SH3 GXW 3.0 on Steam with 4GB Patch?

[zorachus99]

Yea, I searched the forums far and wide, and didn't really get any answer.

Basically I'm enjoying the game immensely on at 2560x1600 resolution (no AA), and GWX 3.0 Vanilla.

Problem is, I isolated a cause of mid-mission crashes as specifically caused by the extra damage effects. I presume adding memory 'may' fix the problem, but perhaps there is a better damage effects pack I should install with SH3?

I'll be installing SH3 Commander tonight to see what it's like.

As an aside, when I first played the game I could barely tolerate the load screen; however on my 4.0Ghz CPU and Vertex SSD hard drive, the game load is perhaps 30 seconds, and save load is rarely more than 2 minutes. I strong recommend SSD drives with the Sandforce 1200-1500 series.

So:

1) I have not found a topic on using the 4GB patch on a Steam install. I tried browsing to the steamapps/sh3 folder, but it didn't take. Help?

2) I'm looking for advice on mods that wont trash my campaign. I sank the HOood :) woop. It was on 29% then, but let's move on... really good damage effects are what I'm after.

3) I found out about the missions not giving extra renown on a cruise with GWX 3.0. I'm curious if I can ignore orders at this point? Point in case, I sailed to Gibralter and back on my last cruise mid '40. I returned to base at Brest. The boat was in good shape and I was back at sea in a day or two. Question is: do I have to return to Wilhelmshavn? I noticed the transfer phone wouldn't light up at Brest...

If anyone has advice, particularly on #1, I'd be very grateful.

[Gargamel]

Most of us endure 15-20 minute load times, so you should feel lucky. Since it's not an action "ESPLOZIONS!" type game, it's really not an issue for most of us.

You could possibly never return to your home port (see the numerous Milk cow threads we have, one today in Spanish if you wish). But you you won't be able to transfer, add crew, upgrade your boat, get new patrol zones (Which in GWX are supposed to be historically close to the boat type and flotilla IIRC), and I beleive it will force you to the default torpedo loadout. So returning to your home port is a good idea.

If you are adding a mod, make sure you don't do it DURING a patrol, only between. The mods forums and downloads sections have numerous ones to choose from, along with threads to go with.

I have not yet played with the 4GB patch for the steam install, so I can't answer.

[Tessa]

If you can't get the Steam one to work (pressume it can, just a matter of the right person catching the thread) I've got a brute force method in case of a last resort.

I've been using 2 effects mods:
Rbs1_SH4_Effects_GWX_30_71 && Rbs10-enhancedoilexplosion
Don't get any lifeboats but there are plenty of bodies (some still try and swim, others do the dead man's float) and the explosions are very well done. It simulates secondary explosions very well as well as deck fires. One really cool thing I like about it is the cruiser or larger warships that have a plane catapult will collapse when the ship is critically hit, and the plane drops from the catapult and plunges into the water on its own (ship may not actually sink for another 5-10 minutes, or longer).