Newbie's game

[SH999]

Hello guys, I've just installed SH3+1.4b+GWX2.0. I'm gonna learn some basics, controls and start my first campaign (my main interest in this game). So basically I'm starting from scratch. Would you recommend to install VIIC41 of GWX2.0 right now? Which level of realism should I take for the beginning - normal or hard?

Thanks.

[BulSoldier]

I believe it will keep your interest more if you start on with harder settings, but its your choice.Try some singlemissions before and tutorials.

[Badger1978]

Hi SH999 and welcome (not sure I'm in much of a position to say that being brand new here myself, but what the hell).

It's quite difficult to offer much advice without knowing whether you are new to subsims in general or just SH3 in particular. Assuming that it's the former, my personal suggestion would be to uninstal GWX 2.0 for the time being and undertake a few patrols playing the stock game. GWX is a fantastic bit of work and adds massively to the SH3 experience, but I think you'll find the learning curve a lot steeper than if you start off playing stock. After a few short patrols in the more benign environment of the stock game you'll pick up the basic tactics and techniques and these will stand you in good stead when you move into the big league.

Plus when you do decide to install GWX you'll be able to better appreciate the improvements and the effort that clearly went into making it!

Whether you decide to play stock or dive straight into GWX, personally I would recommend beginning at the start of the war and using Type II boat. They may be small and not pack many torpedoes, but they are simple and effective and I've always felt that their limitations are a benefit to a beginner as they discourage you from biting off more than you can chew and getting yourself in too much trouble (well that's the theory...). Again, a few quick, short patrols (you'll get assigned patrol grids far closer to home) and you'll be all set to change up to a bigger, more capable boat.

Whether you choose to start with the higher difficulty settings is really up to you. When I started playing I used auto targetting for my first few patrols so I could concentrate on handling the attack and working out my tactics. As I became more confident I gradually progressed to full realism(well as close as you can get to full realism when you're sat in front of a pc with a beer in your hand).

The above worked for me and maintained my interest in the game when I think I may have given up if I had tried to do everything myself at the beginning. By taking it one step at a time I've ended up with years of enjoyment from this game in one form or another. I'm sure other people will encourage you to get stuck in on the hardest settings and that suggestion is just as valid if it appeals to you. As with most things it's really a matter of personal taste.

Happy hunting.

Badger

[Dekessey]

Good advice Badger.

I basically followed that path too. I'm no expert either, and I still don't play full realism, but that might change with time if I get bored.

[Jimbuna]

Welcome aboard SH999

Start at the level you feel most comfortable at, then gradually increase the difficulty level as your proficiency increases

[Blacklight]

I started out stock for a week, then put GWX in. I play at about 69% realism. It makes for an enjoyable experience. To enhance this, make sure you get a copy of Silent Hunter III Commander !!!

[looney]

Try to read up on some help threads. ie "the hunt" ...

and search on "wazoo sh3" in google. there are some good basics on manual aiming.


It's getting late but I reckon others will add to my list. But for manual aiming search for .... a what the heck here is the link:

http://www.paulwasserman.net/SHIII/

[SH999]

Originally Posted by Blacklight

I started out stock for a week, then put GWX in. I play at about 69% realism. It makes for an enjoyable experience. To enhance this, make sure you get a copy of Silent Hunter III Commander !!!

Blacklight, I think I'm inclined to follow your trail. I don't want to uninstall GWX. SHIII Commander is installed already, but this utility is even more intimidating, than ResTweak+MS Compat Tool (which worked ok). I'll take this piece on gradually as I understand more.

@Badger, thx for your time. I think I'll try a few shortcuts to more realism straight away. There are a few settings in GWX, that I like already.

I'll just abstain from VIIC41 for the time being.

@looney: Thx, I had all of them already in my SH3 archive before installing SHIII.

Also pls post you comments on playing SHIII after SHIV. I had the both games in the plastic on the shelf since their release and SHIV is still there. I'm really interested to hear your opinion after GWX2.0. Anyone's back from SHIV?

Thank you.

[CCIP]

Originally Posted by SH999

Also pls post you comments on playing SHIII after SHIV. I had the both games in the plastic on the shelf since their release and SHIV is still there. I'm really interested to hear your opinion after GWX2.0. Anyone's back from SHIV?

Thank you.

I'm back from SHIV, although in fairness I never left either SHIII or SHIV since they came out :p

They're different games that are at the same time very similar. I wish I could say I prefer one over the other, but in fact both have things I like and I don't like compared to the other. If I had to start somewhere though, SHIII is a better start, and thanks to efforts like GWX it's in a much more enchanced state right now. But don't skip out on SHIV, especially if you don't have a theater preference. From what I observed, for the vast majority of players - whether they proudly admit it or totally deny it - the reason for choosing one or the other is not technical or gameplay merits, but simply a preference of theater. Some just like the Atlantic, some just like the Pacific. If you have no preference or like both the same - you'd be doing yourself a dis-service if you skipped out on either one. Sure you might eventually gravitate more toward one or the other, but they both deserve a try.

Also, top advice - read the GWX manual. Honestly, it's up there with gaming history's finest manuals, and even if this is your first experience with a subsim - it'll give you so much more info than the skimpy booklet that comes with SHIII! Wealth of information there that noone would benefit from more than a newbie would!

[SH999]

Cool, thx CCIP.

[Brag]

Welcome aboard, SH999!
You may find the articles on my website useful. Good luck !

[TomcatMVD]

Welcome aboard mate!
Go get them!