A couple of questions before buying

[Elektroniikka-Asentaja]

Ahoy!

I've been thinking about buying SH5 for a quite long time already but I don't want to risk 40€ for a game I can't enjoy or play.

Is the constant internet connection still required? Is it required when you launch the game or something? This is the main problem as I hardly have internet connection for longer than a couple of hours a day and I have other things to do as well.

Does anyone know does the game require audio card to run or can it be played without? I don't have working audio card at the moment and I doubt I'll be getting new very soon as I lack the money and I'd need to buy new motherboard (and then probably new processor as well).
I've been playing a bit of SH4 with this comp (without sounds) and it isn't impossible but not as comfortable as with sounds. So do I lose half of the fun if I don't hear german war-cries?

From what I know the game is quite buggy and requires at least a few mods to be played without problems (morale & hotkey stuff) but can it be recommended to an arcade player who rather rarely plays more than 30 - 50% realism?

Thanks
- Elektroniikka-Asentaja :salute:

[Sailor Steve]

Is the constant internet connection still required?
No.

Is it required when you launch the game or something?
Yes.

This is the main problem as I hardly have internet connection for longer than a couple of hours a day and I have other things to do as well.
Shouldn't be a problem. It's only required at startup.

As for the rest, you'll find plenty of help arriving here soon.

[Zedi]

Audio card is the cheapest hardware, you should find new ones made in china with 10 euros, or used with 5. Are you sure that your mobo does not have one already? Most of the modern mobos alreay have audio and video onboard. Playing SH without sound kinda ruin the game experience, just think about listening for contact with the hydrophone.

If you play with 30-50 realism, you can play with the stock game. Eventually use some mods to improve the environment and mods that add eye candy, but thats all.