First time caller, long time capsizer

[Pengwuino]

Hi everyone!

I just reinstalled SH4 since I got a new video card that can actually let me play the game! So finally, I've gotten back into the game! I've learned many different fun ways of firing torpedoes on these forums (firing, not actually hitting.....:( ), but one thing still eludes me! The photo recon mission that is like the 4th mission! I have to sneak into Yokohama harbor and take pictures. Now, I was ALMOST successful my last try but I just can't seem to do it. I have a few questions if you all would be so kind to answer :)

Destroyers can really hunt you down, but these ships that just seem to have some guns on it but no depth charges and patrol back and forth in the harbor... can they really hunt you too?

Also, at some point when I'm trying to infiltrate, a destroyer always ends up coming by, either with a convoy or by itself. When I'm just at the entrance, I can dive and wha tnot. However, when I'm inside, the depths are bad, about 100ft. If I hear a warship coming, what are my options? It seems like they always start pinging me, depth charging me, ruining my day, in that order. It feels like they're actively searching the harbor and I have no chance, even if I bottom the boat.

Any help would be much appreciate :D. This game rocks!

[Sailor Steve]

WELCOME ABOARD!:sunny:

First, they were never asked to photograph Japanese homeland harbors. It was a suicide mission.

If you want to not be given missions like that, I think that TMO and RFB have both eliminated them; though I could be wrong (I usually am).

[Pengwuino]

Ah so it IS impossible! Why was it even put in the game then? Don't beta testers at least play the first couple missions and realize oh wait, this is impossible? :haha:

Maybe I'll go see if I can skip it somehow.

[Torplexed]

Ah so it IS impossible! Why was it even put in the game then? Don't beta testers at least play the first couple missions and realize oh wait, this is impossible? :haha:

They put it in because the majority of casual players would never notice the liberties taken with history. I especially loved those clandestine missions I got at the beginning of the war while operating from Manila, to drop off an agent in the Philippines of all places. Basically into friendly territory. The agent didn't need me, he could have walked or hitchhiked there. And to do what? Spy on our side? :damn:

[Pengwuino]

How does even the casual player do the mission then? If the realism is toned down, is the mission a lot easier?

[gimpy117]

go as slow as you can...thats all i could say

[G2B]

Welcome Aboard :D

Yep go slow and try to sneek in at night take your time and avoid as many contacts as possible. Good Luck :har: let us know what happens.

I think you can decline the mission the Brass wont be happy but sink a few ships and they will get over it (Just make sure they are enemy ships and not ours, Rockin Robbins is still bustin rocks for sinking the Essex)

[Pengwuino]

How can I hide if warships are nearby? There's really nowhere to dive to any considerable depths, such as below 150ft. There's about 2 spots but eh... I still got found out about 180ft below while hiding from a destroyer.

[magic452]

Welcome aboard mate.

That mission is just about imposable. The only chance you have is to go in on the surface on a very dark night. Go very slow, no more than 3K and put your boat at about 40 or so feet. Get it a low as possible and still be running on diesels. Avoid any close contact with any other ships even if you have to stop and let them pass. If they come too close go as deep as possible and silent running and all stop till you are clear.

Get close to your target ship and use the observation scope to take the picture, lock the target first.

Even with all this you stand less than a 50/50 chance of success.
This mission could easily take 2 game days if you have to find a deep hole to hide in during the day.

Best bet is do as G2B says and skip the mission and sink as much shipping (Japanese) as possible. Rockin' Robbins will advise you to NOT sink the USS Essex. :know: :know:
I always find it to be a good idea to follow RR's advice.

Magic

[Munchausen]

:cool: If you can't go deep, go shallow. Periscope depth. Enemy sonar is canted down a bit, putting a shallow sub at the top of the sonar cone. Also, remember to keep your speed low and don't raise the periscope until you need it ... and then, just take quick peeks.

[Morpheus]

another important skill is to observe the bay escorts, try to predict their route, and slip into targetrange with greatest distance to escort possible. at night, silent running, a must.

good luck