In the stock DW campaign you can chose between certain types of platforms depending on the mission, though subs are most common. The FFG is afaik only available in a few missions.
During the campaign you can also chose different sides of the growing conflict (e.g. 'pro west', 'pro russia', neutral ) and each platform has a different task in the mission (the other available will be AI controlled).
The Problem with playing DW as a surface ship simulation is that its made around ASW. So the FFG (besides its the most complex platform to learn for beginners, subs/helos are a lot easier) is mainly an ASW-escort, not made for large surface battles (limited AntiAir / AntiSurface capabilty with only a few SM-2 and max. 4 harpoons). But nevertheless its fun to play.
Gameplay in DW is generally that of a simulator: You start with manning one platform. You can either command it letting the autocrew doing all the stuff or you can take control of every station like Radar/ESM, Sonar, Firecontroll etc.
The main focus is not on commanding the platform but on using all the sensors/controlls to get situational awareness and react acording to it. Its rather hard for me to describe it, just try it (theres a Demo).
Phil
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