[Sonarman]

I think that graphics always add to the atmosphere, the great thing you guys did with the control room was to make the 3d functional rather than indeed just graphics. This is graphics put to it's best use to make things more real. Although I think gameplay is the paramount issue this is a simulation after all and the more realistic the graphics the more convincing the environment & atmosphere.

It's interesting to note that some players here actually stated they preferred the 2d panels of the original "Silent Hunter" to the 3D of SH3 in terms of functionality. I think they could access panels and switches etc more quickly and things were sharper on screen.

On gameplay vs graphics one of the best games I (and probably many others here) ever played was Microprose "Red Storm Rising" which had very little in the way of graphics and yet it was a fantastic experience full of tension & atmosphere. But I think for you to sell that game today to a mass market you would have to give it great graphics although the Defcon game which is essentially a map with symbols is hugely popular, it's all a question of balance.

The real issue with SH2/DC was not the graphics but the very poor AI and static nature of the campaign along with bugs such as the sonar not working consistently in DC. I suspect that as in SH4's case too short a time was given to the developers to finish the job.

I think if we were talkng about adding extra new screens into the game eg engine room,torpedo room etc I suspect that many here might be willing forgo a full 3D representation of additional compartments to gain the benefit of extra functionallity/gameplay.