wowed and overwhelmed

[rch6776]

I have never played a sim game in my life and I don't know the first thing about a sub. But I am extremely interested in this sim and want to learn how to play. There seems to be alot of info here but it is hard to understand. Is there a guide anywhere that can walk me through the basic instructions on setting up a torpedo launch? As well as basic tips on sub tactics? Not meaning to cut corners, just trying to gain enough knowledge to somewhat understand what I'm doing. I have managed my way through all the tutorials(sub school) except the last one. I can somehow figure out how take down the first merchant but my lack of knowing what I am doing really shines after that. All of my playing has been on "0" real.

[ReallyDedPoet]

Welcome to SUBSIM :up: rch6776

Hope you like to read, start with this link, there is a bunch of stuff there. All related to SH4.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=108931

If playing SH4, your best bet is to play Stock patched to 1.3 in the beginning, you can set realism in the options, start fairly low, then ramp up as you start to learn this stuff.

Search the threads, ask questions, but remember to search a bit first as some of your questions may get answered by doing this.


RDP

[Mush Martin]

Hi RCH and welcome aboard,
there is a mountain of info available here start off with the
newbie guide in the stickies at the top of the forum.



a really good tip is learning to use the forum search feature
for info Prior to posting a question. this will help you a lot
both with info as well as socially.

there are tutorials for most things

I hope you enjoy your stay here at SS what I can say
is that now you have discovered the sim you are about
to discover that its more hobby than game.

Welcome aboard.
MM:|\\

[rch6776]

thanks for the info.....definately can see where this could turn into a hobby.....if only I could get my wife to see it that way...... :)

thanks again and have a great day!!!

[ReallyDedPoet]

if only I could get my wife to see it that way...... :)



lol, give it some time :up:


RDP

[Ducimus]

give it some time, and they'll come up with new and intresting nicknames for you. My wife calls me "tinkerbell". My own damn fault.

"Hon, whatcha doin in there?"

not knowing how to respond with an easy to undertand answer, other then "modding" I replied, "Tinkering".

A few more incidents of that, and the nickname around the house was borne.

[John Channing]

Mine calls me "Eight-Ball"... a reference to the average number of golf balls I lose on the front 9 of a particular course we play together.

JCC

[Seadogs]

Welcome, and remember "get close and stay slow". :yep:

[mookiemookie]

Check your solutions, double check, and then triple check. The minute you try and hurry things in sub combat, you have lost.

I'll echo the "slow and close" sentiment. Stealth and silence are your best friends as a submariner. And when the "fit hits the shan" as they say, go deep, and go quiet.

The folks here are some of the most helpful and dedicated around. You've found a great resource for help and tips. Enjoy your stay.

Keep a green board and a zero bubble, skipper. :arrgh!:

[SteamWake]

Herro... My name is SteamWake and Im a Subsim a holic.

No really, probably one of the best computer simulation type games out there.

Welcome to the forums and have a blast with the game... so much to learn... so... much... to....

[C DuDe]

Welcom aboard.

I heard they have Sailor costumes on sale at E-Bay :88) just an idea for the wife.

[Misfit138]

Aah, this kind of reminds me when about ten years ago I read a review of Silent Hunter 1 from this one finnish game magazine. "This game sounds really cool, I wanna try it!" I did and now I'm on Silent Hunter 4

Hmm, that was ten years ago?! Damn, I'm so old already :rotfl:

Anyways, welcome aboard!

[Capt. Shark Bait]

.....if only I could get my wife to see it that way...... :)

tell her she can be you XO(executive officer):88)

[McBeck]

I have never played a sim game in my life and I don't know the first thing about a sub. But I am extremely interested in this sim and want to learn how to play. There seems to be alot of info here but it is hard to understand. Is there a guide anywhere that can walk me through the basic instructions on setting up a torpedo launch? As well as basic tips on sub tactics? Not meaning to cut corners, just trying to gain enough knowledge to somewhat understand what I'm doing. I have managed my way through all the tutorials(sub school) except the last one. I can somehow figure out how take down the first merchant but my lack of knowing what I am doing really shines after that. All of my playing has been on "0" real.
Yeah...I can imagine the steep learning curve this game must have.

My suggestion is to turn the realism WAY down!
(You can later crank it up one setting at a time)

Then figure out how to approach a ship if you want to sink it.
(Hint: Attack from the side so the torpedoes hit from a 90 degrees angel)

Start with single ships...then convoys...then convoys with escorts...then tasksforces.

In the subschool, theres a mission called torpedo attack...start with that (after you have mastered the navigation ;) )

[Peto]

thanks for the info.....definately can see where this could turn into a hobby.....if only I could get my wife to see it that way...... :)


Who needs a wife when the fate of the free world is hanging in the balance? Domestic interuptions can cause good sub crews to be listed as "over due, presumed lost." Getting caught with a duster in your hand when the depth charges are dropped is a recipe for disaster! Don't let this happen to you!!!

Commanding a submarine is a very lonely occupation.

:rotfl:

[Seadogs]

thanks for the info.....definately can see where this could turn into a hobby.....if only I could get my wife to see it that way...... :)


Who needs a wife when the fate of the free world is hanging in the balance? Domestic interuptions can cause good sub crews to be listed as "over due, presumed lost." Getting caught with a duster in your hand when the depth charges are dropped is a recipe for disaster! Don't let this happen to you!!!

Commanding a submarine is a very lonely occupation.

:rotfl:

Your starting to sound like that "Subsessed" viral thingy they did at launch. Run silent :up:

[ReallyDedPoet]

Herro... My name is SteamWake and Im a Subsim a holic.



Welcome SW, what would you like to share with the community today :D Get it out man, feelings are your friend :doh:


RDP

[mookiemookie]

thanks for the info.....definately can see where this could turn into a hobby.....if only I could get my wife to see it that way...... :)

Who needs a wife when the fate of the free world is hanging in the balance? Domestic interuptions can cause good sub crews to be listed as "over due, presumed lost." Getting caught with a duster in your hand when the depth charges are dropped is a recipe for disaster! Don't let this happen to you!!!

Commanding a submarine is a very lonely occupation.

:rotfl:
Your starting to sound like that "Subsessed" viral thingy they did at launch. Run silent :up:
Just wait until he starts dragging her to museum ships, like I've done with my sweetie.

(That being said, she's got a pretty cool picture framed of me "conning" the Cavalla:up: next to a picture of her sitting on one of the Lexington's AA guns!)

[rch6776]

lol....i can see this little community is not running short on characters!!! thank you all for the warm welcome. i told my wife last night that this sim was by far the most challenging piece of software that has populated my pc.....(talkin about running silent) no response whatsoever.....about an hour later she brought me my earphones and just smiled.....

[ReallyDedPoet]

lol....i can see this little community is not running short on characters!!! thank you all for the warm welcome. i told my wife last night that this sim was by far the most challenging piece of software that has populated my pc.....(talkin about running silent) no response whatsoever.....about an hour later she brought me my earphones and just smiled.....

See, she is warming up to it already :yep: Well kind of anyway. Maybe we can start a Wives Support Group here :o:o


RDP

[Peto]

...about an hour later she brought me my earphones and just smiled.....

Maybe she's got a thing for soundmen? Looks like you're on to something good here rch6776!!!! :hmm:

Work it!!!

:rock:

[dogshu]

As well as basic tips on sub tactics?
Try your hardest to attack enemies from the broadsides... i.e. your course should be roughly perpendicular to the enemy's course when you launch your torpedoes. Attack from within 1500 yards or so. Do flank speed surface end runs around convoys when necessary, but stay the hell out of visual range. You should never be surfaced when enemy warships or planes are within visual range... hell you should never be surfaced when enemy merchant ships are around, unless you're attacking them with your deck gun. Oh yeah, don't get damaged. Even if your crew says everything is repaired, there will be invisible leaks in your hull, fuel tank, etc.

[ktrboston]

Welcome aboard, I was like you never played a sim game or knew anything about subs. It all changed when I found SH3 then I was hooked from then on it was over. It has become more than an hobby but more of an obession. It will change once school starts which is next week!:-? Trying to finish Cal II, took it over the summer and its not fun man especially if you are doing it on your own. I have 3 more tests and a final and thats it Cal III here I come. I hope! Anyways, There is vast amout of infomation on this site. I sure that some one had already to you this but there is a newbie guide at the beginning of SH4 forums also check some of the mods for SH4 it makes the whole experience better. Soon or later you will become an addict like the rest of us. Good Hunting!

[THE_MASK]

[quote=rch6776] Well kind of anyway. Maybe we can start a Wives Support Group here :o:o


RDP I would be happy with a wife swap group . Please take her . No , only joking . OHhhhh hi darlin:dead:

[the_belgian]

thanks for the info.....definately can see where this could turn into a hobby.....if only I could get my wife to see it that way...... :)

thanks again and have a great day!!!

Drop the wife,load your torpedoes:rotfl:

[Captain_AJ]

One Advantage of playing for 3 years . Is learning tattics . theres alot of how toos out there .I still use the formali of sh3 when intercepting ships . Its under the Noob guide in sh3 "targeting and intercepting ships >>>>>http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=88922. this is the revised comment . But the earlier comment is here >>>>http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=88961 I use this all the time . it will become like clock work . In my Current patrol . I intercepted 9 ship merchant convoy . I sank 7 mercants using Sh3 tatics . The one thing that is different in sh4 is using the thermal layer to your advantage . You can esacpe the patroling Destroyers , This last bank of destroyers were at a loss to find me . I usually set myself - up way ahead of the pack of mercants . I go dead in the water . and click on silent running until I get a bearing of 350 . I than raise my periscope . and start tracking the lead merchant . than I open my tubes . fire . and redo my tracking again , and again , Now this is after learning from using these old , If you can call that , How toos from sh3 , The one thing I need tolearn is how to use the sonor without a visual contact of firing my torps .. This is the next phase of my abilities . All I can say is read and learn . than apply . have Fun !!!

[AVGWarhawk]

Well, since I mess with this game and work on the Torsk, when my wife and I have alone time together, 'Welcome Aboard' has taken on a whole new meaning:p

[Incubus]

What I really like is that you can customize the realism settings, since its not really one-size-fits all when set at 'easy/medium/hard'.

I suggest keeping fuel, compressed air, and batteries on- these are easy things to deal with. Starting out using the free camera (lets you look around outside your submarine) helps understand how escorts find and chase you, and how to trick them. The action camera is a fun tool but also useful in seeing what part of a ship you hit (especially if you are 200 feet underwater when the torpedo impacts).

This is what I've been doing. I have kept solutions on 'automatic' because right now I'm focusing on practicing stealth and setting up a firing solution. Even with 'automatic' aiming, nothing is guaranteed, and echoing what other people have said, if you are impatient, it will bite you in the ass. Just like real sub skippers, you need to be agressive, but within reason, and patient enough to put yourself in a position where you have the maximum chance of a hit, and the minimum chance of detection.

Don't be afraid of letting ships go if you don't think you can get a good shot, or you're concerned about being detected. IMO this game is a little more forgiving than SH3 since the ASW isn't as powerful.

I Do miss the weapon officer assistance option- you can have manual firing solutions but if its a tough solution let the WO take care of it. It was kind of a transition for me to learn how to calculate firing solutions. I'm still learning, but from what I observed, some of the best firing positions have the easiest solutions (90 degrees AOB, within 1000 meters, fast speed torpedoes).

[rch6776]

...about an hour later she brought me my earphones and just smiled.....

Maybe she's got a thing for soundmen? Looks like you're on to something good here rch6776!!!! :hmm:

Work it!!!

:rock: I said earphones but I meant headphones.....she was letting me know that "hey it's ok, but the noise has got to go!!! :)

I finally completed all of the sub school missions last night...woohoo....I think I am ready to start my first career....

I again want to thank everyone for their input. I am really enjoying this sim. Maybe a bit later I will install a mod or two.(have never done that either....don't have a clue)

[seaniam81]

Another thing to keep in mind is that the merchies have deck guns too... so expect them to shoot back too.

[simonb1612]

That is an excellent Idea. Subsim should sell t-shirts with some kind of slogan about about how the spouses are neglected for the game. You could run a comp for the best one...

[the_belgian]

That is an excellent Idea. Subsim should sell t-shirts with some kind of slogan about about how the spouses are neglected for the game. You could run a comp for the best one...

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3012/nieuw1pz3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

???

[mookiemookie]

That is an excellent Idea. Subsim should sell t-shirts with some kind of slogan about about how the spouses are neglected for the game. You could run a comp for the best one...
Gatos before hos? :lol:

[SteamWake]

That is an excellent Idea. Subsim should sell t-shirts with some kind of slogan about about how the spouses are neglected for the game. You could run a comp for the best one...
Gatos before hos? :lol:

Shame on you... show a little respect for your biotch !

It could be worse check this out http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/15/national/main3058816.shtml

[momo55]

That is an excellent Idea. Subsim should sell t-shirts with some kind of slogan about about how the spouses are neglected for the game. You could run a comp for the best one...
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3012/nieuw1pz3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

???
I'll print this one and stick it on my room door .. and hope the misses won't use my mom's china to deptcharge me :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[silentscorp1971]

Installing mods is uber easy.

Download the JSM Mod installer program and drop the .exe in you main SH4 directory folder. Create a folder named Mods in the SH4 directory (if you don't see on already there). Download the mods of your choice, unzip them, drop the pre-made folder (if they are JSM ready which most are) nto your Mods folder you made. Go into your SH4 directory and run the JSM installer you put there and simply select the mod from the left list and click the right arrow to add it to your game, left arrow will uninstall them just as easy! :know:

Several I highly recommend are:
Trigger Maru 1.6.7
Many fixes to vanilla 1.3, more realistic convoy routes making it less of a shooting gallery and require more hunting per patrol, reduced aircraft range (more realistic), and includes LBO* and NSM*, AND even new construction trials out of San Fransico!

Trigger Maru Graphics Mod: [downloadable from same place as TM]
Adds some really good eye candy and fixes to some vanilla 1.3 graphics problems.

Living Breathing Ocean (LBO): [included in TM 1.5.x and 1.6.x]
Adds real Pacific ocen currents and greater wave effects. (Believe it also adds winds but not sure on that one). Makes your boat toss and ride the waves instead of riding along like its on a rail.

Natural Sinking Mod (NSM): [included in TM 1.6.x]
A total reworking of the models and their water tight compartments making them sink correctly and even allowing for unbalancing of high tower ships and capsizing. Deck gun is more realistic requiring more waterline hits to flood a compartment.

With those mods you will really think SH4 is a work of art! The author of LBO is also coming out with a new mod (in beta now) that adds realistic light reflections and shadows depending on the sun and moon locations!! With the power of the SH4 engine and the creativity of the community here it won't be long till you will have to have your wife throw a bucket of water on you when you go topside to get more realistic! :rock:

Speaking of the wife, download the voice command mod for SH4 and play the game like a real skipper by hollering out all your commands. That will really help out the domestic situation. "Battlestations, Up periscope, Open tube 1, Open tube 2, Open tube 3, FIRE 1, FIRE 2, FIRE 3, down periscope, new depth 350 feet, ahead 1/3, rig for silent running!" :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[sqk7744]

Welcom aboard.

I heard they have Sailor costumes on sale at E-Bay :88) just an idea for the wife.

HA HA CLASSIC C Dude!!!

Welcome Aboard rch6776!

Tell her you are reviewing your Crew sections before the next patrol and she has the choices of:

1. Deck Gunner
2. 2nd shift stern torpedo room
3. 3rd shift watch.

No need to worry as Uniforms and on the job training will be provided....See what her answer is.

My girlfriend was not so amused and I said, "remember I told you I play hard to want" ;)

* Back before the A key ctd was fixed, she used to use that when I snuck in "One Last Patrol."
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=111070

Cheers and welcome!