@ cawimmer430, I don't have SH5 but IIRC there is a GUI mod that addresses most of the interface problems, you will just have to check the mods section or see this thread::yep: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=163261
If you don't have anything helpful/decent to say then don't say anything at all!:nope:

cawimmer430, you should really check out the downloads section for SH5 mods, there are a lot out there. I can't live without mods.

Here is my list so you can have a reference what to look for:

AilImpurity 1.2
Azs_Caustic_Mod
Conus' Graphic Mod R7Comp
Environment MOD_2.2
MightyFine Crew Mod 1.2.1 Stock faces
Nauticalwolf's Interior Mod V1.0
Dooms Decks for VIIABC41 1.4
Enhanced FunelSmoke_by HanSolo78
Window_Lights_Redone_V1
Wamphyri's Plane Mod
U-Boat Killer
Terrain_harbour_flags_Mod_v1_1
Sub_Exhaust_1_0_2_byTheDarkWraith
SteelVikingsAtlanticWaterv2
Sober's Interior mod
sobers base wave mechanics for SH5 v3
reaper7's Sky Mod
Capthelms Audio
AilBubbles 1.0 Micro
BRF 1.3 lite
Old Style Explosions V1.1
Upgrade for TDW Exhaust
NewUIs_TDC_2_9_0_Twisty_periscope_thingies
Reaper7 HiRes1.3 Mod
:salute:

Thanks for the tips, guys. :03:

I have to say, I am still mega disappointed with this game. After my last post here, I didn't play this game for weeks. Only now did I decide to give it another go.

I managed to catch a lone merchant off the British coast in the early dark mornings. I came up on his rear (his 180 degree view), submerged and fired off a torpedo after locking him in my periscope. I assume this is how you target enemy vessels in SH5 (worked in the first Poland mission). This merchant didn't see me nor did he evade, and yet my torpedo missed. So I surfaced and sunk him with the deck gun (it was good weather). All of a sudden I am being attacked. I exit the deck gun and run to my tower and see a Royal Navy destroyer maybe 300-400 meters away from me - all guns blazing. Needless to say I couldn't even crash dive because first I had to climb the tower and enter the submarine. By then my diesels were destroyed and my pressure hull was heavily damaged and I had massive flooding.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? My watch crew on drugs or something? No f_cking warning whatsoever. Even submerged, my sonar guy didn't report a warship in the vicinity. Visibility was good, despite the dark and my watch crew don't report a f-------g destroyer coming up on me? FAIL.

The user interface and controls of this game really SUCK. They take way too much time and in combat situations this is deadly. Where are my advanced TDC controls? My depth controls? Where can I realistically see my rudder position etc.? The interface of SH3 was SO MUCH BETTER.

SH5 seriously blows in my book. Again, aside from the better graphics, walk-around-the-ship ability and harbor interfaces, SH5 doesn't bring anything new to the table.

Plus, the internet connection requirements are a pain in the ass. :damn:

Once again, THANKS. :yeah:


Might be awhile before I play SH5 again. Right now, I am really annoyed with how crappy the controls of this game have become. SH3 was perfect in terms of stations/controls. SH5 is a nightmare and far to slow. I realize the immersion aspect works well, but there are times where quick buttons / shortcuts to important stations (depth, periscope etc.) come in handy and SH5 is lacking that completely.

When it comes to inept watch crew and sound men, I think it comes down to the experience system implimented in the sim.

Frankly I like it, but it was executed horribly.

The devs should had a training period in the pre war times, when Donitz was fine tuning the boats and crews for the upcoming war slated for....1945.

Yes that's right folks, Germany went to war far far earlier than planned.

The whole reason for going to war in the first place was to reunite the German country that was broken up centuries before. Or that is what Hitler was giving as his reason.

Well, as history shows the Germans went to war much earlier.

Well anyway. I wish there had been a training bunch of missions, from the commissioning of a new uboat and green crew.

As is, you effectively have a green crew when you are headed out on your war patrols. So what do you do.

Don't get involved in big battles yet. Stay clear of the big guarded convoys, which should be rare any way in the early portions.

Don't engage destroyers.

A low experience sound man will not detect things a high experience one will.

I think in the game they have also worked in the effect of panic. I can have my crew get the boat down fairly quickly (:35 ), on the call of a crash dive.

But if I am making that call as the enemy is shelling my area, the boat does not dive. It takes many attempts to get the crew to do their job. I am thinking this is a panic element that would be a very real thing with a green, inexperienced crew. IT WILL GET YOU KILLED.

Now, I am wondering if your crew truly does gain experience if you do numerous "practice" drills. Now if that is the case. THAT IS UNBELIEVABLY awesome!!!!!!

I hope they have done this. I know my crews are getting better at loading torps, shelling, and other things, so it is possibly the case with the diving.

Even if the crew was inexperienced, a destroyer coming at me in good weather conditions is easily identifiable. I received no warning from the watch crew while shelling the merchant.

The job of the watch crew is to keep watch at all times, even when the deck gun is being used, to prevent the U-Boat from being jumped. I have a feeling these guys were watching the show... :damn:

Or maybe there is some hidden "LOOKOUT" option that you have to engage to get your watch crew to watch out for enemies... :har: