Well, I just pre-ordered and I am really looking forward to this.
I have been waiting since the original Silent Hunter for a return to the Pacific. Ahh, the hours spent waiting near Truk for some really juicy targets, or perhaps a warship to show up. Basking in the South Pacific sun, Hula girls, submarines that were actually designed to be lived-in, Hula girls, fleet operations (please, please, please), Hula girls, and Hula girls.
The pacific has always been my preferred theater of operations.
The variability of mission tasking (if present) will really make this a great sim. If someone only wants to sink ships, and nothing else will do - then I would venture to say "Stick with SHIII.".
And, I have to admit, that it will be nice to be going about a campaign career knowing that there is a reasonable chance of making it through the entire war
I like SHIII, but it is a little depressing knowing that after a certain point you are really in for it. That you are holding off the inevitable, so to speak.
Did I mention I am looking forward to Hula girls?
I will say that I am *very* concerned about rumors that SHIV has been "dumbed down" from SHIII. But I will hope for the best....