The more realism the better, which is why I've turned off fatigue in IUB as there's not one fatigue model that approaches realism in SHIII.
I'm on a 100% realism patrol in Sept 1939. I don't reload the game if I screw up, I try to learn from my mistakes and start a new campaign. Last night, for instance, I stumbled across a home heading convoy in AM54 and shadowed it till nightfall. Twice I let the bloody thing go right past me because of bad navigation in a wicked pitch black storm. So I had a rethink and then entered the convoy on the surface via the back door. Dived to 23M and went under the convoy at 7 knots on Full Engines (convoy doing 6 knots).
Surfaced between front excort and merchants and every torpedo hit their mark. Now have 1 torp left with two crippled ships, one i'm sure will sink (a C3) so i'm chasing the other (a C2) to finish her off.
Of course, this is the happy time, and the escorts are not very bright.....that will soon change so its important I learn what I can do within the "game engine" before the 1942/3.
To top it all, I've started to log my patrols on paper....7 pages so far on this patrol. It helps me plan my strategy and keeps me focused.
And finally, for those that have other commitments and can't play too often, i'm in teh same boat and playing this way rather than the "instant gratification" way, is far more enjoyable as I get to review my tactics when not playing.
As a long toothed programmer myself with a brother works in the game industry, we're looking into accurately modelling all convoy shipping during WWII - although adaptable to add unpredictability if required. Its turning into quite a hobby this U-Boat thingy :-)
Long Live Realism!
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