I’m not familiar with Steam version as i use original SH3 DVD without Star Force.
So can’t comment if those mega mods will run using Steam, anyway here my thoughts :
You can have 5 awesome mega mods for SH3, in the release date order
- GWX
- NYGM
- LSH3
- Ccom12
- WAC5.2
GWX beeing the older, you might need plenty other mods to bring it to a nice level. Even heavily modded, GWX has been always very stable here, as long as you respect the right activation order, and compatibility. There are tons of threads here about mods for GWX. AI is quite good.
NYGM is probably one of the best submariner experience, easy to install, very good AI and U-Boat behavior. But nothing fancy for eye candy in the virtual external world, all focused on the campaign warfare. Can be well modded too, but remains very fluent.
LSH3 is a 2015 mega mod absolutely all included. No need for extra mods, everything is included, the best eye candy and overall naval life, pretty easy to install. The best ships and planes Looking I’ve seen in SH3. Awesome sounds and effects too. Wide Gui included even 16/9 as add-on mods (but limited to 1024X768 rendering). Environment is excellent, sea rendering very good. Only AI seems quite predictable and not that hard.
Ccom12 is very similar to LSH3, but so different...it’s also all included and no need for extra mods that could brake the fantastic work of Rowi58 (one of the LSH3 modder). Wide GUI included (up to 1920X1080) Ccom12 has all the LSH3 eye candy and all the nice numerous ships and planes. But surviving is a bit more complicated. AI is different, and planes are really the U-Boat nightmare. Overall awesome SH3 experience.
WAC5.2 is still in development, and needs a powerful PC. Not that easy to install, there is a wide gui for it available here (1920X1080). Very good AI, eye candy everywhere, best U-Boat looking/rendering, awesome campaign.
But have some troubles running it, not very fluent, CTD here and there, harbor mess coming back etc...might be on my side because of PC perf though.
For GWX, NYGM, and WAC5.2 you’ll need the 4GB patch (to allow more RAM), and of course Jsgme.
You’ll need SH3 Commander too and HSIE patch for more playability options, even though it’s not mandatory (not for LSH3/Ccom12 as it is all included)
Hope that helps
