaze]

To be clear, buffs on clothes could go from anything as simple as not feeling cold if you’re wearing your overcoat (expensive maybe) to being more hidden etc

[ember fulcrum]

Honestly, I'd kill for an umbrella to keep from gettin soakin wet at all hours of the day

[unkempt blaze]

would be cool. NPC's could leave behind or lose pieces of clothing. Like an umbrella, or a tophat. Or a witness could tell you they saw them dressed in a certain way and you find the clothes in his wardrobe etc

[keen spindle]

The player usable cigarette vending machine confirms it. It's the only vending machine with items the player can't use right now and since all others only vend player usable items that means cigarettes will likely be useable sometime in the future.