Silent Hunter 5 Announced?

[PL_Andrev]

Huh? SH5 at Q4 09?
:rotfl:
Again!!!

from UBI...
with much BETTER graphic...
hurriedly delivered for Christmas...
totally bugged...
with extra-paid patches...summary:
not worth our money...
"SH5: Bugs of the Atlantic" RETURNS !!!

Thanks.
I'll wait for cheaper edition witch included patch 1.4 plus unofficiad add-on.

[Munchausen]

You want a game that is constantly improved and just gets better and better for all players? Play an on-line MMORPG!Or play a game created by one programmer. Somebody who is devoted to his own brainchild and more willing to maintain support for it. Somebody who constantly visits his "offcial" forum, listens to suggestions, and does his best to make improvements. Somebody who cranks out "fixes" long, long after the game has been released.Like the Grey Wolves perhaps :yeah:

:yep: That's certainly a good example of a mod team that sticks with its product. But it's even better when the original dev also continues to support and improve his game ... someone who owns the game code and is willing to modify it in places everyone acknowledges to be buggy.

But, yes, Grey Wolves make a big difference (once their product is released). Now, if only there existed a team to mod the U.S. side of the war with the same amount of dedication.

[AVGWarhawk]

You want a game that is constantly improved and just gets better and better for all players? Play an on-line MMORPG!Or play a game created by one programmer. Somebody who is devoted to his own brainchild and more willing to maintain support for it. Somebody who constantly visits his "offcial" forum, listens to suggestions, and does his best to make improvements. Somebody who cranks out "fixes" long, long after the game has been released.Like the Grey Wolves perhaps :yeah:

:yep: That's certainly a good example of a mod team that sticks with its product. But it's even better when the original dev also continues to support and improve his game ... someone who owns the game code and is willing to modify it in places everyone acknowledges to be buggy.

But, yes, Grey Wolves make a big difference (once their product is released). Now, if only there existed a team to mod the U.S. side of the war with the same amount of dedication.

:timeout: You mean RFB, TMO, OM, Fall of the Rising Sun? :06: Might want to revisit this statement.

[Q3ark]

:timeout: You mean RFB, TMO, OM, Fall of the Rising Sun? :06: Might want to revisit this statement. :shifty:

Was going to mention that myself.

p.s. you missed out RSRDC :D

[AVGWarhawk]

:timeout: You mean RFB, TMO, OM, Fall of the Rising Sun? :06: Might want to revisit this statement. :shifty:

Was going to mention that myself.

p.s. you missed out RSRDC :D


Damn it:damn: You are right and here I am giving Kudos to Lurker over at his forum on what a fantastic mod it is AND how he keeps adding to it. Many apologies Lurker.

[Q3ark]

:timeout: You mean RFB, TMO, OM, Fall of the Rising Sun? :06: Might want to revisit this statement. :shifty:

Was going to mention that myself.

p.s. you missed out RSRDC :D


Damn it:damn: You are right and here I am giving Kudos to Lurker over at his forum on what a fantastic mod it is AND how he keeps adding to it. Many apologies Lurker.

Glad to help out :cool: . There's more quality mods out there for SH4 than people seem to realise. SH4 has come on a long way since it's troubled release, all because a few people had some good ideas and developed them into excellent mods.

[NEON DEON]

I heard that they were going to skip SH V and go right to SIX!

:D

I stick by my earlier prediction.

[drupps]

I'd like to see SH3 and SH4 combined with a playable surface aspect. I'm sure this was already mentioned, but I didn't read the whole post.

[Uber Gruber]

One word people: Wolf Packs

Okay, two words then. Wolf Packs, U-Boat beacon transmissions which we can home in on as part of Wolf Pack operation. Triangular direction finding when U-Boats transmit later in the war. Enigma intelligence simulation, i.e. they know but we don't know they know...including dynmaic re-routing of convoys based on our U-Boat transmissions.

And whilst i'm at it: A fully modeled, rendered and working U-Boat (if Tomi doesn't beat them to it!). More involvement with other compartments.

Realistic damage acquisition and sinking....lets have some real Das Boot moments.

More German air attacks on convoys during early stages of war.

Dynamic Weather...preferably as beautiful as Flashpoint 2

The best sea modeling in the world please, and no skimping! In fact just make sure the environment is stunning and turbulent.

A working head. :up:

[thyro]

I have been told by someone who knows that sales for SH4 are very close to those of SH3. Perhaps if SH5 could cover both theaters it could reach the sum of both. Can you imagine being able to command a sub from any of the nations that had them in WW2. That would be really cool and appeal to audiences the series has never appealed to before. We might actually get some Japanese players.

Is good to see high expectations... but I'm afraid I don't share the same optimism.

SH series have been "fine" (a average quality) But all SHs lacked in substance (content) and detail. So why would SH5 be that different from its predecessors?

Money making machinery only... few enhancements, a new colour here and a new colour there and ready to go to shops. Bugs... if none critical, then no one will notice... beside moders would be entertained to cover most of them until a patch is released couple weeks/months later

Well I hope you are right and I'm wrong but after having all SHs since their release, I my expectations for WOW factor are quite low ;)

BTW I hope that is enough of WWII... time to evolve to more modern age even if fictional... coz repeating same history over and over away is no joy.

[TDK1044]

I think the whole point of Ubisoft adding SH4 1.5 was to give the modders the ability to create a U Boat Atlantic campaign within SH4.

The reason for doing that in my view is so that their next offerering will be a totally new game with new code and which won't be set in WWII.

I think those expecting Silent Hunter 5 to be the ultimate WWII sub sim are going to be mighty disappointed when the game is released. I would also expect SH5 to offer a console version of the game in addition to the PC version.

Ubisoft are not about to spend the money on a brand new game with new code and then target it at about 200,000 people.

I expect to see either a cold war or modern day game available as a console game and as a PC game.

[AVGWarhawk]

I expect SH5 to have submersibles. :D

[Rockin Robbins]

SH5: Lifeboats of the Atlantic.

[Arclight]

:rotfl:

@TDK; a console version?! I sincerely doubt a console has the resources to run a game like SH3 & 4. At least if it is to deliver the same content as the PC version.

Last multi platform game I got is EndWar. Decent game in all respects, but it has "console" written all over it: mediocre graphics, clunky interface, restricted cam, etc. If they do something like that to Silent Hunter, I'm out. That would be the only reason for me not to buy it.

[TDK1044]

:rotfl:

@TDK; a console version?! I sincerely doubt a console has the resources to run a game like SH3 & 4. At least if it is to deliver the same content as the PC version.

Last multi platform game I got is EndWar. Decent game in all respects, but it has "console" written all over it: mediocre graphics, clunky interface, restricted cam, etc. If they do something like that to Silent Hunter, I'm out. That would be the only reason for me not to buy it.


It would certainly be a different game, and it would obviously not offer the same functionality of the PC game. But it could be made to work as an arcade game for a younger demographic, and that group represents a market 4 or 5 times larger than that of the PC sim market.

All Ubisoft has to do is create a modern day Task Force based game that they can sell as a 'shoot em up' to the console market, while making a more functional product for the PC sim market. What they are not going to do is invest in a brand new game with new code and only offer it as a PC game. Not nearly enough money in them there hills.

They will happily sacrifice a few hundred hard core sub simmers not purchasing SH5 in protest, if they can attract 200,000 or 300,000 console gamers to the game.

[tater]

While a fully modeled interior would be novel, and I'm sure I'd walk around and look—once, maybe twice—without underlying code to USE the interior, it's a waste of limited resources, IMO.

You have a torpedo room, for example. Now what? An avatar with a wrench? Timbers you have to personally use to shore up damage?

I'd far rather have the 3d modelers the devs have working on more classes of target, you could probably have more than one entire ship for the effort to make a single interior room that has no possible player functionality. The immersion of walking down there is fine, but you won't do it often without a REASON.


BTW, can't remember if I said it here, but what SH5 needs is multiplayer...

INSIDE THE SUB.

Multiplayer outside the sub is not terribly useful, since real attacks, and ASW prosecutions can take HOURS. Many hours. TC is pretty much required. As a result, the best multiplayer solution would be one that allows play inside the sub.

1. Avatars that move around, not just a camera.

2. "Join in progress" capability. You'd have a hosting system like HL, then players can join your mission in progress. The host is the skipper, all other useful crew spots are open. Really this means the firing party for the most part.

The skipper would control the TC, and all players move in lockstep with him. In low TC, if a player is on radar or sonar, it just speeds that up, but at high TC, the players are assumed "off duty" so that the AI can react as usual, then drop the boat to lower TC. There can be a cribbage board in the wardroom :)

tater

[Arclight]

It would certainly be a different game, and it would obviously not offer the same functionality of the PC game. But it could be made to work as an arcade game for a younger demographic, and that group represents a market 4 or 5 times larger than that of the PC sim market.

All Ubisoft has to do is create a modern day Task Force based game that they can sell as a 'shoot em up' to the console market, while making a more functional product for the PC sim market. What they are not going to do is invest in a brand new game with new code and only offer it as a PC game. Not nearly enough money in them their hills.

They will happily sacrifice a few hundred hard core sub simmers not purchasing SH5 in protest, if they can attract 200,000 or 300,000 console gamers to the game.The type of game you're describing there seems to fall along the lines of Battlestations Midway. I remember picking it up, thinking it might provide a change of pace. First thing I did was jump in a sub and give it a whirl. It was just horrible, absolutely disgusting. I don't think I ever came across anything that is so shallow.

I think you're wrong, because developing 2 different versions for both console and PC is just to costly.

I hope you're wrong, because that would truly be the end of Silent Hunter. Not something I'm particularly looking forward to by the way.

Besides, who says a Silent Hunter catered to the console gamers would catch on? At least with the fans they know it will sell, and that there's an extensive and (almost overly ;) ) motivated community to keep it alive and prolong it's lifespan. Just look at SH 3 & 4; here we are discussing part 5, while the modders are still actively supporting and improving their creations.

I don't think Ubi has anything to gain by changing the formula. Maybe they can gain a foothold in the console market, but at the same time they drive of the more dedicated gamers who are looking for a challenge (not just the current fans). Who in their right mind is gonna buy a crippled sub-game for a console, if they can have the real deal for just a few bucks to play on their 5 year old PC (SH3 for example)? Games like this don't belong on a console, and I really hope Ubi sees that too.

[CPatrick]

Alright! Which one of you smurfs "Rickrolled" me with the SH 5 trailer vid on youtube???

That's just... mean!


- Sorry Kapitan_Phillips! It won't happen again.

[karamazovnew]

Good point Arclight, but it's still wishful thinking. In this era of economic depresion I doubt they have the luxury of doing realistic niche games. Even IL-2 Birds of Prey is getting the "arcade" treatment. But I can't believe so many of you say that you want a modern sub sim. Or that the WW2 era is dead and spent.

First of all, the difference between modern sims and ww2-sims is in the manual. Falcon 4 had a 600 page manual that still didn't tell anything but systems and buttons. IL2 had... wait.. I never checked. Does it HAVE a manual? Modern sims are more niche than WW1/2 sims. Plus, where's the fun in pressing the Aquire/Calculate/Fire button? Oh wait, maybe they have nuclear weapons. Damn, need permition from president! Damn, it's too far to see the city burn :damn: MODDERS!!!!

There's still a ton they can do with German subs. I don't even want those 10 classes of subs which all do the same thing. I want one sub, that's it. But what a sub! First of all, a moddable one. The game should have all the modding tools required to turn it into a WW1 sim if we wanted to. 4 years of modding have gone into SH3 and it's still held down by it's vanilla engine. If they make a powerful engine, we can do anything with it. Consider this:

The first loading screen is a 3d interactive session where you drive through a naval base to your office, then paperwork, then u move through the docks to the sub while a mechanic nags you about the changes (all skippable ofc). The crew greets you in formation on the deck and u give orders to move. That's when the 3D loading screen ends. Ubisoft did this in Assasins Creed.
No interface except for giving orders. U need to move through the sub to get to certain stations, no mouse pointer, just crosshair in center screen press E to access periscope, map, uzo, chairs, beds, FPS-style. U can click anything in the sub, even turning a leaky valve to stop it from wetting the bread, or dragging the hatch to close it. 3D map, with tools you can move, while the camera tosses you around. Coop multiplayer on the same sub, one maneuvers the ship with rudder, rpm and compressed air, one plots attack solutions, and one gives bearings and angles and decides the attack strategy and they can all see in a mini window what another player is seeing. And u can give ample orders such as "for the next 8 hours, go to periscope depth at every 30 miles and check for contacts, then surface again. If nothing happens wake me up in 8 hours, i'll go sleep". Then you go to your bed, set your alarm clock and sleep to start time compression. You need to eat moldy meat, let the doctor check you for flees, complete logs. Only interact with 3D characters, no crew management screen. You ask them about their wives, let them show you pictures, tell them to clean the toilet, see them play chess in the mess hall, make a lottery with the chosen patrol zone (RSRD style), load the torpedoes and hear them gossip about your last actions. You can fall overboard if you're not carefull, or swim around the sub to admire the scratches. Real navigation methods. Food stores that run out. Taking prisoners or picking up survivors and boarding ships for inspection. Going to engine room then having weak hearing for an hour. Putting goggles before going outside at night to enhance vision. Even a real academy with complex training missions to teach you real tactics, real procedures for every station. Sound and navigation training. The list goes on and on and on.

Remember that in a few years we'll have head mounted displays with full stereoscopic 3d view. How would that make the game feel? You're not the sub, your IN a sub. You're no longer in a game on a pixel sub, you're a captain with a crew to look after. You might loose their respect or win their friendship. They might die from sickness. That might sound waaay overboard and too hard for casual gamers, but remember that at any point you can just tell the WO to sink a ship while you go to get that bottle of wine, or you can always let the navigation officer mark your current position (anytime on easy mode, or at certain times and with errors, on realistic mode). Or, if you want, you take the sextant from the shelf and go star-hunting. And what if 3 years from now they decide "that's it, no more sub sims". At least we'd have a perfect game to keep us happy and immersed (and submerged) for a very very long time. We'd make the subs, the campaigns, the wars, the dialogs, the card games, the radio stations, the impossible misions, the voices, the faces. Silent Hunter was never about graphics, the game already looks good enough, and they have all the technology to make into an immersive realistic RPG/SIMS/sim game. I'd say that's the only way to go and the only reason to make another SH. Else why bother? Copy/paste all code, use DX10 engine, fix save games, print cover, release to drooling and soon-to-be-dissapointed fans.

[Kapitan_Phillips]

The first loading screen is a 3d interactive session where you drive through a naval base to your office, then paperwork, then u move through the docks to the sub while a mechanic nags you about the changes (all skippable ofc). The crew greets you in formation on the deck and u give orders to move. That's when the 3D loading screen ends. Ubisoft did this in Assasins Creed.


I like that idea. Not being some kind of astral projection in the game is a major wish for me too

[AVGWarhawk]

Alright! Which one of you smurfs "Rickrolled" me with the SH 5 trailer vid on youtube???

That's just... mean!


- Sorry Kapitan_Phillips! It won't happen again.


:har: KP got nailed:har:

[Arclight]

Good point Arclight, but it's still wishful thinking..It's all I have left nowadays. :shifty:

[Kapitan_Phillips]

Alright! Which one of you smurfs "Rickrolled" me with the SH 5 trailer vid on youtube???

That's just... mean!


- Sorry Kapitan_Phillips! It won't happen again.

:har: KP got nailed:har:
Eh? CPatrick originally wrote a naughty, so I edited it to "smurf". We know the rules and so does he.

A full deletion I was thinking of, but you wouldnt get that cause I'm a nice guuy..

Aaand if you ask me who I'm keeling, gotta make you, understand..

Never gonna brig you up
Never gonna ban you down
Never gonna run around
And report you

Never gonna make you cry
Never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie
Or ignore you

:03:

http://www.insanityincorporated.com/crap/rickroll.gif

[quietguy52]

Well first off there's the FPS cash cow of the Either that or some WWI U-Boat sim.


Or the devs could have really gone out on a limb and went for..........

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/5968/20000leaguesunderseadivcp3.jpg

One of my all time favorite movies... as chance would have it, just rewatched it last night - LOVE that sub!

[frenema]

http://www.subsim.com/nucleus/index.php?blogid=4

"All new code; U-boats in the Atlantic"

So looks like it's return to the atlantic! :up:

[Sailor Steve]

I would take that as a given; not because the Atlantic u-boat war is inherently better or more fun, or even more popular, but because that's where it all starts. If SH5 isn't to be a dual-theater sim right out of the gate, then the U-boats are the logical place to start.

But we'll see. That blurb may or may not be remotely accurate.:sunny:

[TDK1044]

The PC version of SH5 will obviously be a windows 7 game. That means it will run on Vista also. Hopefully it will also run on XP.

[Jimbuna]

The PC version of SH5 will obviously be a windows 7 game. That means it will run on Vista also. Hopefully it will also run on XP.

I hope so....I'm planning on holding on to my XP Pro discs for as looooooong as possible :o

[AVGWarhawk]

I would take that as a given; not because the Atlantic u-boat war is inherently better or more fun, or even more popular, but because that's where it all starts. If SH5 isn't to be a dual-theater sim right out of the gate, then the U-boats are the logical place to start.

But we'll see. That blurb may or may not be remotely accurate.:sunny:

Well, as things go, SH2 (fleets) SH3 (uboats) SH4 (fleets) SH5 (uboats) or perhaps both! So much information and work has been amassed in both theathers, logically, all should be integrated.

PS. I find fleets inherently better and fun:O:

[AVGWarhawk]

I hope so....I'm planning on holding on to my XP Pro discs for as looooooong as possible :o

Vista is nothing to be scared of Jim, 7 is even better. I would like to say I miss XP but I would be fibbing to you.

[FIREWALL]

Well, as things go, SH2 (fleets) SH3 (uboats) SH4 (fleets) SH5 (uboats) or perhaps both! So much information and work has been amassed in both theathers, logically, all should be integrated.

PS. I find fleets inherently better and fun:O:

Why can't it be a DC\SH ? It's a shame they leave Destroyer Command in mothballs.

[Onkel Neal]

Well, as things go, SH2 (fleets) SH3 (uboats) SH4 (fleets) SH5 (uboats) or perhaps both! So much information and work has been amassed in both theathers, logically, all should be integrated.

PS. I find fleets inherently better and fun:O:

SH2 was u-boats, right?

[FIREWALL]

SH2 was u-boats, right?


Mine is.

[AVGWarhawk]

SH2 was u-boats, right?

Sorry, correct. :oops: Point is, it seems to flip back and forth. Jam it all together in one big happy file!

[Onkel Neal]

Why can't it be a DC\SH ? It's a shame they leave Destroyer Command in mothballs.


Destroyer Command did not sell. No sales = no sequels. :wah:

[Jimbuna]

Vista is nothing to be scared of Jim, 7 is even better. I would like to say I miss XP but I would be fibbing to you.

Fair comment....both my offspring are running laptops with Vista on and TBH I guess I haven't given it a chance.

They seem to like it but TBH the son only had XP Home on his previous laptop for a year before he upgraded to a better machine and the younger daughter has only ever known Vista.

Three year back I purchased three official XP Pro discs (with accompanying licences) and they have served me well enough thus far.

I'm actually witholding an upgrade to a quad core on one of my machines....don't want to take the plunge or chance the expense until a good reliable and well tested OS is available (hopefully 7) :hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

Sorry, correct. :oops: Point is, it seems to flip back and forth. Jam it all together in one big happy file!

Well I make that 3-1 to the U-boats (counting SH5).....we'll let the SH4 add on slide.....4-1 would be a near landslide :DL :03:

Must agree though (and I've already posted to this effect recently)....this is a perfect opportunity to combine both the ATO and PTO from the outset :up:

[AVGWarhawk]

Fair comment....both my offspring are running laptops with Vista on and TBH I guess I haven't given it a chance.

They seem to like it but TBH the son only had XP Home on his previous laptop for a year before he upgraded to a better machine and the younger daughter has only ever known Vista.

Three year back I purchased three official XP Pro discs (with accompanying licences) and they have served me well enough thus far.

I'm actually witholding an upgrade to a quad core on one of my machines....don't want to take the plunge or chance the expense until a good reliable and well tested OS is available (hopefully 7) :hmmm:

In your situation is it understandable because of SH3 and modding it, etc. Vista hates star force as mush as we do. As far as 7, the beta was very much stable right out of the box. I have heard very few complaints and plenty of attaboy with Window 7.

[Jimbuna]

In your situation is it understandable because of SH3 and modding it, etc. Vista hates star force as mush as we do. As far as 7, the beta was very much stable right out of the box. I have heard very few complaints and plenty of attaboy with Window 7.

That's good to hear (positive comments re: 7).

Starforce has never been a problem at this end though....thankfully http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/4030/winkbigid2zj6.gif

[AVGWarhawk]

Well I make that 3-1 to the U-boats (counting SH5).....we'll let the SH4 add on slide.....4-1 would be a near landslide :DL :03:

Must agree though (and I've already posted to this effect recently)....this is a perfect opportunity to combine both the ATO and PTO from the outset :up:


It is a good opportunity to put it all together. Currently with SH4 if you change one boat in one theater it screws with boat in another theater. For me, does not matter u or fleet, as long as SH5 is coming the genre lives on. That is all that matters in the end:yeah:

[FIREWALL]

Destroyer Command did not sell. No sales = no sequels. :wah:


I'm sure your right but , with the new engine and graphics it might fly this time hooked up th Silent Hunter.

Not as a standalone.

[AVGWarhawk]

That's good to hear (positive comments re: 7).

Starforce has never been a problem at this end though....thankfully http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/4030/winkbigid2zj6.gif


SF never screwed with my machine either...knock on wood. Others though have had nightmares. I think those with Sony DVD in their machine. Not sure. I never paid much attention because SF did nothing adverse to my machine.

[Jimbuna]

It is a good opportunity to put it all together. Currently with SH4 if you change one boat in one theater it screws with boat in another theater. For me, does not matter u or fleet, as long as SH5 is coming the genre lives on. That is all that matters in the end:yeah:

Ditto...agreed http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

[AVGWarhawk]

I'm sure your right but , with the new engine and graphics it might fly this time hooked up th Silent Hunter.

Not as a standalone.

Now that would be neat! I would like to take the Compass Rose in the Atlantic and hang on for dear life:o

[Jimbuna]

Now that would be neat! I would like to take the Compass Rose in the Atlantic and hang on for dear life:o

I'd have thought this would of been your favourite.

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/1120/flyingdutchman1.jpg (http://img134.imageshack.us/my.php?image=flyingdutchman1.jpg)

[AVGWarhawk]

That damn thing. She makes prop noises. I follower her for a day until I notice what she was. :shifty:

[Jimbuna]

That damn thing. She makes prop noises. I follower her for a day until I notice what she was. :shifty:

LMAO....I remember dropping my can contents over the keyboard when I found out the bloody cannons fired :DL

[Onkel Neal]

I'm sure your right but , with the new engine and graphics it might fly this time hooked up th Silent Hunter.

Not as a standalone.


Yeah, I share that hope. But for a successful stand-alone destroyer title, I don't think better graphics and new engine are the key, not sure what is. In Nov 2001 Silent Hunter II was released, and in Feb 2002, Destroyer Command followed. They had similar (if not the same) graphics and engines, yet SH2 sold 100,000 copies to DC's 45,000. I don't think people are that romantically enamored with DDs as they are with undersea boats.

I don't know why there was any reason to make two separate games connect online...the simplest option would be to add a few playable Brit destroyers in SH5, and it's all in the same game. Instant MP success. I mean, for the most part, what are the differences between one class sub and another in the game? Different attributes--speed, depth, durability, and other characteristics written on a unit file; different frame and skin, and some different interface and sounds, perhaps. So, make sub with a DD frame and skin, add the necessary interfaces, and make sure the unit file won't allow it to change depths without the help of a torpedo in the boilerroom :)

[Nisgeis]

I played DC, I'm a bit hazy on this, so I may be well off the mark. I think it was a flawed concept, it was too small and it was all canned, so when you started a mission you knew there was a sub going to appear along the way, or what was the point of the mission right? Also, the graphics weren't up to the job. I remember the first time I saw the periscope of an enemy sub. It couldn't have been more obvious. A thick black line on a solidish background. It really stuck out. I seem to recall it only being ASW destroyers, there was no aircraft attacking? Maybe there was but not limited.

Well, all that may have been completely wrong, so I apologise if it was.

What would make a great modern DC, is to have it as a convoy controller. You play whichever country and your job is to get the shipping to it's destination and get it safely returned. Now, that sounds a bit dull. But, if you think of it like Total Air War, when you take a strategic overview, but can jump in to any ship at any time, then you have a situation, where you can play a strategy route the convoys away from the subs and direct ASW assets to the subs, or you could jump in and prosecute the attack. The main advatage of this is that as it would be such a large area, you would get contacts and would have to spend time deciding if the contact report was genuine, either based on a gut feeling or actually going down and doing a sweep yourself, or if it was a real attack or not. Given that you would always be needed elsewhere with the amount of traffic and reports, you may do a sweep, decide there is nothing, but actually there is and you start losing ships in that convoy.

You could be in charge of routing ASW air patrols over shipping lanes or ASW convoys if your country has them available. Imagine playing Japan and having your operating area continually shrinking and thinks getting more and more hectic. Order convoy formation changes and zig zag patterns, managing speed against torpedo attack.

To do it properly, you could even direct your countries maritime air patrols to look for enemy shipping and direct subs to their locations, and when you found one, set it up on the strategy map in a good position, if possible and jump in and take over that sub. Why play one sub or one destroyer when you can play them all muahahahah!

That would give you two markets and lots of action and lots of replayability, with no repitition. That's just the single player version too.

[AVGWarhawk]

Interesting concept Neal:hmmm: I could see that in MP action. It would be fun to play cat and mouse with a few ash cans for good measure.

@ Nisgeis I can plausibly see myself playing a campaign being a destroyer in the Atlantic and not find it dull. The player would have to have an interface that allows that player to direct the other escorts in the group. Sure, there might be a spell were there are no subs looking to sink your appointed vessels but while in the sub you run into a dry spell with no vessels to sink. It is very similar in nature. Imagine a wolfpack along the way! If done right with a great graphics engine I think a large following could be possible and throw in MP action for both subs and DD.

[Peto]

Yeah, I share that hope. But for a successful stand-alone destroyer title, I don't think better graphics and new engine are the key, not sure what is. In Nov 2001 Silent Hunter II was released, and in Feb 2002, Destroyer Command followed. They had similar (if not the same) graphics and engines, yet SH2 sold 100,000 copies to DC's 45,000. I don't think people are that romantically enamored with DDs as they are with undersea boats.

I don't know why there was any reason to make two separate games connect online...the simplest option would be to add a few playable Brit destroyers in SH5, and it's all in the same game. Instant MP success. I mean, for the most part, what are the differences between one class sub and another in the game? Different attributes--speed, depth, durability, and other characteristics written on a unit file; different frame and skin, and some different interface and sounds, perhaps. So, make sub with a DD frame and skin, add the necessary interfaces, and make sure the unit file won't allow it to change depths without the help of a torpedo in the boilerroom :)

I agree completely. I dabbled with the idea of making escorts work for SH4 but there were just too many hurdles to leap over. And I'm not as agile as I used to be. But if SH5 had better surface ship systems modability--I'd give it some serious effort. After all--what could be more fun than sinking some of you guys personally :rock:!

:arrgh!:

[Digital_Trucker]

@Nisgeis Why stop there? Why not add the ability to jump into an aircraft, in either an ASW or anti-shipping role?

[Franklin Van Valkenburg]

This isn't really about SH5, but I think there could be a lot of potential in using the gameplay platform in the SH series for an Age of Fighting Sail simulation. You could start as a commander of any navy in command of a smaller vessel, say a brig or sloop-of-war, and advance through the ranks to eventually command a fleet as an admiral (with several ships of the line!). I love the SH series and WWII, but my area of expertise is the Napoleonic Wars and the naval warfare of the period. For anyone who knows anything about this... can you imagine commanding the Victory at Trafalgar?! It would be so amazing!
Most would think a sailing game would go really slowly... some thing SH plays slow already. I say that if Ubisoft made the player manage the ship with enough detail it would actually keep the player busy and make battles epic. Anyone who has played Akella's Pirates of the Caribbean knows what a sailing sim is like... but imagine one that requires true tall-ship management... I'm talking having to drop the lead to figure the depth beneath the keel and actually raising signals to communicate and give orders to your squadron when you eventually get one.

Any comments on this?

[TinCanWolf]

I thought we were supposed to be getting some info after Hawks release. Isn't Hawk out already? :ping:

[Jimbuna]

This isn't really about SH5, but I think there could be a lot of potential in using the gameplay platform in the SH series for an Age of Fighting Sail simulation. You could start as a commander of any navy in command of a smaller vessel, say a brig or sloop-of-war, and advance through the ranks to eventually command a fleet as an admiral (with several ships of the line!). I love the SH series and WWII, but my area of expertise is the Napoleonic Wars and the naval warfare of the period. For anyone who knows anything about this... can you imagine commanding the Victory at Trafalgar?! It would be so amazing!
Most would think a sailing game would go really slowly... some thing SH plays slow already. I say that if Ubisoft made the player manage the ship with enough detail it would actually keep the player busy and make battles epic. Anyone who has played Akella's Pirates of the Caribbean knows what a sailing sim is like... but imagine one that requires true tall-ship management... I'm talking having to drop the lead to figure the depth beneath the keel and actually raising signals to communicate and give orders to your squadron when you eventually get one.

Any comments on this?

Something pretty similar has recently been released, Empire: Total War

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empire_total_war

[Franklin Van Valkenburg]

Something pretty similar has recently been released, Empire: Total War

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empire_total_war


Oh, I'm well aware of that beautiful game! But its been designed for the casual gamer and doesn't truly get into the details.
I'm saying that rather than an RTS, we need an actual simulator! :D

[urfisch]

back to topic guys.

there was the information, development of sh5 would start after ubisoft finished hawx. this has been released weeks ago, but theres still no info on sh5...

suggestions? anyone?

[Arclight]

It might be too early to say anything yet. :hmmm:

No point in releasing details if there isn't much to tell yet.

[das numnutz]

Something pretty similar has recently been released, Empire: Total War

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empire_total_war

Great game, I've been of the Total War Series since the inception (Shogun), but you absolutely have to have a killer gaming rig to enjoy it to its potential. I'm having a tough time managing my self-imposed "gaming time-allocation" having to choose between ETW and SH4 now that I made my return to it.

[urfisch]

still no news?

[Rockin Robbins]

<pokes head up yet again> It..........lives!!!!:eek: <hides behind pile of discarded SH2 boxes>

[kiwi_2005]

What would make a great modern DC, is to have it as a convoy controller. You play whichever country and your job is to get the shipping to it's destination and get it safely returned.


Totally agree. I remeber doing this in ''Enigma Rising Tide'' when commanding the destroyers you had to protect the convoy I can't remeber though if i played this way during the campaign or single missions or was it one of the mods i had download back then (many years ago now) It was great though, you would have a convoy of say 12 ships and couple of destroyers protecting them you took command of one and waited for the wolves to strike. At times it was hectic their did be a sub ahead of the convoy so your speed up ahead to go to depth charge it & spend a good 5-10min dropping DC's only for another sub to be behind the convoy or to its sides so of you go giving chase, and when you lost a ship it was serious!. Losing a ship was not good to my ego :DL

No other game has come close to the thrill of protecting your convoy.

In fact now that i mentioned it i think i will go look for the cd somewhere gathering dust and reinstall this game.

[NicholasJamesBoyd]

I think I'd have one problem with a modern/ coldwar one is that they could stay underwater for so long at a depth where the surface would have no effect, if there isn't many other subs around you might aswell be invincible. Unless theres a russian campaign reactor malfunctions and all, that and there would be absolutely no room for any fraction of error. The weapons would take everythng out in one hit, with devastatingly massive explosions. I think it strays to far away from the idea of a silent hunter (who stalks and runs when necessary, and uses extreme cunning to escape).

[Jimbuna]

I think I'd have one problem with a modern/ coldwar one is that they could stay underwater for so long at a depth where the surface would have no effect, if there isn't many other subs around you might aswell be invincible. Unless theres a russian campaign reactor malfunctions and all, that and there would be absolutely no room for any fraction of error. The weapons would take everythng out in one hit, with devastatingly massive explosions. I think it strays to far away from the idea of a silent hunter (who stalks and runs when necessary, and uses extreme cunning to escape).

I shouldn't worry too much about nuclear reactors.......tis Atlantic WWII

Fingers crossed it'll also include PTO http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/pirate.gif

[quietguy52]

Would just be real nice if they get it SH5 out...

tired of yakking... wanna play it.

[Onkel Neal]

Would just be real nice if they get it SH5 out...

tired of yakking... wanna play it.

Yakking about it endlessley, rumors, and repeated release date delays is part of the SH legacy...and the fun :ping:

[antiwup]

its been a long time since ive been here i have been too busy but i have always enjoyed silent hunter. i have been trying to find out about sh5 and i seen people have been posting here any solid facts been released or is everything just speculation to this point?! wup wup!

[Sea Demon]

Yakking about it endlessley, rumors, and repeated release date delays is part of the SH legacy...and the fun :ping:

:har::rotfl::haha: I'm in tears!

[Frame57]

Yakking about it endlessley, rumors, and repeated release date delays is part of the SH legacy...and the fun :ping:
Ok! Let's get down to business. You know something and we know you know something. So how much will it take to get it out of you?:damn:

[Lorient Bunker]

Ok I'm getting a little concerned now, there's no mention of Silent Hunter 5 in the following document released today...

http://www.ubisoftgroup.com/gallery_files/site/270/1042/1967.pdf

Now I'm sure they're still working on the game, but to me this info says that it's not going to be out this year. :hmmm:

[Torplexed]

Ok I'm getting a little concerned now, there's no mention of Silent Hunter 5 in the following document released today...

http://www.ubisoftgroup.com/gallery_files/site/270/1042/1967.pdf

Now I'm sure they're still working on the game, but to me this info says that it's not going to be out this year. :hmmm:

Considering what expectations people have for this game that's probably a good sign. A rushed job is the last thing we need. :D

[Arclight]

I agree, let them take their time. :yep:

[DarkFish]

Ok I'm getting a little concerned now, there's no mention of Silent Hunter 5 in the following document released today...

http://www.ubisoftgroup.com/gallery_files/site/270/1042/1967.pdf

Now I'm sure they're still working on the game, but to me this info says that it's not going to be out this year. :hmmm:
well, the list on the last page of this document only shows the scheduled releases from April till June, another list on page 2 only lists their 'flagship titles', and SH5 can hardly be one of those.
So in fact all it tells us it that SH5 won't be released before July.

[Lorient Bunker]

another list on page 2 only lists their 'flagship titles', and SH5 can hardly be one of those.

And so Anno 1404 is a flagship title? :06:

Look, this is no expansion disk we're talking about here but a important game from one of Ubisoft's major studios.

Given the success of Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X, you'd expect the studios next game would get a mention whatever its subject.

[AVGWarhawk]

Aaaawww man, Petz, Fashion Dogz and Cats is coming out....I'm all over that one:D

[Jimbuna]

Aaaawww man, Petz, Fashion Dogz and Cats is coming out....I'm all over that one:D

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/9377/image005wej.jpg (http://img257.imageshack.us/my.php?image=image005wej.jpg)

:DL

[AVGWarhawk]

I was thinking something like this Jim:

http://www.thepet-boutique.com/images/DogClothes/Formal/dog-tuxedo_small1.jpg


Dashing!!!!!!!


Thread hijack ahead....use caution!

[Jimbuna]

I was thinking something like this Jim:

Thread hijack ahead....use caution!

LMAO :rotfl:


http://www.costumedogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/11-13-2006.jpg

Kapitan Phillips

http://doggiewoggie.com/wp-images/fashion_bulldog.jpg

STEED

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SXlxnKTG36A/R4tIIhTB2wI/AAAAAAAAAcA/SavbuE7RU98/s400/fancy-dress-dog-yoda-from-star-wars.jpg

Nikimcbee

[AVGWarhawk]

Good Lord, that is Capt Phillips with the pointed ears looking much like Mr. Spock!

:har:

[Jimbuna]

Good Lord, that is Capt Phillips with the pointed ears looking much like Mr. Spock!

:har:

...and the bottom one is obviously Jason because it's got no balls :smug:

Just wait till he reads this thread :rotfl:

[AVGWarhawk]

I sense a Vulcan Death Grip in our future:o

[V.C. Sniper]

E3.

[Hitman]

Not looked into this thread for sometime, but a peek at this last page tells me that ... well, no news is good news, isn't it? :doh:

[Stealhead]

I would never do that to my dog I mean it is not like they can agree to being made to look like a fool. Man the one in the Yoda(I guess) set that is just mean if I was that dog Id crap all over my owners head in the night. It is funny though. The Star Trek dog man they spent alot of time on the outfit youd think theyd have sprung for a better background like the Enterprise or something looks like he do better with a NASA space suit with that background maybe he is related to that dog that the Soviets sent into space before Uri?

[quietguy52]

This thread has gotten so off topic as to be dumb...:nope:

[Speedo]

Any one know realys date?:06:

[Arclight]

Release date?! :rotfl:

As far as I know the title hasn't even been confirmed yet.

[V.C. Sniper]

Silent Hunter 5 will be revealed at E3.

[Alex]

Are you sure ? :hmmm:

:06:

[Frame57]

I have a buddy going to that E3 thing and I hope he gives me some info on it. All I can say is that they have better have listened to us or they aint gonna be happy....:arrgh!:

[V.C. Sniper]

I have a buddy going to that E3 thing and I hope he gives me some info on it. All I can say is that they have better have listened to us or they aint gonna be happy....:arrgh!:"E3 thing"....... HOW DARE YOU UNDERVALUE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF E3!! :nope:


E3 starts tomorrow and goes all week long next week. Very good chance we will be seeing something from Ubisoft Romania. (lets hope SH5)

[Jimbuna]

Might be a little early :hmmm:

Hope I'm wrong :DL

[FIREWALL]

SH5 SH5 SH5 Jesus H Cripes !!!

Most of you Geeks can't even play SH3 muchless SH4 without crying about all your problems. :haha:

You can't handle SH5 :har:

[Lt commander lare]

well i can handle sh5 no matter how its released as bull halsey once said
when your in command command use what you have to accomplish your mission


lt commander lare

[Stealhead]

I thought the last thing UBI Romania did was HAWKS or what ever that game was called. So there is no way to be know when they will put out the next SH game they will put out whatever UBI tells them. they must know that many people are still deep into SH4 and even SH3 and that gives them alot of time before the next one comes out.SH4 is still pulling in new players now so they can still wax some cash out of it yet.I mean there is someone showing up here every week that just got SH4 this game has some legs on it.

[Torplexed]

this game has some legs on it.

I hope it's got the legs this thread does. :D

[tomoose]

I hope it's got the legs this thread does. :D

LOL, couldn't have said it better myself.:up:

[Stealhead]

Well you have been playing SH4 for a while right? If you had not played SH4 youd not be wanting to play SH5 now would you? What I meant was that people have made tons of mods for SH4 making it a game that you really play for a good 2 or 3 years Id say before you really get tired of it I mean if you do other things besides just SH4 which I hope most of us do if SH4 was all someone did Id be a little concerned.Ubi knows this and will us that extra time to hold off from putting out another SH game look at Infanty Ward they did CODII then they worked on COD4 for almost 4 years. that could easily be done here as well in that way of looking at it I say no SH5 until 2010-11 more 11.I belive there was quite a gap between SH2 and SH3 about 3 or 4 years maybe Im not usre.Hopefuly SH5 will be a from the ground up advancement in the series rather than SH4 which is SH3 with some Botox and a little nip tuck for the most part.(not an insult to UBI Romania that is what they could do with the time UBI gave em)

[Highbury]

I see what you are saying Steelhead, but people were just as deep into SHIII when SHIV was announced, as they are into SHIV now. As a matter of fact I think alot of us were surprised at the SHIV announcement. In alot of ways however IV was just a mod of III, at full price. IF what is said on the Subsim.com news page is correct (as of now it states: Silent Hunter 5/Ubisoft/All new code; U-boats in the Atlantic/Q4 09/Underway) then we can expect a mostly, or hopefully, completely new game.

For my one wish, IF the above info is true... going back to the Atlantic with new code... I want WOLFPACKS!!

[CaptHawkeye]

My wish is for them to stop cutting themselves short making just a submarine sim and make a true, all aspect naval warsim. That will never happen though. As a company Ubisoft just shows no interest in pursuing sims or complex titles like Silent Hunter. Their development trends show an increasing movement towards casual games.

Until I get something with substance, SH5 does not exist and the series is dead.

[Stealhead]

Highbury you and I are saying the same thing. when I said SH4 was a nip tuck i meant that it was a super mod more or less of SH3. I was not saying I wont play SH5 when it comes out I just meant that UBI knows about all the mods that have been done so that gives them time to hold off on SH5 :|\\

I dont agree with CaptHawkeye though to me Silent Hunter= subamarines surface ships dont fit this nomenclature. The problem with any game/sim that tries to cover every acpect of a broad subject like that is they always cut something short.I would rather have a game that does one thing like all the Silent Hunters thus far they cover being in sub.If i want grand P.T.O strat I play P.T.O II cause that game is wicked for that. Bottom line UBI can make a game that is all naval warfare not just subs but if they do it should not be SH5 it should be a seperate game all together I mean you already have Pacific Storm,Battle Stations Pacific, and there are some others that do cover the full naval spectrum BSP is not too bad a bit arcadey but i like it when i just want to blow the crap out off stuff with the least amount of thinking.The more things you add in the les sim and more arcadey or straty it gets.If they did make a sim that huge simply that it would take up way to much space you could say for all the data that tells the subs how they work that amount of space on your PC for all the other ships to have that full detail not to mention that anything larger than a sub would really be too demanding for just one person to manage at the simulation scale. Every company that makes games favors "casual"(Easy to pick up and play?) games that is the biggest share of the market.To me anything that is not work is casual and I dont work when I play SH4.I highly doubt anyone really plays SH4 at the max like never going above real time.If anyone does you need to be using that brain of yours to design a better light blub or something.:cool:

[Highbury]

I highly doubt anyone really plays SH4 at the max like never going above real time.If anyone does you need to be using that brain of yours to design a better light blub or something.:cool:

Well not SHIV... but SHIII....


http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=149563

[Denson]

ALL i ask is :

DX10
WOLFPACKS
TYPE XI U-CRUISER avaible (let's say alternate history or war conditions test missions), a 115 m, 4 x 127mm gun BEAST !!!!!!

I'd like to see the convoys escort DD commanders face :arrgh!:

[OrangeYoshi]

WOLFPACKS

That would be great. They should put AI subs on both sides.

Also, an ability to have the sub automatically follow a friendly. Trying to follow the escort ship out of port in GWX can be annoying. It would be cool if we could hit a button, then have the sub change heading and speed to match the target ship. That would make it much easier to follow a ship out of port, follow another sub in a wolfpack, follow the Bismark on her maiden voyage, and more.

[dcb]

So apparently there's no SH5 announcement at E3. I guess that, if they haven't dropped the project all the way, they're leaving the big announcement for the next E3, in 2010. Anyway, this long silence isn't very encouraging, at least for me, and I think there is high time UBI establishes some kind of relation with the SH gaming/fan community as a whole. It's long overdue, IMO:down:

[ekempey]

No news, is good news, unless you've been waiting for Duke Nukem Forever ...


:har::damn:

[Sonarman]

I think if they announce SH5 this year it will be at the Leipzig Convention in Germany in July/Aug as it would probably have more visibility there than jostling for position at E3. As I recall SH3 was launched there.

[Jimbuna]

It's far too early atm.

[Armistead]

I just hope if they do they stick with just subs, not mix a bunch of stuff that takes away from the game.

I would rather have one great platform.

[talesofvalor]

I think I would play Silent Hunter 5 with every scenario,
for me it's more important that it releases without BUGS!

[mookiemookie]

I think if they announce SH5 this year it will be at the Leipzig Convention in Germany in July/Aug as it would probably have more visibility there than jostling for position at E3. As I recall SH3 was launched there.

I agree. From the things I've read, European gamers eat up stuff like the SH series whereas the American market is focused on the next Halo clone.

But then I also agree with jimbuna in saying that they most likely wouldn't have much to show in that time frame.

[Sonarman]

Yes, I think both you and Jimbuna are right on the timescale, especially if the team was working on HAWX, which was only completed a couple of months back, before starting on SH5.

[OrangeYoshi]

I agree. From the things I've read, European gamers eat up stuff like the SH series whereas the American market is focused on the next Halo clone.
I resent that remark, and you should to being from Texas. We are just the silent majority. It isn't "cool" to be seen playing games like these. It is cool however, to be seen playing games like Halo. Our society just likes to glorify the "cool" people. That glorifacation makes a nice stereotype for everyone else to say, "Look at those dumb Americans. All they do is play mindless killing games, blah blah blah, etc."

[/end rant]

Edit: This isn't meant to offend anyone who like to play Halo, or anyone from anywhere other than America.

[Vipper]

Sh5?! Wow, at last we can fight on japanese side...:O:

[Seeadler]

I think if they announce SH5 this year it will be at the Leipzig Convention in Germany in July/Aug
There are no Games Convention in Leipzig this year, it took place the last year for the last time. There is a smaller convention in Leipzig but only for online games.

The organization BIU says that Leipzig is lacking in the necessary infrastructure for such a convention and therefore organized a new one, the GameCom (http://www.gamescom-cologne.com/), this year in Cologne. Incidentally, the German subsidiaries of the major publishers are also located in Cologne or surrounding.

[mookiemookie]

I resent that remark, and you should to being from Texas. We are just the silent majority. It isn't "cool" to be seen playing games like these. It is cool however, to be seen playing games like Halo. Our society just likes to glorify the "cool" people. That glorifacation makes a nice stereotype for everyone else to say, "Look at those dumb Americans. All they do is play mindless killing games, blah blah blah, etc."

[/end rant]

Edit: This isn't meant to offend anyone who like to play Halo, or anyone from anywhere other than America.

You shouldn't resent it at all as I meant no offense by it nor to pass judgment on the "coolness" of liking one game genre or another. I was just saying that simulation games are popular in Europe. You are reading far too much into my factual statement. Easy there, tiger. :up:

[Kipparikalle]

This sounds interesting, but I have great doupts about that release date.
I'm quite sure it will be delayed to year 2010.

[OrangeYoshi]

You shouldn't resent it at all as I meant no offense by it nor to pass judgment on the "coolness" of liking one game genre or another. I was just saying that simulation games are popular in Europe. You are reading far too much into my factual statement. Easy there, tiger. :up:

Sorry, I was in a really bad mood that day. Nothing was going right.

[oscar19681]

Pretty quet around silent hunter 5 huh? I seriously doubt that it will ever be released any time soon. Even if they would have delayed it to 2010 we should have gotten at leasts a sneak preview of the very early features .

[Stealhead]

It is said that SH5 will be back with the U-Boats and is supposed to have some "cutting edge" stuff what ever that means. They are keeping info on the planned release date under wraps that is very clear.I wonder if they kind of just suprise everyone and wont say much of anything until just before they release it.Kind of like hype without the hype.

[Brenjen]

Whatever they do I hope that -

A: they get it right & work out all the major bugs before release

&

B: they don't pull some lame@$$ pay X-many dollars for the game & then pay X-many dollars a month for future patches, updates & online play (imo the single player AI will suffer if it's turned into an MMOG & I can't & won't pay yet another monthly fee)


I acquire my software & hardware on the delayed acquisition plan. I wait at least six months after a products release to see how it shapes up with the public. If they make it right I'll be on board; if they do something radically stupid like monthly fee based play or if they release a buggy pos I won't touch it.


Just my opinion you understand.

[Coopz]

So after 600++ replies no one still has any clue what it ill be based on?
WW1 would still be best:)
...and I'm sure most players want to play as the goodies. Sinking allied convoys and warships in SH3 never gave me the warm fuzzy feeling...

[Jimbuna]

So after 600++ replies no one still has any clue what it ill be based on?


The link in the first post tells you :DL

[Rip]

So after 600++ replies no one still has any clue what it ill be based on?
WW1 would still be best:)
...and I'm sure most players want to play as the goodies. Sinking allied convoys and warships in SH3 never gave me the warm fuzzy feeling...

I have thought that a WW1 could be a perfect MMO entry if they went that way. Each server could potentially handle running the entire conflict with every platform. Have it just keep running the entire war in simulation over and over. When you join it is whatever date it is and you get thrown into wherever the platform you choose is/was at that time.

What would be cool is to have a team of guys that would control a platform in shift throughout the war. In real time. Of course I could be in the minority as to how much I would love being able to do that. It seems there are a lot more people out there what want to only play when there is action and to time warp when there is not. What makes that even stranger is how much I hate to fish.:88)

[dcb]

I see Subsim updated the release date of SH5 to 2010 and added it will be about the Atlantic theater of operations, all new code. All we can do is wait until Ubi decides to post some info, I think.

[Kloef]

Maybe its time for a 'Red Storm Rising' sequal?

Can be alot of fun,more complex sensors to work with,guided torpedoes all set in a cold war what if scenario..hunting boomers,escaping helisweeps and aircraft,under the ice operations..dropping special forces.

I remember the good old days with this game,the sonar alone was a game in itself and it was worked out very well.

We can allways play SH3 and 4 but this would add something totally different and new,maybe its time for that.

[Nexus7]

Maybe its time for a 'Red Storm Rising' sequal?

Can be alot of fun,more complex sensors to work with,guided torpedoes all set in a cold war what if scenario..hunting boomers,escaping helisweeps and aircraft,under the ice operations..dropping special forces.

I remember the good old days with this game,the sonar alone was a game in itself and it was worked out very well.

We can allways play SH3 and 4 but this would add something totally different and new,maybe its time for that.

You might want to try Dangerous Waters :D

[captgeo]

Old game, but Sub Comand offers all that "cold war era " stuff,......I have it gathering dust here, kinda boring, point and shoot stuff,.....:shifty:

Now lets say early "cold war" say about 1950 on up to the late 60's....now that wouldnt be too bad. But I can not get enough of WWII sub's.

[Kloef]

You might want to try Dangerous WatersYou must be kidding.:O:

Red storm was a pure subsim!

[mookiemookie]

Neal gave us all beta discs of SH5 at our mini-meetup. I think you guys will have fun.

It's a blast shooting at U-boat periscopes with the guns on my Large Cargo ship. You guys are really going to dig Merchant Gunner: Penguins of the Atlantic!

[dcb]

Merchant Gunner: Penguins of the Atlantic!

So it's a penguin simulator?:haha:

[Gorgon]

You might want to try Dangerous Waters :D

Never played it, but it seems way to complex with no real middle ground. I think the Silent Hunter series works precisely because you can have it both ways. Want to do everything manually for the utmost simulation? You got it. But you can also be a noob when it comes to subs (just like me :D), who wants the realism and historicity without compromising ease of access to the game, by having much of it simplified for you (easy firing of torpedoes, streamlined navigation, easy control of the boat, no need for a real understanding of the radar/sonar, etc).

Dangerous Waters, however, "fails" at this. You can't really get someone who doesn't want to read through endless pages of manuals and online help documents to get into the game. Either you're a die-hard sim lover or the game simply will frustrate you and nothing else. There's nothing wrong with this, but just don't expect any developer company to "keep afloat".

Personaly I'd love a Silent Hunter: Blind Man's Bluff edition, keeping all the acessibility to noobs of the SH series, while giving more hard-core simulation fans what they want too. Plus, good graphics are half the way in attracting new customers who don't have any special knowledge and/or love for subs. I know it worked for me with SH3 and SH4 (and in the old days with Silent Service 2 and Aces of the Deep).

Plus, I'm getting tired of the same recycled stuff over and over again with new and better graphics and little else. It's not like these devs have 3 years to make a masterpiece or something. SH5 looks like it's going to be SH3 with better GFX, a dynamic campaign, and little else.

In my humble opinion, they should alternate between WWII and Cold War as settings for SH between game releases.

My 2 cents.

[Hartmann]

Dangerous waters have the Auto crew option in all stations , so it´s not very difficult start with it. The big problem are the jurassic graphics and a limited campaign.

SH5 perhaps will never released, but i prefer a modern sub game, because WWII is fully represented with sh3 sh4

Only some things more are needed for a perfect game, like better weather fronts, all subs interiors and wolfpacks

SH5 ?? SH3 in the SH4 engine with both teathers and moded . with surface units

[mookiemookie]

SH5 looks like it's going to be SH3 with better GFX, a dynamic campaign, and little else.

And how do you know what it looks like when all we have to go on is "U-boats in the Atlantic, all new code"?

Just wait. ;)

[Gorgon]

And how do you know what it looks like when all we have to go on is "U-boats in the Atlantic, all new code"?

Just wait. ;)

Heheh, pretty true. However it's better to expect less and be pleasantly surprised if we actually get more than a re-hash of SH3.

But I certainly agree with the poster above you: I really don't see the need for yet another Atlantic SH. Not at this point in time. I'd much prefer a Cold War game by 2010 and AFTER that a return to the WWII Atlantic SH.

I woudn't mind a stand-alone expansion (or even an add-on) in the Atlantic for SH IV using the same engine. It certainly doesn't need better GFX at this point. It would also cut development time and costs. But "all new code" smells to me like essentially a graphics update, with perhaps better physics and better support for the modding community. But do we really need it at this point? I feel that Ubisoft could do better use of money by launching a new spin-off set in the Cold War and THAT would justify the time and money for the "all new code".

But you're right, lets wait and see.:)

[mookiemookie]

What was told to me was that U-boats sell better than Fleet boats. Seeing as the sim market is a lot more popular in Europe than in the States, and many European gamers don't care as much for the Pacific as they do the Battle of the Atlantic, it's a business decision to go with the U-boats.

[Bartolomeus]

I hope Ubisoft makes a Cold War Sim! I dont need a another WWII sim yet.

[Gorgon]

I hope Ubisoft makes a Cold War Sim! I dont need a another WWII sim yet.

Amen. I don't think it will happen, though.

By the way, SH5 was "revealed" in an interview with someone at Ubi (or from the Romanian devs) but the game was never actually oficially anounced. He only said that now that the (half-assed) HAWX game was published the team is now going to develop the 5th sequel to a well known franchise. That means SH5 ofcourse. But where did SUBSIM get the info that the game will have "all new code" and will be about U-Boats in the Atlantic? I never saw that revealed anywhere.

[Alex]

Amen. I don't think it will happen, though.

By the way, SH5 was "revealed" in an interview with someone at Ubi (or from the Romanian devs) but the game was never actually oficially anounced. He only said that now that the (half-assed) HAWX game was published the team is now going to develop the 5th sequel to a well known franchise. That means SH5 of course.

You're a bit late mate. :ping:
Just a second, checking something...

According to a french site that is always late (most of the time, let's say), that news was published on October 22nd, 2008. :know:

But where did SUBSIM get the info that the game will have "all new code" and will be about U-Boats in the Atlantic? I never saw that revealed anywhere.

Neal just knows the good people to know ! :haha: :arrgh!:

:yep:

[Gorgon]

You're a bit late mate. :ping:
Just a second, checking something...

According to a french site that is always late (most of the time, let's say), that news was published on October 22nd, 2008. :know:

I wasn't delivering any news, I was just making the argument for the real question, that is, how did SUBSIM know about the "details" of SH5 if there was no official info released ;) Sorry I wasn't clear...:oops:



Neal just knows the good people to know ! :haha: :arrgh!:

:yep:

Ahhhh, so that's how! Thx mate!:haha:

[mookiemookie]

I wasn't delivering any news, I was just making the argument for the real question, that is, how did SUBSIM know about the "details" of SH5 if there was no official info released ;) Sorry I wasn't clear...:oops:




Ahhhh, so that's how! Thx mate!:haha:

Never underestimate the power of the Onkel! :rock:

[Jimbuna]

Never underestimate the power of the Onkel! :rock:

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2328/crysta121.gif (http://img9.imageshack.us/i/crysta121.gif/)


http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/4800/thgenie9hyoj8hv8.gif

[Gorgon]

:haha:

[AVGWarhawk]

Sometimes it is not what you know but who you know. :03:

[Morpheus]

SH5 announced :D http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nvQZdWmOiQ

wouldn't that be nice?

:yeah:

[vanjast]

Sometimes it is not what you know but who you know. :03:
..and who's developing the sim..:03::03:

[Coopz]

I hope Ubisoft makes a Cold War Sim! I dont need a another WWII sim yet.

I don't, like modern flightsims vs WW2 sims, the Ww2 1's are always better as theres more to do.

Modern subs don't attack with torpedos (unless another enemy sub is out there), they just get near the surface, lob a few SA missles at a target 700k away then withdraw. Boring to make into a game IMO.

I still want a WW1 sim, take on the High Seas Fleet:)

[Jimbuna]

Sometimes it is not what you know but who you know. :03:


....or what you know about who you know :03:

[The General]

SH5 announced :D http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nvQZdWmOiQ

wouldn't that be nice?

:yeah:Yeah, it would. Seeing as the Devs have effectively released SH3 twice. I think a Cold-war set Silent Hunter would be an interesting experiment.

[elanaiba]

Ok if anyone really knows anything I want to ask him what he knows 'cause I need to design a damn game!

[Arclight]

Long time no hear, good to see you're still around. :salute:

Though that comment isn't very reassuring. :rotfl:

[Alex]

:har: http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/3465/laughyork.gif http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/3465/laughyork.gif http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/3465/laughyork.gif http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/3465/laughyork.gif

I second Mr Arclight, it's good to see you here, Dan. :yep:


:rock:

[Sub Commander]

If this forum has so many people posting please check this other SubSim forum, for posting ideas for SH5
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=150720

[Arclight]

I think the devs are well aware of both threads, no worries there. ;)



This is the place for speculation, shouldn't clutter the other one with that. :)

[Sub Commander]

If the GWX team publishes GWX 4.0 earlier then Ubi can publish SH V then they are pretty fkd, atleast I would first download 4.0 and play it for a very long time, except IF UBISOFT COULD START RELEASING SOME INFO, even a couple of screenshots or a little information on where the game takes place. As I said before the 4.0 interior trailer... :rock: looks so good, working periscope, etc. I know u can download so many mods that change the game in so many good ways. One problem... I suck at putting those things in the correct folder, unzipping em and the lot. But back to GWX 4.0, it's free, looks great, info on the web, screenshots, videos... Ubisoft please show us some screens. Btw I hope they are gonna change some things considering the graphics, Sh IV was great, but had lotsa bugs and I think the graphics could have been better... I got a Quadcore processor dual 512 mb GeForce 8800 Gt, a 23 inch screen... Let that game look like a shiny emerald.

[Sub Commander]

I think the devs are well aware of both threads, no worries there. ;)



This is the place for speculation, shouldn't clutter the other one with that. :)
I know just wanted to show people that are viewing this topic maybe wanted to take a look at that other forum (my bad)

[Arclight]

If the GWX team publishes GWX 4.0 earlier then Ubi can publish SH V then they are pretty fkd, atleast I would first download 4.0 and play it for a very long time, except IF UBISOFT COULD START RELEASING SOME INFO, even a couple of screenshots or a little information on where the game takes place. As I said before the 4.0 interior trailer... :rock: looks so good, working periscope, etc. I know u can download so many mods that change the game in so many good ways. One problem... I suck at putting those things in the correct folder, unzipping em and the lot. But back to GWX 4.0, it's free, looks great, info on the web, screenshots, videos... Ubisoft please show us some screens. Btw I hope they are gonna change some things considering the graphics, Sh IV was great, but had lotsa bugs and I think the graphics could have been better... I got a Quadcore processor dual 512 mb GeForce 8800 Gt, a 23 inch screen... Let that game look like a shiny emerald."All new code; U-boats in the Atlantic" is all we know, still too early in development for more. IIRC, development would start after moving HAWX out the door. All new code could mean building a new engine, which takes time. Without an engine, you can't show any graphics. Having no screens yet is very encouraging to me; they should lay strong foundations first. :)

Working periscope? SH4 has that. Lots more too. Remember, it's 2 years old (that's old in computer terms), and build on the SH3 engine. Complaints about graphics not being up to par seem a little misplaced; most people, me included, actually think it looks great. Not everyone has quad-cores and multi-gpu setups. IMHO recommended hardware for the next one should be around GF9600/9800 with 2.4GHz CPU. Anything above that and they will leave people in the cold (even with that they will), not a good strategy considering the market for these games is rather small. :(

I remember reading comments from people who are (or at least were) running it on GF7600GT, still on an AGP board. If at all possible, I'd like to see those people to be able to play it as well, but I'm not quite sure that's still feasable. :hmmm:

[Sub Commander]

Working periscope... I tried to say that when u wanted it to go up u couldn't see anything happen inside the sub, its hard to explain this way, just go and take a look at the interior trailer for GWX 4.0

[Arclight]

I know what you mean, mate. :rotfl:

Yes, see the things raising and lowering in the interior. Both SH3 and 4 have it. With 3, the obs scope is visable in the CR and the attack scope in the CT. In 4, both can be seen in the CT. (*actually it varies with the model of the boat)

I did play them, you know. :roll: :rotfl:

[Sub Commander]

me 2 I had some great time with them but I never saw that happen

[Sub Commander]

U are able to move around in ur sub in 4.0 (watch the trailer)

[Sonarman]

Ok if anyone really knows anything I want to ask him what he knows 'cause I need to design a damn game!


Hi Dan

Probably best to ask your own (at Ubisoft) Eric Jacint as it was his statement at Leipzig? that a new Sim game "the fifth in a series" would would be the next Ubi Bucharest project after HAWX. That's the only thing we really know at the moment and the seed from which this mighty thread has grown.

[Jimbuna]

Ok if anyone really knows anything I want to ask him what he knows 'cause I need to design a damn game!

Well hello there Dan, good to see your still in circulation matey http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

You never did send me any of last years SS Meet photos ya bugga http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/badwerewolf.gif

[Gorgon]

I don't, like modern flightsims vs WW2 sims, the Ww2 1's are always better as theres more to do.

Modern subs don't attack with torpedos (unless another enemy sub is out there), they just get near the surface, lob a few SA missles at a target 700k away then withdraw. Boring to make into a game IMO.

I still want a WW1 sim, take on the High Seas Fleet:)

That depends. This is a game after all, you don't need to make it into a bunch of boring military simulation training missions. Take a page from "Ice Station Zebra", make the player have to navigate beneath the Artic shelf and drop a bunch of Special Ops to retrieve a downed spy satelite. While on route you're "escorted" by one or two soviet subs for "tension". In the way back to base they attack you and you have to either down them or slip through to make it to safety. All the while make those graphics shine with beautifull under-ice vistas and make the sub crack trough the ice shelf in glorious shiny graphics. Bang, 500k sales right there. It's all on making really cool missions with tons of tension instead of boring-ass ones, coupled with awe-inspiring graphics to tease your imagination.

Oh, and of course, maintain the acessibility of SH's design. Anyone from the most harcore to the most "arcadish" player can play these games and have a ton of fun. My gameplay style falls into the later (yeah, shame on me :haha:). There's something for everyone in SH and that is why the game has enough sales to get a new sequel.

Judging the reception of a Cold War or modern sub sim based on the reception of Dangerous Waters is a big mistake, since that game is the antitesis of what SH is.

Ok if anyone really knows anything I want to ask him what he knows 'cause I need to design a damn game!

Could that be a Cold War sub sim if I ask really nicelly?

[elanaiba]

Well hello there Dan, good to see your still in circulation matey http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

Rumors of my demise have been somehow exagerated, said the doc.

You never did send me any of last years SS Meet photos ya bugga http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/badwerewolf.gif

You mean like this ?
http://elanaiba.smugmug.com/gallery/6242342_kBvRU#597842152_SSAMd

[Jimbuna]

Yep, like that....some great photos Dan http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

[danlisa]

You mean like this ?

Never got my cookie!

http://elanaiba.smugmug.com/gallery/6242342_kBvRU#396949996_cbK7A

I remember staring at Captain America for hours in the Chat room.:har:

[elanaiba]

I think I ate your cookie. For your consolation, it was pretty good.

[danlisa]

:har: LMAO

Fun little game though.

[Kpt. Lehmann]

Yep, like that....some great photos Dan http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

< snort! >

At least you rated a photo or two, Jimbuna!!! :O:

Its alright though. I'm just too smokin' sexy for Dan's gallery! :smug:

[Kpt. Lehmann]

If the GWX team publishes GWX 4.0 earlier then Ubi can publish SH V then they are pretty fkd...

Oh, I'm fairly certain that they can blow away anything we might do... AT WILL! (Especially so if the Ubisoft execs give the Silent Hunter devs the time they need in relation to available manpower.)

Sure we can do some pretty cool and complicated stuff... but we don't have to code a simulator from scratch on a new engine either.

[Dimitrius07]

The only thing i hope with the next part of game is proper beta test :). The last one was a disaster.

[elanaiba]

< snort! >

At least you rated a photo or two, Jimbuna!!! :O:

Its alright though. I'm just too smokin' sexy for Dan's gallery! :smug:

Heh, I'm too lazy (busy?) to put all pics up, I'm pretty sure there's gotta be something with you in there...

[Jimbuna]

Heh, I'm too lazy (busy?) to put all pics up, I'm pretty sure there's gotta be something with you in there...

Post the one we took when we caught him in his nightdress :DL

[elanaiba]

Here's something to satisfy the fans...

http://elanaiba.smugmug.com/gallery/6242342_kBvRU#600609817_9aatm

[Munchausen]

Especially so if the Ubisoft execs give the Silent Hunter devs the time they need....

:haha: That's a good one. :haha:

[Rip]

Sometimes it is not what you know but who you know. :03:

I always thought it went.

It isn't who you know but who you blow!

Not that I am outing Neal or anything.:D

[FIREWALL]

This SH5 thread is starting to blo. :haha:

[Sub Commander]

So what gwx 4 is free and sh V not .... if u guys bring it out before sh 5 i think people are gonna play that first and then buy sh v IF it is a good game offcourse

[AVGWarhawk]

So what gwx 4 is free and sh V not .... if u guys bring it out before sh 5 i think people are gonna play that first and then buy sh v IF it is a good game offcourse


GWX4/RFB/OM/TMO and other mods would not be if not for SH4. :hmmm: So, do we put the cart before the horse? Can we?

[FIREWALL]

GWX4/RFB/OM/TMO and other mods would not be if not for SH4. :hmmm: So, do we put the cart before the horse? Can we?

Why not. That way you don't smell the horses butt. :haha::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[AVGWarhawk]

http://www.martinlawrence.com/deyber/Putting-the-cart-before-the-horse-ordey020307.jpg

Just does not seem to work right...gas or not. :O:

[Arclight]

Oh boy oh boy oh boy, guess what? :D

Ubisoft's list of games at Gamescom includes Avatar, RUSE, Silent Hunter 5, Red Steel 2, Rabbids Go Home, Academy of Champions and Assassin's Creed 2.
http://kotaku.com/5330640/brink-wet-red-steel-2-added-to-growing-gamescom-list

:yeah:

[GlobalExplorer]

Ubisoft's list of games at Gamescom includes Avatar, RUSE, Silent Hunter 5, Red Steel 2, Rabbids Go Home, Academy of Champions and Assassin's Creed 2. (http://kotaku.com/5330640/brink-wet-red-steel-2-added-to-growing-gamescom-list)

two weeks!

[Jimbuna]

Sounds interesting...wonder if a more definitive release date will be announced :hmmm:

[AVGWarhawk]

Man, I do not know about SH5 coming out but Pokemon has a new addition coming:D

[Torplexed]

Man, I do not know about SH5 coming out but Pokemon has a new addition coming:D

Yeah....I hear they really upped the gore factor. :yeah:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/2388109151_5ee71d1e1a.jpg

[mookiemookie]

Sounds interesting...wonder if a more definitive release date will be announced :hmmm:

The same could be said about certain supermods. :O:

[FIREWALL]

Well we should know more after this: Ubisoft's list of games at Gamescom includes Silent Hunter 5 (http://kotaku.com/tag/silent-hunter-5/),

[Sailor Steve]

GlobalExplorer already linked that, just five posts up.

[CaptHawkeye]

That's the first real evidence of SH5 i've ever seen. I can now accept its existence.

[Jimbuna]

The same could be said about certain supermods. :O:


http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/greywolftail.gif




http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/whistle.gif

[Sonarman]

Can we read between the lines and assume that the screenshot of the "subsim with no name" on the Subsim homepage is in fact the first actual screenshot from SH5?

[Sonarman]

A little more evidence of SH5 (http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamezone.de%2Fnews_de tail.asp%3Fnid%3D76458&sl=de&tl=en&hl=en&ie=UTF-8)comes our way from the German games site Gamezone.de. If I am reading the translated ""Googledegook" correctly a SH5 trailer has been submitted to the ESRB (European Software Ratings Board) ahead of it's display at the Gamescom convention.

Update--here we can see the actual classification in its listing (http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=de&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usk.de%2Fcont2.php).

[Armistead]

Without going through all the post, if someone know...Pacific or Atlantic game.

[Arclight]

U-boats in the Atlantic (http://www.subsim.com/nucleus/index.php?blogid=4). ;)

[Task Force]

Yea, id go for uboats..., or uboats & fleetboats/british subs/japanease subs...:hmmm: so everyone gets what they want.:yep:

[Arclight]

I'll go for a quality subsim, what I'm driving is secondary concern.

Something popped into my head: I seriously doubt they would build a new engine just to give Silent Hunter fans decent closure. I smell more naval/sub games coming up. :hmmm:

[Task Force]

I'll go for a quality subsim, what I'm driving is secondary concern.

Something popped into my head: I seriously doubt they would build a new engine just to give Silent Hunter fans decent closure. I smell more naval/sub games coming up. :hmmm:


I think I see what you are saying... Maby the search plane in the UBM addon was a sign...:hmmm:

[The General]

A little more evidence of SH5 (http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamezone.de%2Fnews_de tail.asp%3Fnid%3D76458&sl=de&tl=en&hl=en&ie=UTF-8)comes our way from the German games site Gamezone.de. If I am reading the translated ""Googledegook" correctly a SH5 trailer has been submitted to the ESRB (European Software Ratings Board) ahead of it's display at the Gamescom convention.

Update--here we can see the actual classification in its listing (http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=de&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usk.de%2Fcont2.php).Wow, that really is cool news!! Gonna keep my eyes peeled. Thanks for the scoop Sonarman! The Convention takes place: August 17-19th, 2009. For the love of God somebody in Germany please stake-out the Ubisoft Booth with a Hi-Def Video Camera!!

[Seeadler]

The Convention takes place: August 17-19th, 2009.
August 19.-23. 2009
19. open only for press
20.-23. open for public
http://www.gamescom-cologne.com/

[Undefined]

The game would be awesome if they would make it ERA based. You start in WW1 and end with nuclear submarines.

[AVGWarhawk]

The game would be awesome if they would make it ERA based. You start in WW1 and end with nuclear submarines.

Now that is a great idea! :up:

[captgeo]

interesting idea:yeah:

[Arclight]

Would probably be a bit much for a single game. Maybe start with WWI game, expansion for WWII and then expansion for Cold War. :hmmm:

[FIREWALL]

A little more evidence of SH5 (http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamezone.de%2Fnews_de tail.asp%3Fnid%3D76458&sl=de&tl=en&hl=en&ie=UTF-8)comes our way from the German games site Gamezone.de. If I am reading the translated ""Googledegook" correctly a SH5 trailer has been submitted to the ESRB (European Software Ratings Board) ahead of it's display at the Gamescom convention.

Update--here we can see the actual classification in its listing (http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=de&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usk.de%2Fcont2.php).


I must be going blind. The only thing from Ubisoft on that listing was "Rabbid Go Home"

[scrapser]

My gut tells me Silent Hunter 5 will be yet another U-Boat sim and an incarnation of Silent Hunter 4 using the same engine and whatever improvements they can manage along with the usual suite of FUBAR's requiring the mods to come to the rescue as much as the code allows. In short, SSDD courtesy of UBISoft.

I was really hoping the developers would focus on the Pacific for a while. We've seen one sim come out in what, 10 years? It's very disappointing.

[Onkel Neal]

I was really hoping the developers would focus on the Pacific for a while. We've seen one sim come out in what, 10 years? It's very disappointing.

We have only ourselves* to blame if the Pacific version did not sell well enough to keep it going.

*I know someone's going to say it had bugs or it was released early, all true, but the bottom line is and always has been: how many copies did it sell?

[scrapser]

We have only ourselves* to blame if the Pacific version did not sell well enough to keep it going.

*I know someone's going to say it had bugs or it was released early, all true, but the bottom line is and always has been: how many copies did it sell?

I wish I could disagree but you are right. I guess there is a larger fan base for German U-Boats than exists for the US Fleet Service. Other factors may have played a part in SH4's acceptance (release date, economy, initial reactions and word-of-mouth, that sort of thing). It just seems counter intuitive that people would be more attracted to sinking merchant ships while evading escorts than they would be sinking high value targets like flat tops and cruisers, PLUS the merchant ships and escort evasion. To me the Pacific theater had much more to offer...some of the greatest naval battles in history, a huge ocean, and some pretty formidable submarines.

But that's just me...I'm weird that way.

[FIREWALL]

It's so obvious what SH5 is going to be about it jumps out at you. :yep:

It's been in front of everyone since SH4 was released. :know:

[Jimbuna]

We have only ourselves* to blame if the Pacific version did not sell well enough to keep it going.

*I know someone's going to say it had bugs or it was released early, all true, but the bottom line is and always has been: how many copies did it sell?

Very true...hence the commercial decision surrounding SH5.

Let us hope there will be a PTO addon.....I certainly hope so.

[scrapser]

I do hope when the interviews with the developers start to come out they have the presence of mind to ask, "Why another U-boat sim?" There's something to be said for the correlation of U-boat sims/number of fans to Fleet boat sims/number of fans. Obviously if all you pump out are U-boat sims you will, over time, train the consumer base to expect and purchase U-boat sims. If you want to move them to something different there will almost certainly be a drop in sales during the transition period. This is just common sense.

Here's another observation. SH3 was essentially the first sub simulation to be released with today's advanced graphics, sound, and PC processing power. It made a big splash. SH4 did not benefit from the same circumstances when it was released and (as Neal predicted) had enough issues to warrant a contrast and compare with SH3. SH4 was put in a bad position because it needed to outshine SH3 in order to come across as something innovative and exciting but was hobbled from the get go.

Personally I think they should give the Pacific theater another chance. One sim release in 10 years is not indicative of a pattern.

[Jimbuna]

I really don't think it's about 'training' or 'conditioning' the user into any preference.

The simple fact is the U-boat war has more appeal and pulling power than that of the PTO.

Historical sales figures prove that, hence the commercial/business decision for SH5 (yet to be verified.

As for the playable state of both SH3 and SH4 upon release, I would say they were roughly the same and both in need of patches and modifications.

I predict there will eventually be a PTO addon, similar to what happened with SH4 but in reverse order.

I'll certainly buy them both....but that's simply because I like sub sims, regardless of the nation and theatre of operations.

[mookiemookie]

The simple fact is the U-boat war has more appeal and pulling power than that of the PTO.

Sim games sell better in Europe. Europe overwhelmingly prefers the U-boat war. QED.

[scrapser]

I really don't think it's about 'training' or 'conditioning' the user into any preference.

The simple fact is the U-boat war has more appeal and pulling power than that of the PTO.

Historical sales figures prove that, hence the commercial/business decision for SH5 (yet to be verified.

As for the playable state of both SH3 and SH4 upon release, I would say they were roughly the same and both in need of patches and modifications.

I predict there will eventually be a PTO addon, similar to what happened with SH4 but in reverse order.

I'll certainly buy them both....but that's simply because I like sub sims, regardless of the nation and theatre of operations.


Fair enough but I still contend SH3 benefited from being the first submarine simulation to be released in today's state of technology. A benefit that had nothing to do with it being a U-boat sim per se.

I will also buy SH5 and hope for a PTO add-on. I think by now the developers know there's an interest in both theaters. If SH5 is a honed version of SH4 code, they should be able to produce the add-on easily as they already have most of the code in SH4. At least that's how it would appear on the surface.

[FIREWALL]

Some interesting statements made on Softpedia about SH3 & SH4 by Lead Game Designers.

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Softpedia-News-talks-with-the-creators-of-Silent-Hunter-III-2142.shtml


Discussing SH3: Softpedia News: Aside from patches, do you also have an add-on in progress?

Cristian: This thing is still being discussed. It takes time to develop it. For the time being we are focusing on the patches, but yes, there will also be an add-on.

Softpedia News: In this very moment, what project is Silent Hunter's team involved in?

Cristian: I want to tell you that as soon as we finish the work on the 1.3 patch, we should start working on the add-on, but I cannot give you more details about it.


Something that never happened

Softpedia News: Coming back to Silent Hunter III, did you consider the suggestions of the naval simulator enthusiasts

Cristian: Especially the person in charge of SubSim site, who is the mentor of the community formed around that site :woot: :yeah:

Maybe old news but, not for newer members.

[Arclight]

You could argue SH4 was actually the expansion for SH3: more of the same but with updated graphics, some tweaks and different perspective, with the U-boat expansion actually expanding more on SH3 content than SH4 content.

What caught my eye:

Softpedia News: Are we to understand you are planning other games based on the same engine?

Tiberius: Just as Silent Hunter IV is still under question, so is every project related to naval simulation. This concept has been questioned many times. Though some suggestions were rather interesting, any future decision depends on the success of the initial title.

Cristian: If the results are confirmed by the sales figures, then...


If this new game is indeed "all new code" (ie new engine), it seems likely more games, presumably naval games given the nature of the engine, will be developed. I seriously doubt they would cobble together a new engine just for a single Silent Hunter game. :hmmm:

The future for naval games seems bright imho. :yep:

[Jimbuna]

The future for naval games seems bright imho. :yep:

Let us hope and pray you are right http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/pirate.gif

[mapuc]

One thing that could make me very happy. Is a
destroyer command-like-game. Where you on the startscreen can choose wheither you like to play in SHIII or in SHIV.

Markus

[Roads88]

I've been watching this thread for some time. I (and I seem to stand alone) have had enough of German U boats and American fleet boats.

I'm ready for a cold war sim. Something like Red Storm Rising II.

If I want to run the boats in the first paragraph. I all ready have the sims.
I just can't see buying another. It would have to be something that wood really knock my socks off.

Runnig boats from both sides of the cold war would be great.

Think what it would be like taking an old Russian Whiskey out looking for trouble.:rock:

[scrapser]

One thing that could make me very happy. Is a
destroyer command-like-game. Where you on the startscreen can choose wheither you like to play in SHIII or in SHIV.

Markus


Way, way, waaaayyyyy back in the day. MicroProse announced they were working on a companion sim for Silent Service. Keep in mind this was for the Amiga (rest in peace) titled, "Destroyer Command" if I remember correctly. The idea was to somehow have it recognize and launch the necessary Silent Service program files so one player could operate the sub while the other player operated the escort.

Unfortunately the Commodore/Amiga man in charge was busy making horrible marketing decisions which ended in bankruptcy. I have a DVD of a video taken by one of the Commodore Amiga employees as he toured the facility interviewing everyone on their last day at work (summer 1993). It's pretty sad considering what he shows they were working on in R&D including a CD drive way ahead of PC's. The Amiga was a good 10 years ahead of PC's and giving Apple a good run for its money. I might add the Amiga OS (circa 1986) looks an awful lot like Windows 3.0 (or is it the other way around?).

I digress. Silent Service (for the Commodore 64 in 1984) was developed in the United States which is likely why it covered the Pacific theater and in my opinion is the father of all sub sims. That's what we need here, another US based development house to pick up the torch.

[FIREWALL]

I've been watching this thread for some time. I (and I seem to stand alone) have had enough of German U boats and American fleet boats.

I'm ready for a cold war sim. Something like Red Storm Rising II.

If I want to run the boats in the first paragraph. I all ready have the sims.
I just can't see buying another. It would have to be something that wood really knock my socks off.

Runnig boats from both sides of the cold war would be great.

Think what it would be like taking an old Russian Whiskey out looking for trouble.:rock:

What your looking for is a fantasy\ arcade sim. :haha:

[mapuc]

Way, way, waaaayyyyy back in the day. MicroProse announced they were working on a companion sim for Silent Service. Keep in mind this was for the Amiga (rest in peace) titled, "Destroyer Command" if I remember correctly. The idea was to somehow have it recognize and launch the necessary Silent Service program files so one player could operate the sub while the other player operated the escort.

Unfortunately the Commodore/Amiga man in charge was busy making horrible marketing decisions which ended in bankruptcy. I have a DVD of a video taken by one of the Commodore Amiga employees as he toured the facility interviewing everyone on their last day at work (summer 1993). It's pretty sad considering what he shows they were working on in R&D including a CD drive way ahead of PC's. The Amiga was a good 10 years ahead of PC's and giving Apple a good run for its money. I might add the Amiga OS (circa 1986) looks an awful lot like Windows 3.0 (or is it the other way around?).

I digress. Silent Service (for the Commodore 64 in 1984) was developed in the United States which is likely why it covered the Pacific theater and in my opinion is the father of all sub sims. That's what we need here, another US based development house to pick up the torch.

Great reading, I must say, didn't knew all that.

Well Maybe you haven't heard of it, or you forgot all about it, when you wrote the story above. I was thinking of a Ubisofts Destroyer Command-like-game or whatever you would call it.

Markus

[Frederf]

Based on my experience with the Silent Hunter line of games I would posit the "natural conclusion." I have to agree that while a "modern nuclear" sim would be natural it should be avoided as the technology is too advanced and would be unsatisfying since SH hasn't even gotten WWII tech right.



Global scope



3000BC to 3000AD. Limiting the time via hard coding makes absolutely no sense. Let the campaigns determine the stop and start dates. Even if the base game is '41 to 45, having flexibility never hurts.
Every drop of water on the planet. Make allowances to map water environment for all points on the globe. The Arctic, Pacific, and Atlantic all look different so build your game to match. Use map "painting" techniques along with procedurally generated distance-offshore/depth algorithms to produce the sea color with blending for zone transitions.
Weather. Again manually "paint" the world with typical weather patterns for every month or season and let a blending happen so for a given location the probability values for weather would be averaged between the defined values at the adjacent time points. Implement a diurnal weather cycle as well.
Round Earth. The Earth is round in reality and thus it should be in the game. This makes 1:1 almanac values for the sun and moon much easier. Distances can match real life values. Develop point to point visual displays where you drag your course line out and it actually curves on the map due to the projection method. The local rendered attack "stage" might remain flat. Also nix all those pesky bugs when crossing the IDL.
Units. Don't assume anything about what units are going to be used in the game. Go ahead and program the game in meters and seconds but let the campaign and submarine configs define exactly what units are used. Seeing the map scale read weird numbers of nm because they are hardcoded to be round numbers of km (converted) is just shameful.



Submarine Systems



Failures and misalignments. Mechanical problems are some of the most significant and interesting issues faced by submarines. Lost an engine, mistakenly poured 1000 lbs of diesel over the side, SD radar out of commission for a day, periscope flooded. When you read patrol reports you get a feeling of how much of being a submariner was occupied and defined by this. Depth charging should have a tiny chance of death and a large chance of small failures.
Sound. The hydrophone and sonar stations are cartoons of their real life selves. Recreate the speed/noise penalty. Give tick noises to pings. Allow people to prop turn count. Make a random squeak in merchant propellers. Give frequency filter adjustments as well as a volume knob.
Radar. Similar upgrades here, range, miscalibration, proper output (range counter, A-scope knob), radar cross section, terrain reflection, other radar interference. Sensors that gives range and no bearing or bearing and no range or just presence should be easy.
Engines. Give advanced control over engines, edit what ahead std. 2/3rds, etc equate to, differential propulsion, which engines are online, which shafts are online, battery use on the surface. Go ahead and hide it from the new players and give an easy interface but control over the boat is just as important as flight controls in a flight sim.
Radio. Model encrypting/decrypting delays. Direction-finding for intercepting transmissions. Fix the simplistic system where you are playing stored audio files when you should be having realtime-tied reception. Load up on gramaphone records in base based on if it was available yet. Give volume, track, shuffle, etc commands for the radio and the gramaphone.
Periscope. Stadimeter both directions. Can only view when the eyepiece is reachable. Murky water. Light gatering difference based on apature.



Map and Navigation



Option for manual or navigation officer ownship plotting with uncertainty based on weather, submergence, sunrise, sunset.
Map marking expanded to draw various symbols (ship, ship sunk, airplane, etc), one of which has to be a current-timestamped "X."



TDC and Plotting



Make it a teamwork or crew affair. Have a dialogue box that can mark the attack plot (navmap tools) with a mark based on user/crew-generated bearing/range/time information.
Make sure any periscope-TDC ties are functioning.



Crew Function and Standard Operating Procedures

Replicate the function, limitations, and mistakes of their real life counterparts.
Have settable "alarms" for various crew like "Reduce TC to 1x and give alert when this tracked contact is at 270 bearing." or "Alert when warship contact closes to medium range." This is stuff you could say to a person and it would be easy.
Track any contact specified. Tracking should only update information that changes for brevity. Why would a sonarman tell me "Closing!" every time? Give any sensor the ability to track, radar, visual.
"Drills" during patrol like set up an SOP to ":00 90' dive, :10 ahead 1/3rd, :20 surface, raise radar antenna, radar 1 scan and off, 2:30 repeat" so I can do regular sonar dives on 3 hour intervals while on patrol for days on end without having to micromanage. Have a "Drills" page where you can drag various simple functions from a library together into long drills that can be executed 1 through infinity times when enacted. This would be powerful.

[fireship4]

Good list, though sadly I'm not sure how much (if any!? :cry:) of these things will be implemented.

If only they left more of the code open to modding - by the power of Greyskull we could work such wonders! And they would of course benefit...

[mookiemookie]

"Drills" during patrol like set up an SOP to ":00 90' dive, :10 ahead 1/3rd, :20 surface, raise radar antenna, radar 1 scan and off, 2:30 repeat" so I can do regular sonar dives on 3 hour intervals while on patrol for days on end without having to micromanage. Have a "Drills" page where you can drag various simple functions from a library together into long drills that can be executed 1 through infinity times when enacted. This would be powerful.





YES! I've always wanted to set up a standing orders type thing to handle hydrophone checks and whatnot.

[Undefined]

I would want some Eye Candy aswell, like you can roam every section of the submarine etc.

[Blood_splat]

I want to be able to play the role of a mess cook.:arrgh!:

[Kloef]

If the release schedule is at Q1/2009

Stop living in the past:rotfl:

[tomoose]

......the thread that refuses to die!!!! :timeout::har:

[DigitalAura]

Nice! ETA 2010... I'm giddy with anticipation. It says all new code... and Uboats in the Atlantic! So... it's not a modern sub game. That's good news! :yeah:

[Sailor Steve]

@ DigitalAura: :rotfl:That is a great sig!:rock:

[tater]

A really good sub sim requires adding some things missing from SH4/etc.

Currents, more fidelity for underwater terrain, better AI, more detailed damage models (progressive fires, damage control for ships, etc), a proper spherical world with the right horixzon distances for spotting, weather that varies by location (squalls you can sail into or out of, variable winds and directions, etc).

Interestingly, surface warfare is a special case of submarine warfare. Any engine that does subs really well, can also do surface warfare well. And for any time period.

Think about it.

The best engine would therefore allow them to do add on for surface warfare—ww1, ww2, modern, heck, ANCIENT would be possible. This is all with stuff that would make the next gen SS great. Sailing would require a sailing model, and I'd pay money for that, too.

Bottom line is that a really good engine would allow, well, any naval stuff you could wish to see as add-ons/mods with some decent fidelity.

[DigitalAura]

@ DigitalAura: :rotfl:That is a great sig!:rock:

Thanks! I took a still from "JAWS" and added a sub pic I googled..added a rolling surf, and sky, and altered colours a tad for uniformity. :D

[fireship4]

Yeah I laughed when I saw it on the thread too, good job.

[Gorgon]

Rejoice!

http://www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,692742/Silent-Hunter-5-announced-PC-exclusive/News/


:salute:

[tonibamestre]

Yes Tater you are right,even though it was taking 3 years Ubi should consider a complete new project implementing all the items you are mentioning and release a naval sim able to grew,adding new packs,expansions and updates.This way,lets say we start all over again in the Atlantic,this could go forward into the cold war and modern era some day.Another good feature would be the possibility to download real weather-sea state from internet.

[Arclight]

Now with trailer. Very "meh" trailer, but trailer non the less.

Silent Hunter 5 Announced, Dive, Dive! (http://kotaku.com/5339455/silent-hunter-5-announced-dive-dive)

[Zoomer96]

I've supported the Silent Hunter franchise for a number of years going back to the the very first one. I loved that game. Then came the U-boats and I played them and darn well got used to it. Even though SH4 has been buggy and at times difficult I stuck it out and with all of the problems I enjoyed the Fleet boat game much more than the U-boats. The U-boats may look cool to some, but the old Fleet boats are beautiful to me. I'll be buying SH5 when it comes out, but I'm hoping for at least a PTO add on. I'll drive your old U-boats but my heart will always be set on the Fleet boats. Sorry that's the way it is. end of line

[Jimbuna]

Thanks! I took a still from "JAWS" and added a sub pic I googled..added a rolling surf, and sky, and altered colours a tad for uniformity. :D

Excellent effort http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

[Frederf]

I hope the Silent Hunter series smartens up and starts to make games that aren't so hardcoded to be any particular time and theater. What prevented SH3 from having a worthwhile Pacific mode? What prevented SH4 v1.4 from having a great Atlantic mode?

With enough flexibility in design official expansions or modifications should fit easily and totally into whatever engine SH5 has.

[Sailor Steve]

Thanks! I took a still from "JAWS" and added a sub pic I googled..added a rolling surf, and sky, and altered colours a tad for uniformity. :D
It is indeed cool, but I was also referring to your 'note' under it. An excellent perversion of an old favorite!:salute:

[Onkel Neal]

Links to: Silent Hunter V Dev Team Interview: Deeper, Kapitän, deeper. (1/19/10) (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=160292)
Link to: Das DRM - Director's cut (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=160898)
Link to: Silent Hunter V U-boat Screenshots (http://www.subsim.com/ssr/sh5/preview_sh5_jan2010_screens1.php)

Google likes this page so I am updating links, that's all. :shucks: