I think the random idea would be something kewel. I mean, yeah we could do a hobo, but why not make all the NPCs interactive? In a fully interactive world, you'ld have to sort through the garbage, and the actual information required in creating the portable. This would make the game all the more challenging and fun. For example
Grand Theft Portable wrote:
Ben: Here Mr... um... Hobo, I brought you some ramen
Mr. Hobo: Who are you? Ahh, nevamind... I like ya kid, so I'll give ya some good infamation. The fah switch Ahtari mothabahd is way easia ta cut-down than tha 6-switch... *SLURRP*
In game message: You have made Mr. Hobo very happy and he has givin you some information. Save or Delete?
*Next day*
Random Townsperson: Say, Ben, I here you're making a portable. Here's a tip, the PSOne screen stinks, you can't use it for a portable of any kind.
On screen message: You have spoken to a Townsperson who has given you some information. Save or Delete?
If you think about interactivity to that extent (and deeper) for every NCP, it would make the game a far more interesting and addicting place to play... And maybe there could even be a mode where you function as a n00b and Ben and others (Mods, Senior members, Kevin Horton *

*, etc.) could help you create a GCP or other tough game system to build...[/i]