[woodstock74]

Originally Posted by Extra Ketchup

I think if done right, a cold war simulation could be very interesting. Having served on a nuke sub and taken part in TREs (simulating full-out Naval engagements), I found the real-life experience quite engaging!

There are obvious differences between modern nuke and WWII diesel subs. Shooting tends to be a lot easier. Computers pretty much make torpedo launches a point-n-click operation. Torpedo yields make it pretty easy to sink something. Torpedoes can also be fired from further away.

The challenge arises in avoiding detection, surviving enemy homing torpedoes, dealing with tricky things like nuclear reactors, etc.

One big difference is that the role of the submarine is a bit different. To sink a ship in the modern world, a harpoon missile launched from ship or aircraft is the quickest and easiest way. Subs are now more interested in other subs, as well as well as watching enemy fleets undetected, inserting special forces, etc.

All that said, if the right sense of immersion could be provided (and I've yet to play a 688 simulator that does a good job at this), it could be a lot of fun. However, I do know what you are all saying - the more automated and technologically-advanced something becomes, usually the less "fun" it is. For example, modern aircraft engagements (shoot before you see the enemy and let the missile do all the work) just don't play out like a good, old-fashioned dogfight in a bi-plane over WWI Europe... The same can be said for Naval engagements.. I say all this regarding computer games, not the real thing (there is nothing "fun" about real war).

I agree, it could be very intersting. Set in a late 70s, early 80s time period, and then you have many many sub possibilities to choose from (from diesel subs [both sides, don't forget the Barbell class!] and 3rd generation Nukes).