Actually, the games of 10 years ago had better game play (AI), balance, and software quality. Mainly what 10 years had gotten PC gamers is staggering improvements in graphics and moderate improvement in sound. However, that didn't come for free. Other areas of projects schedules and budgets suffered to make it happen.

Ten years from now, you will be able to walk through a virtual sub that is photo realistic. However, there will still be no wolfpack and the escorts will hunt for you using an algorithm that could be coded in 50 lines of BASIC.

I agree with that sentiment Mark. My biggest gripe with SH3 has nothing to do with the inertia (although it is pretty lousy), but the sonar model in this game. The DD's are much too capable, and can hear a uboat at all stop with hydrophones despite themselves chugging along at 12 kts. I don't think the Reuben James could accomplish that feat unless the Kaleun was piping Enter Sandman through the comm system.

The GWX boys seem to indicate in their literature that SH3 models active sonar to some extent, but my experience is that it's a little more simple than that.

I'm all for graphics upgrades, but it kills me that develpers stop working on the underpinnings of their products. War in the Pacific has one of the most moronic AI's in existence, and as far as I can tell is unchanged from PacWar other than having fancier scripting for the first 3 months of the war (I think PacWar's interface was more serviceable too - and this is coming from a guy who thinks WitP is the greatest game ever despite the flaws).

have I been at sea too long?
 

Okay, I'm going to be a realism nazi here. It's the stars. They twinkle too fast. They often look like signal lights up in the sky. Yes, stars twinkle, but not like that.

Also, when I'm in the conning tower I should be able to see glare from the lights on the glass over the dials, depending on what angle I'm viewing from. Yes, glare. I want it.

Also, I should be able to get a dose of the clap when I'm in Lorient. I mean, really. Is this a sub sim or not? More like an arcade game to me, if I can't simulate catching a dose. Some games are so shoddy nowadays. This oversight is outrageous and I hope it's fixed in the upcoming GWX mod.

Another thing. The crapper. Everyone is always whining about how they want the torp room or engine room modded. Puh-leeze. We must have the crapper modded, and it must be fully functional with working components.

These things are important, people!

Notes to self for SH5:

Must model random chance of contracting venereal disease in port. Process must also include chance of crab epidemic at sea.

Olfactory engine must allow for initially foul scent emenations with each opening of the hatch that increase until boat is aired.

Perform product acceptance study on possible introduction of real freezing water and depth charges.

The way technology is going it wouldn't surprise me if they came out with a computer periferal called "Smellavision", then you could open the hatch and ...... :dead: :lol:

Television will never be replaced by Smellivision(tm), despite Bugs Bunny's predictions.