[Intentionally Wrong]

Game never really gets difficult so much as "increasingly taxing", but that turns around really quick once you start getting some infinite weapons. I forget exactly how you unlock those, except that they're pretty obviously side-mission-type stuff. Maybe... maybe go back to previous investigation scenes after clearing? Like I said, I forgot.

There's some trading cards of the characters and game objects hidden all over the place. Feel free to collect them, but DO NOT read them from your collection unless you want spoilers.

Don't be afraid to use your cigarettes to advance time. Know where the various places you can sleep to advance to particular times of day are located, too. There's actually one (or two, I think?) located outside, but it's still safe to sleep there through the night, I think?

Somebody gave me a copy of the director's cut a while back, but I haven't been able to bring myself to play it, ever since Adilegian's observations woke me up to some of the problems this game has. Still, I can't deny that my first two times through it, I really enjoyed the vast majority of it.
_________________
JSNLV is frequently and intentionally wrong.

[Intentionally Wrong]

I cannot underscore enough how useful the guide Cynic linked to up there is. It has no spoilers, and its advice (including how to avoid certain game-breaking glitches) is solid gold. Read that thing A-S-A-P!
_________________
JSNLV is frequently and intentionally wrong.

[Intentionally Wrong]

The game has some issues, and I'd like to discuss them, but I feel like this is DJ's thread and I don't really want to influence his experience of the plot one way or another until he's finished the game. Looking forward to your write-ups, man; your game playthroughs are a vicarious joy.
_________________
JSNLV is frequently and intentionally wrong.

[Intentionally Wrong]

:(
_________________
JSNLV is frequently and intentionally wrong.