[Captain Vlad]

Heh. I like a challenge.

Dangerous Waters: This is a game designed to simulate how various modern naval systems and platforms combat each other. It does this by portraying such systems and platforms as accurately as possible and allowing the player very fine control of the tools provided. The emphasis is placed on anti-submarine warfare. Most of the designer's effort seems to have been placed on the minutae of the systems simulated, and thus, the main tool for immersion is the 'reality' of the systems you're using and how the systems and platforms interact.

Silent Hunter IV: This is a game designed to simulate WWII-era submarine operations. It does this by simulating WWII-era submarines and systems and placing them (and thus the player) in a very pretty graphic representation of the Pacific Ocean. Most of the designers effort seems have been getting things to 'feel right'...while definitely a simulator, it doesn't go so whole hog with the concept as DW...and provide a realistic looking/sounding sandbox to play in. The main tool for immersion are the graphics, which provide a nearly real-world visual experience, and the historical setting, which doesn't require as much exhaustive detailing of systems as modern-era equipment does (IE: You can simulate a WWII era TDC with much less effort than an AEGIS fire control system).

Either is an excellent game; don't let the proponents of one or the other fool you about that. They are very different gaming experiences, though.