Asking the community's assistance... I'm new...hello.

[hituttle]

Hello to all,

No offense to anyone, the deal is this, I'm a Mac guy usually.

But I REALLY want to play SH4. I've been playing the original for a million years now and it is time to upgrade.

Purportedly I have a bran spanking new copy of SH4 Gold Ed in the mail to me right now.

The assistance I'm asking for is this:

What should I get computerwise if it's sole purpose in life will be to play this game to it's fullest/fastest/best?

What should expect to pay? Sort of hope to able to have to spend about as much as I would for a game console. Given the age of the game, the fact that it works best on XP?(true/false) era software ect... Does it work on Windows7 and if it does work on Window7, is it actually better to go with XP for the sake off the game?

I need help getting the right hardware to give SH4 opportunity to work at it's optimum.

I want what I do get to work straight out of the package, plenty of video memory, plenty of ram, the processor speed and sound card compatibility.

I have experience from when I started with the original how very important all these things are. I am willing to spend what I must but, as this is all I foreseeably expect to use it for, I hope to not spend more than is necessary.

I hope my question is clear and someone is willing to help me.

Thanks in advance and glad to be here,
K

[tater]

Hi, and welcome!

One, depending on your mac, it is entirely possible to play on a dual-boot machine, I think there are people here that might be doing it.

Hardware experts will likely chime in, but any decently good video card running on a "modern" PC should run SH4 great. I'm pretty sure Vista is not a problem (I'm running XP Pro SP3, myself). My machine does OK, and it's old (E6600 cpu, a current iMac is better, lol). I have an 8800GTS vid card, you can get a better card for under $100 these days.

[WernherVonTrapp]

Welcome to the forum, hituttle.:up: Now, I'll try to answer your question as best I can but, I'm an AMD/Intel kind of guy.:03: Now, I think SHIV will run on a Pentium 4 (believe I saw a post to that effect somewhere) but, I personally would recommend, as a minimum, an AMD or Intel Dual-Core processor with at least 4GB RAM and a dedicated graphics card with (again, at least) 512MB RAM. However, I think you'll end up paying more for a new PC than you would for a game console. When I first bought my rig (see my sig for the specs), it was an upper/mid-level gaming PC. Now, with all the newer models out there, it's probably in the lower mid-level range. I paid about $900.00 (U.S.) and that includes the 4GB of additional RAM that I purchased separately. The newer systems usually come with HD, 7.1 surround sound that's integrated into the MoBo so you shouldn't need to upgrade there. Nevertheless, I still bought and installed a dedicated sound card in order to free up even more system resources.
I have had absolutely no difficulties running the SHIV graphics on my system, save for some SS probs while in Truk Lagoon but, that's a totally different subject altogether.
Good luck in your endeavor.:yeah:

[Sailor Steve]

WELCOME ABOARD! :sunny:

I currently have a five-year-old Pentium 4, which I have upgraded to 4GB RAM and a 1GB ATI 4650 video card, and it runs SH4 maxed out. That said, I'm looking to upgrade soon because it won't run SH4, and, believe it or not, it has trouble with SH3 (mainly due to all the mods I have installed).

Try to talk to UnderseaLCPL. He has a Mac, and I think he runs these games on it.

[Alky]

Any off the shelf medium priced PC these days will be more than enough to run SH4. With quad core, 6-8 gigs of memory and decent video "card", not an integrated one, you should probably be able to buy it for $700 - $900 depending what country you live in :)
I have a quad core 64 bit with 6 gigs of memory running on Vista. I installed an Nvidia 9800 GT+ after I bought it just to kick the video up a notch for another game I was playing. It's about 2 years old and I paid around $650 for it at Best Buy in Canada.

[hituttle]

Commanders,

Seeking confirmation.

I have a bead on a reasonably priced machine, that for my limited knowlege of the Windows world looks to me as if it will run SHIV comfortably with the resources it has. But alias, it's the things that you don't see that get you, like...well...like a submarine.

I would like to list the requirements of the game that concern me and the resources that the machine contains and hopefully others will be willing to give me some of the peace of mind that I seek.

OS: Vista Home Premium
Processor: Intel core duo T6600 2.2GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB
System Memory: 4 GB (expandable to 8)
Video card: 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT

Sound Card: There is no mention that the sound card is DirectX 9 compliant or that it has a sound card for that matter.
Can I assume this?
I had to play the original without sound for years.
I really want sound this time.

Supplemental Question: Game was made to run on a P4 2-3GHZ, Do I gain any more power with multiple processors or is that done to allow the processor(s) to run cooler?

Thanks to all in advance, can't wait to get under way!
K

[tater]

If it doesn't mention a sound card, it's likely onboard. Sound cards are dirt cheap, though, so you can always buy one.

Funny, I was seriously considering setting up a new mac I'm thinking about as a dual boot machine and trying SH4 on it. I like the idea of a SH4 machine that makes no noise at all...

[hituttle]

Tater,

FYI: tried to do the Virtual PC duel boot with the original many moons ago now...it froze...it sucked. Prospects may be better now but, have no idea what they are.

You think the afore mentioned machine would fit the bill?

[WernherVonTrapp]

That system that you are contemplating looks OK to me. When I mentioned a dedicated sound card, I mentioned it as an afterthought. My on-board sound (HD 7.1 surround) worked fine with the game. My upgrade to a dedicated SC was strictly a matter of personal preference, though it does free up some additional system resources. You should be able to run SHIV w/o a problem using on-board sound.:up:

[ancient46]

When I bought the game it played fine as long as I did not use high time compression. I had a 2.4 GHZ AMD single core Athlon processor on a nForce 4 board with 1gb SDRAM and a fanless 8600 GT. I had to do some system tweaking to free enough RAM to play the game but it did work.

[Armistead]

I bought a AMD duel core 3800 with 4 mgs of ram and a 9600gt card for $300 on Craigslist..if you look you can get some good deals, just make sure you boot it up and check it out...

I built a nice gaming rig, but somehow my son took it over, so it works great for the game.......

[hituttle]

Thanks to all for their help.


Well, I've done it. It's downloading as I type.

Bilge Rat's next questions are:

1.) i'm installing fresh copy of the Gold Ed. Are there any patches that
i would be sorry that I didn't add before playing the game in earnest?

2.) Saw something in one of the forums about this thing you could download to make basically many versions of the game. This sounds like a great idea, would you recommend this?


Thanks again for making me feel welcomed.

[tater]

The Generic Mode Enabler (JSGME) is a MUST.

http://www.users.on.net/~jscones/software/products-jsgme.html

Read the simple directions. Put it in the SH4 directory, then run it once. It creates a MODS folder, and any mods get thrown in there. You then run JSGME, and select what you want to run, and it saves the stock game stuff aside, and puts the mods in. Turn them off, and it sets the game good as new.

[peabody]

Commanders,

Seeking confirmation.


System Memory: 4 GB (expandable to 8)

K

Welcome, one comment unless you OS is 64 bit don't bother adding RAM. In fact a 32 bit OS won't even see the total 4GB you show.

Good luck.

Peabody

[rein1705]

i have 32 bit with 4 gigs ram, seems to run at 3.17 in game. i have no problems at all aside from drops in fps around big task forces and really populated bases in TC.


also have a Nvidia 9600gso and a duel core processor:D

[Gerald]

:salute:

[Capt. Teach]

Welcome aboard!!! :rock:

(Sorry, no additional advice for computer as i think it has all been well covered.)

[hituttle]

Happy labor day to everyone.

The next list of questions:

1.) I've loaded the game but, cannot find any vestige of it on the computer? The lit said it would appear as Ubisoft in 'All programs'... not there. Have to (I guess?)start it from the disk everytime. Until this is solved I can't add mods ect...right? What should I do or is this as it should be? I generally don't want to start a career until I'm comfortable that all this stuff is set up correctly.

2.) What is up with test depths? Gato class were 300' and Balao's were were 400' or visa versa. Gauges look like they are meant for U-boats. tried all the different settings...no change. Is this part of a mod? if so, big screw up for a sim... no?

3.)a. Camera control buttons: I don't think I'm nuts but, the cameras control buttons seem to start out counter intuitive but then at some point right themselves and then switch back again? Very frusterating when every key stroke is time senitive.

b. Is there a way to record a part of a mission that you would like to replay? To either revel in your greatness as a commander or review your mistakes. Hopes are not high but thought I'd ask.

4.) Another frustrating thing that this game does that the original did a better job of is remember direction. Had a better general confluence from station to station so you you don't have to make stupid little adjustments at every switch or am I nuts? Any way to fix this?

I have read around the forums to try to get my questions answered.
I'll leave it here for now, sorry that I'm such a Windows knucklehead. The game looks great but as they say 'the devil is in the details'.

Thank goodness for this place.

[rein1705]

you're gams folder should be titled Ubisoft.
In my computer it is located in "Computer/Compaq (C)/ Program Files/Ubisoft
Though it should also be in you're start menu but for some reason it's not in mine, i think because i uninstaled the game once and never corrected the registry. Anyway, when i first started playing the game i was COMPLETELY LOST:doh:
I couldn't make heads or tales of anything for quite a while but believe me it grows on you.;)

Try and get familiar with the sim before you install any mods. That way you'll know if something's better or if you screwed it up lol

Edit: forgot, i use windows Vista home premium

[Capt. Teach]

Happy labor day to everyone.

The ... question(s):

1.) I've loaded the game but, cannot find any vestige of it on the computer? The lit said it would appear as Ubisoft in 'All programs'... not there. Have to (I guess?)start it from the disk everytime. Until this is solved I can't add mods ect...right? What should I do or is this as it should be? I generally don't want to start a career until I'm comfortable that all this stuff is set up correctly.

3.)a. Camera control buttons: I don't think I'm nuts but, the cameras control buttons seem to start out counter intuitive but then at some point right themselves and then switch back again? Very frusterating when every key stroke is time senitive.


On my particular computer the game is located in C:/Programs Files/Ubisoft (running Windows XP)

For my system, there are two ways to control the camera ... (not counting the internal camera). Either by mouse and then direction keys or via numeric keypad. I personally use the mouse direction keys method. (i.e. click exterior cam icon, left click with mouse when taken outside ... maneuver cam with direction keys and mouse. When I use it, that is.) I personally have never experienced a reversal or counter intuitive control ... unless ... I forget to left click when topside. :hmmm:


4.) Another frustrating thing that this game does that the original did a better job of is remember direction. Had a better general confluence from station to station so you you don't have to make stupid little adjustments at every switch or am I nuts? Any way to fix this?


I'm not sure what you are referring to here ... remember direction concerning? When I travel ... I use waypoints via map ... once I enter into a tactical situation I go to manual control (such as it is) to control my sub. I don't know if that answers your question though.

[Capt. Teach]

Happy labor day to everyone.

The next ... question(s):

2.) What is up with test depths? Gato class were 300' and Balao's were were 400' or visa versa. Gauges look like they are meant for U-boats. tried all the different settings...no change. Is this part of a mod? if so, big screw up for a sim... no?


As for the test depths ... those are coded and I believe can be and have been modded by a number of folks. Gauges have two settings IIRC in the options on the main menu. I believe they are labeled Imperial and Metric.


b. Is there a way to record a part of a mission that you would like to replay? To either revel in your greatness as a commander or review your mistakes. Hopes are not high but thought I'd ask.


Yes sir, I believe you can record your mission ... I have never personally done it ... but I seem to remember seeing a little box you can check (possibly in main menu under options) entitled "record mission" or something worded very close to that ... I'll check it out and play with it and see what I can figure out for you. :salute:

**Edit**
Ok found what I was looking for ... its in the save menu at the bottom ... "save replay". I believe this will save a recording of your mission up to that point although as of yet I have not tried it ... as soon as I am somewhere in the game where I'm not just traveling across long distances I will give it a try.

**Edit 2**
Hrmm. Ok, apparently when out at sea that option in the save menu stays greyed out. Perhaps one can only access it while in port? I dunno. I'll try it when I get back to base. :06:

[hituttle]

A hearty thanks to all! So helpful.

So I've been messing with the game. Taking in it's good and bad points.
I think I'm ready to start the modding process. I have the JSGME installed.

I'm interested in accuracy/realism without going into doing the trig to fire torpedos. I'll pretend to have a weapons officer, thank you very much.

I would like to ask questions about the things I really liked about the original SH and what mods I should add to get them into this game. If in your response you would add (if you know) whether these things are really accurate to this time in history, that would be a bonus to me.

Here I go again:

1.) I have a stock copy of the Gold Edition. What is that patched to, v1.4 or v1.5? If v1.4 can/should I go to v1.5. I don't know if this matters but, I'm really only interested in the U.S. side of things.

2.) What is in the real fleet boat mod? Will it change the the test depths of the U.S. submarines and me give the ability to dive to them and beyond? If not then what mod will?

3.) Radar: I saw a mod that would add a range meter to the SD/SJ like the original had, is it accurate for it to have one?. Also, I have a big problem with the fact that everytime I go to this station I have to put the darn thing back into sweep mode even though it would seem it never stopped as I was on the bridge ect... I would really like to be able to tweak that.

4.) Another thing I liked about SH1 were the dials in the position keeper, one was the targets course and the other was the targets relative bearing. Can I have that back? Is it right for me to have that, accuracy wise.

5.) What is up with the almost mystical ability of destroyers to know where you are? Using all my old tricks and they still know right where I am and rarely drop Dch's any where else? It gets spooky! Also, I feel they all have 20/10 vision as I approach.

6.) In general, to anyone who knows SH1, a general structure to bend this game toward that. Example: the ability to dive deep. It took the Japanese a while to figure this out and change the depth settings on ash cans. Yeah, it's kind of a give me to always have a safe haven(mostly) but, historically accurate, so I'm ok with it.

There's more but I'll leave it here for now and thanks again,

K

[WernherVonTrapp]

Answers:
1. The Gold Edition (w/U-Boat Expansion Pack) is the latest version (i.e., 1.5).
2. If you click on the base of your Depth Meter, you'll see it change to deeper settings, the red line being the test depth. They can go deeper but each sub has it's limits. There was a thread here somewhere that listed the max depth of each sub type but I don't recall where it is.
3. The range of your current type of radar can be found in the Weapons and Sensors station (Click on the bottom clipboard tab followed by the gears tab on top). Then just click on the radar and it's specs will appear in the box. As far as the radar coming off sweep every time you visit the station, well, that's such a minor inconvenience as to be null on the annoyance meter.
4. You have a position keeper and relative
bearing meter at the periscope station. Have you taken time to explore your new boat?;):)
5. I rarely get detected during my approach and after my attack. I never played SH1 but I'm willing to bet the realism in SHIV is more refined. You have to develope new tactics and that won't happen overnight. SHIV is not so much a game as it is a simulator.
6. The IJN became more aware of Fleetboat depths after the May Incident of June 1943. I believe all the major mods address this with accuracy, maybe even the stock version too but I'm not absolutely certain.

Tip: Take some time to explore your sub in earnest. SHIV is a sub simulation, not a shooting game. Each successive game is (should be) an improvement upon it's predecessor. This sim takes time and alot of patience. Hope this all helps some. Good luck.:up:

[hituttle]

WVT,

Thanks for the tips.

The depth thing, I saw it nowhere in any of the lit, paper or the tutorials, I didn't even know those areas were active. Wow!

I dig what you are saying about it being a simulator. It's why I like it.

A key thing might be that I'm playing it on a laptop that I bought to do this one thing. I'm not using a full function mouse and the trackpad is harder to use with quick precision. I think a mouse is in my future. Would this make a big difference? There just so far seems to be a lot of little things that you not only have to make sure you do but then have to make sure you redo over and over. Then when it's crunch time, one errant keystroke or trackpad click and your whole attack that it took you along time to set up(time and patience) is in the toilet.

I did see the position keeper in the periscope station but it seems to perform a different function. The range and speed is familiar to me but, the dials seem to have more to do with torpedo gyro angles than the functions I was asking about. Unless I can change them using a button that I did not know was there. Ha.

Game play is definitely amped up from sh1. In sh1 enemy rarely had radar, the warships did sometimes, convoys hardly ever, while the boat I used did...big advantage. I am as yet at a loss as to how they find me so fast and stay on me so well. I don't even have the realism set that high yet, holy crap? The historic advantages that I knew from sh1 don't seem to exist in this sim.

Where can I read about 'the incident in 43' What happened?

Thanks for being there to help me out.

[tater]

A US congress-critter mentioned to the press that the japs were setting their DCs too shallow, and our subs easily escaped destruction by going a little deeper.

In RL, the IJN Type 95 had 2 depth settings early war. 30m, and 60m. The later version had a 3d, and deeper depth setting at 90m.

None of the mods address this, actually, since it is not possible using the SH3/4 DC paradigm. DCs in SH are aimed by the AI at a particular depth (based on sensor data). RL IJN DCs were preset to one of 2 (or 3) depths, and dropped in patterns that varied in depth. The later Type 2 had ~25 foot setting increments.

Bottom line is that in SH4, DCs are always set to your depth—except air-dropped DCs which actually go off at the set depth.

[Old Dog]

Just came across this thread and read through it and would like to chime in with "Welcome aboard". Since you're already sailing, I'll add "good hunting".
beyond that, I see that you are in the company of some very good sub drivers, leaving very little for me to add.
You say that you are detected early and accurately on your approaches. How are you approaching ? Surfaced or submerged ? Daylight or night ? What is your speed ? When in the war ? What sub are you driving ? What range are you being detected at ? As WernherVonTrapp asked, 'Have you taken time to explore your new boat ?'
Have you done the training scenarios ? Have you gone out for a test drive to see how she responds to steering and speed change and more importantly, depth changes ?
You are in favor of realism. Good. In real life, sub drivers knew what their boats could...and couldn't do. Following that lead is a fine start.
these guys were pretty good:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dudley_W._Morton
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_O%27Kane

good hunting