[CCIP]

I think the interface is also a very much a matter of personal preference. Personally, I prefer the SH4 interface to standard SH3 and SH2, and prefer it by miles to SH5's. I find it a lot easier to get to the information I need from the screen, and most orders should be given via key shortcuts anyway. Some of the modded SH3 and SH5 interfaces are better, but out of the box... I honestly don't see why it compares so unfavourably.

There's lots of good information you can find on the forum. If you're familiar with SH3, I don't think you really need a manual for basic functions of the game, and there's lots of great resources here if you want to find out more about the subs themselves.

As with any new game, I think one thing that you're experiencing is the switchover from your 'comfort zone' - if you enjoyed SH3 so much, you probably developed a lot of habits unique to that game and interface, and any changes from them feel weird and unnatural. My advice is give it time and let it grow on you. SH4 is still honestly my favourite of the series, and though it's far from perfect and not as extensively modded as SH3, you can get a really good experience of it. The latest version of TMO is a great mod package that isn't really missing much of anything, anyway, except for some of the extra shine and polish (like extravagant numbers of new units and graphics) that the big SH3 mods offer. Same could be said for OM, the mod to go to if you want a full-on U-boat experience (for all theaters). But the most important gameplay/simulation elements that actually matter make for a stable, well-performing, good-looking game - on those 3 things alone it's miles above any SH3 version.