Requesting Guidance - Pacific ETO Sub Sims
 

Hi, All!
I'm requesting some advice, from the other Members here ...

Background -- After enjoying "Silent Hunter II" for a while, I decided I wanted to experience the U.S. Silent Service in the Pacific Theater -- and to sorta "upgrade" from Microprose's "Silent Service 2" - lots of fun, but blocky graphics, etc. are sorta "dated," nowadays ...

I purchased "Silent Hunter 4," but was initially disappointed. They changed the interface substantially from "Silent Hunter II," and (IMHO) made it less intuitive, and less fun. I couldn't "carry over" most of what I became accustomed to in SH2. Yeah, the graphics are great, but if ya can't understand what you're doing [I still haven't experienced the "Observation Periscope" -- probably only available on certain sub models, but neither the Manual nor the "online" database tells me which ones, or what to do with it once I find it. And the lack of stats on the equipment modeled in-game is a real letdown], the "learning curve" sorta gets out of hand [and, I can certainly do without the new "Crew Management" function].

Anyway, I'm now looking at --
(1) The "bonus" modpack available here, for SH2, by the Pacific Aces team, that ostensibly offers the Pacific ETO within SH2;
[Yeah, I'm willing to contribute to this site, if that's what it takes]

(2) The "original" Silent Hunter [still available as a "free" download, various places];

I'm inclined [for various reasons, not necessarily associated with the games themselves] to opt for the "Bonus Pack" option for SH2 [and to support SubSims].
But, I'll await your responses -- or any other suggestions you Members might have -- before making any decisions.

Happy Gaming! And, thanks in advance.
:arrgh!:
DARoot

Well ya, the equipment would be different between a German U-Boat and a US fleet boat. SH 3, 4, & 5 tried very hard to model the equipment as it was on the real boats, where SH 2 didn't so much. Also how these ships were operated and the tactics used were quite different as well.

You might have an easier time transitioning from SH2 to SH3, that way at least you are still using the same type of submarines and some of the techniques and skills will transfer over.

To be honest, SH2 was not a very good game. A lot of features were broken, and the graphics were pretty bad. That was one of the big reasons why subsim helped fund and create Projekt Messerwetzer to try to fix the game. I myself could not imagine going back to SH2, not with SH3 and SH4 available. SH3 and SH4 are light years ahead of SH2 in just about every conceivable way.

As for your question, I can't comment on the original SH, didn't play that one. The mod you speak of for SH2 is a good mod for what could be done, but it doesn't hold a candle to what SH4 offers, especially if you get the mods for it. Honestly I think you would be better off spending the time learning how to play SH 4. It is a reasonably high fidelity simulation, and those always take some time to learn, but they offer a far more real experience too. Also our forums hold a lot of resources and information about those games, and you can ask us questions too. A lot of us don't mind helping.

I've made the jump from Silent SERVICE 2 to Silent Hunter IV, and I'm enjoying it, but I'm curious what "limited" mods you'd suggest?

I think "limited" means a selection of mods (catering to your desires), not that they are in themselves limited.

Thanks!
Always good, to hear the opinions of those more knowledgeable.
And, "Get familiar with SH4, and Just get used to it" sounds like good advice.

So, what's the nominal Test Depth for the U.S. subs portrayed in SH4?
[They give you that stuff in SH2, both in-game and in the manual].
Oh, wait! They give you that stuff in SH (1) also.
http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/...Gato_Stats.jpg

Well, well ....
:arrgh!:
DARoot

RTFM :ARRGH:

Knowing the test depth actually doesn't necessarily matter. Your ship will generally let you know by the sounds it makes if you are going too deep. Plus your actual crush depth varies based on the amount of damage you took.

I also I would expect the depth indicators at least in the 3D bridge to have some sort of indication of what is too deep. Generally speaking the maximum depths are based more or less on the actual boats. So you may find this helpful.

http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php...-IN-SH4-Forums


Anyhow I suggest you make use of the SH4 forum we have here. It has guides and other stuff as stickies, and the best place to ask questions.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/forumdisplay.php?f=202

If LukeFF wrote it, it should be quite good.

Hemiola, I'd recommend sticking with Silent Hunter 4. If you want, I could make a guide to the interface and upload it to YouTube for you.

What is RTFM?

Again, Thanks, Guys!

I've decided (based on the consensus of opinion here) to stick with SH4.

Incidentally, I managed to find a .pdf copy of the SH(1) Manual [on http://www.replacementdocs.com] that mostly addressed ALL my remaining questions about stats, etc. and makes learning the idiosyncracies of SH4 MUCH easier, at least for me. [Amazing, how a little thing like "who writes the manual" can make a difference ...]
I actually feel like I'm learning something, now, when playing SH4, rather than fumbling around.
[If anyone is taking a vote, I vote for big, beefy, information-filled Game Manuals, if one can achieve that short of the "Falcon 4.0" approach ...]

And, Yeah, TG626 and TarJak, I dunno what "RTFM" means either. But his message was clear, nonetheless.

And, to NeonSamurai -- Both the SH4 and SH(1) manuals say that you should not be afraid to experiment with "crush depth" figures, since there's about a +-50% fudge factor built into the published figures [and therefore, one would assume, the in-game engine as well].
Great idea, in "user-created" scenarios, I suppose...
But, I've not yet "graduated" to that level. Yet.

Next step -- Manual Targeting!!!

Happy Gaming, and Thanks Again, All!
:arrgh!:
DARoot

[And, since this is MY thread, I can derail ... Errr... Well, Nevermind ...]

I meant a limited number of mods. One can weary himself by trying to incorporate too many.

As to which ones, I'd recommend:

RFB_2.0
RFB_2.0_Patch_23April2010
RSRDC_RFB_V575
RSRDC_RFBV5xx_Patch1

This provides many improvements with only four mods. RFB (Real Fleet Boat) aims to achieve the most realistic gameplay and changes many elements. RSRDC (Run Silent Run Deep Campaign) changes shipping traffic and missions to historical volume/pattern. Stock has excessive traffic and isn't well configured.

Also, when you install and enable these mods (using JSGME, JoneSoft Generic Mod Enabler), you should start a new career, and avoid experimenting with a lot of mods within this career. Playing 3 card Monty with mods will likely make for problems.

Hope this helps.

Yes it does, thanks!