Tactical use of game slow-downs

strenface · 04-06-12, 11:29 PM

When cruising at high time compression (256+) I always open the watch and carefully watch the minute hand for studders. Without fail, a studder, slowdown, or quick freeze almost always means that an enemy vessel is within a 20-25 nm proximity.

Does anyone else exploit this mechanic as a sort of early warning system?

Anytime I see this studder, I immediately go to the sonar station and do a full revolution. Even out of radar range (~15nm) an "unknown" will always pop up on the sonar display. At this range, the "green light' arc is between 20, and 30 degrees. I therefor change course to center the "unknown" contact such that the green light goes out at 349, and 11 degrees. After several minutes, I then go back to the sonar station determine the contact arc. For example, if the arc is now between 352 and 14 degrees, I know my the contacts lateral vector, and can plot a fairly accurate interception course, considering the range.

I then go to the radar station once I know the lateral component and adjust my course accordingly, and simply wait for the blip.

I was wondering two things:

1. Is this a common practice?

2. Is this cheating?

It seems to be cheating as it is exploiting game design and mechanics, rather than using any real or even possible tactic. However, I justify it as follows:

Real captains use certain elements to gain a predatory "feel" that is simply not possible to simulate, or maybe even to describe to those having no experience.

Me, a sim captain, uses this "feel" caused by game mechanics to the same effect.

Justification? Or BS?

magic452 · 04-07-12, 12:19 AM

Enough BS = Justification, just ask any lawyer or politician.

On a more serious note I like your method.

and it doesn't hurt to have a sixth sense.

Magic

TorpX · 04-07-12, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strenface

I was wondering two things:

1. Is this a common practice?

2. Is this cheating?

1. I don't know. Quite possibly yes.

2. Yes. But it's your game, you can play it in whatever way you want.

I have noticed when using TC, this "studdering". Either I will get an alert from the crew within a few seconds, or nothing will happen and it will go back to normal. For me, it is just easier to let the game do it's stuff and not worry about it. I really don't want to be jamming on the brakes and running over to the sonar station all the time, anyway. For all I know, the lag is because the weather is going from sunny to cloudy or vice-versa.

strenface · 04-07-12, 03:06 AM

I see your point. I will say that the reason I use this tactic is that it allows me to run at a decent time compression, while not worrying about missing potential targets due to the sometimes random nature of the crew's contact report. In the end, I believe that it saves me time, as I can safely run at higher TC without these worries.

I will say that I have yet to be fooled by this tactic. The studdering caused by vessel spawning is quite distinct, and I have even learned to gauge the size of a convoy based on these patterns. This is what I meant about the "feel" aspect of my justification

But I will repeat that when the studder feels like a contact, it ALWAYS is a contact. I can't remember being fooled by some other element that could potentially cause a studder.

The best way to describe this studder is a quick freeze, followed by immediate and intermittent studders for a couple of seconds.

Sailor Steve · 04-07-12, 09:17 AM

It's been around since SH3. I don't use it because the game already gives a lot more contacts than they got in real life. In my SH3 installation I use a mod that lets you adjust contacts, and I have them adjusted very low. I sometimes have whole patrols in which I never see an enemy ship. I wish I could do the same for SH4.

Diopos · 04-07-12, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

...
I sometimes have whole patrols in which I never see an enemy ship.
...

Avoiding them?

.

MKalafatas · 04-07-12, 10:53 AM

I've noticed the stuttering but always attributed it to my CPU. Usually I'm downloading a movie or something while playing SH4.

I do use the sonar to "hunt" faint readings that the sonar operator ignores, and find it fascinating. It is tedious, taking over his job, but frequently rewarding. Of course, sometimes the contacts are allied merchants.

sharkbit · 04-07-12, 05:24 PM

Consider the stutter as your "spidey senses are tingling."

I sometimes justify it as maybe smelling the smoke from the stacks. I've read some accounts of U-boats smeeling the smoke of convoys long before spotting them if the conditions were right.

Sailor Steve · 04-07-12, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diopos

Avoiding them?

.

Ummm...umm...well...er....

Char · 04-07-12, 08:30 PM

I've been using the Stuttering to my advantage since SH3.Though it's not technically cheating,as the game does need to load in said convoy.

As with many Simulations,there's no real way to perfectly Simulate what it was like.In the end,it is game.A Damn good one at that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

Ummm...umm...well...er....

Let me help ya here Steve.

In Short,Yes.

Sailor Steve · 04-07-12, 09:24 PM

Of course. But my way was funnier.

Actually, for me the stuttering is like cheating, so I always ignore it. But then I've been playing subsims since 1986, and I'm a bit jaded.

donna52522 · 04-07-12, 10:05 PM

When I get the stutter, I dive and listen myself on the sonar, you can pick up a green light on the sonar then click to ID and receive info. You can hear a ship before your radar detects it. If you don't hear anything, it's most likely a sampan or fishing boat in the area which your radar won't pick up.
The info will tell you if it's closing or heading away, but it'll always say merchant even though it may be a warship.

misha1967 · 04-07-12, 10:09 PM

Yep, I've seen it too and as Steve says, it's been around since SH3.

I try to resist the temptation, but there are exceptions, such as when I've been splashing around aimlessly for a week in fog and I really, really need to find that one target to get rid of the last eel and go home to base before I get old enough to collect my pension

One thing I always do, though, even when I just ignore the temptation to go hunting for that far-off contact because of the "stutter early warning system" is to drop my TC to 128 or 64 for a while, but that's because it might be a plane causing it and I really, really don't want to lose my career because that plane manages to sink me in the time it takes the sim to auto-drop from 1024 or 512 to 1.

Is it "cheating?" I guess, but so is using TC in the first place, yet most of us don't have 6 years to finish a campaign

merc4ulfate · 04-08-12, 11:55 AM

yes it works ... the enemy is near when that happens

yes it is cheating to do it but hey its a game that was made with time compression so I use it

yes I have been known to go looking for them when that happens but I have TMO+RSRD and the compression studder does not seem to happen like it did in the stock game

Diopos · 04-08-12, 02:18 PM

Using the "stuttering" is not cheating it is a necessity!
Using time compression is cheating, but it is "official" and it is a major necessity. What happened to the guy who tried to play the game at x1?

.

04-06-12, 11:29 PM	#1
strenface Watch Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 20 Downloads: 23 Uploads: 0	Tactical use of game slow-downs When cruising at high time compression (256+) I always open the watch and carefully watch the minute hand for studders. Without fail, a studder, slowdown, or quick freeze almost always means that an enemy vessel is within a 20-25 nm proximity. Does anyone else exploit this mechanic as a sort of early warning system? Anytime I see this studder, I immediately go to the sonar station and do a full revolution. Even out of radar range (~15nm) an "unknown" will always pop up on the sonar display. At this range, the "green light' arc is between 20, and 30 degrees. I therefor change course to center the "unknown" contact such that the green light goes out at 349, and 11 degrees. After several minutes, I then go back to the sonar station determine the contact arc. For example, if the arc is now between 352 and 14 degrees, I know my the contacts lateral vector, and can plot a fairly accurate interception course, considering the range. I then go to the radar station once I know the lateral component and adjust my course accordingly, and simply wait for the blip. I was wondering two things: 1. Is this a common practice? 2. Is this cheating? It seems to be cheating as it is exploiting game design and mechanics, rather than using any real or even possible tactic. However, I justify it as follows: Real captains use certain elements to gain a predatory "feel" that is simply not possible to simulate, or maybe even to describe to those having no experience. Me, a sim captain, uses this "feel" caused by game mechanics to the same effect. Justification? Or BS? __________________ You may encounter content deemed to be offensive, indecent, or objectionable, which may or may not be identified as containing: (a) vulgarity(b)inaccuracy(c)logical fallacy. You agree to read the above solely at your own risk. This poster assumes no liability regarding direct or indirect damages whatsoever, including but not limited to: (a)personal injury(b)butthurt(c)keyboard(d)marital disruption

04-07-12, 12:19 AM	#2
magic452 Sea Lord Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Reno Nevada USA Posts: 1,860 Downloads: 85 Uploads: 0	Enough BS = Justification, just ask any lawyer or politician. On a more serious note I like your method. and it doesn't hurt to have a sixth sense. Magic __________________ Reported lost 11 Feb. 1942 Signature by depthtok33l Last edited by magic452; 04-07-12 at 01:34 AM.

04-07-12, 03:06 AM	#4
strenface Watch Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 20 Downloads: 23 Uploads: 0	I see your point. I will say that the reason I use this tactic is that it allows me to run at a decent time compression, while not worrying about missing potential targets due to the sometimes random nature of the crew's contact report. In the end, I believe that it saves me time, as I can safely run at higher TC without these worries. I will say that I have yet to be fooled by this tactic. The studdering caused by vessel spawning is quite distinct, and I have even learned to gauge the size of a convoy based on these patterns. This is what I meant about the "feel" aspect of my justification But I will repeat that when the studder feels like a contact, it ALWAYS is a contact. I can't remember being fooled by some other element that could potentially cause a studder. The best way to describe this studder is a quick freeze, followed by immediate and intermittent studders for a couple of seconds. __________________ You may encounter content deemed to be offensive, indecent, or objectionable, which may or may not be identified as containing: (a) vulgarity(b)inaccuracy(c)logical fallacy. You agree to read the above solely at your own risk. This poster assumes no liability regarding direct or indirect damages whatsoever, including but not limited to: (a)personal injury(b)butthurt(c)keyboard(d)marital disruption

04-07-12, 09:17 AM	#5
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	It's been around since SH3. I don't use it because the game already gives a lot more contacts than they got in real life. In my SH3 installation I use a mod that lets you adjust contacts, and I have them adjusted very low. I sometimes have whole patrols in which I never see an enemy ship. I wish I could do the same for SH4. __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

04-07-12, 10:53 AM	#7
MKalafatas Electrician's Mate Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Springboro OH Posts: 135 Downloads: 30 Uploads: 0	I've noticed the stuttering but always attributed it to my CPU. Usually I'm downloading a movie or something while playing SH4. I do use the sonar to "hunt" faint readings that the sonar operator ignores, and find it fascinating. It is tedious, taking over his job, but frequently rewarding. Of course, sometimes the contacts are allied merchants. __________________ "Not all those who wander are lost." - JRR Tolkien

04-07-12, 05:24 PM	#8
sharkbit The Old Man Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,529 Downloads: 334 Uploads: 0	Consider the stutter as your "spidey senses are tingling." I sometimes justify it as maybe smelling the smoke from the stacks. I've read some accounts of U-boats smeeling the smoke of convoys long before spotting them if the conditions were right. __________________ “Prejudice is blind. There will always be someone who says you aren’t welcome at the table. Stop apologizing for who you are and using all your energy trying to change their minds. Yes, you will lose friends, maybe even family. But you will gain your self-respect. You will know your worth. Once you have that, nothing can stop you.”

04-07-12, 09:24 PM	#11
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	Of course. But my way was funnier. Actually, for me the stuttering is like cheating, so I always ignore it. But then I've been playing subsims since 1986, and I'm a bit jaded. __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

04-07-12, 10:05 PM	#12
donna52522 Lady Mariner Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 544 Downloads: 225 Uploads: 0	When I get the stutter, I dive and listen myself on the sonar, you can pick up a green light on the sonar then click to ID and receive info. You can hear a ship before your radar detects it. If you don't hear anything, it's most likely a sampan or fishing boat in the area which your radar won't pick up. The info will tell you if it's closing or heading away, but it'll always say merchant even though it may be a warship. __________________

04-07-12, 10:09 PM	#13
misha1967 Commander Join Date: May 2004 Location: Texas, USA Posts: 470 Downloads: 78 Uploads: 0	Yep, I've seen it too and as Steve says, it's been around since SH3. I try to resist the temptation, but there are exceptions, such as when I've been splashing around aimlessly for a week in fog and I really, really need to find that one target to get rid of the last eel and go home to base before I get old enough to collect my pension One thing I always do, though, even when I just ignore the temptation to go hunting for that far-off contact because of the "stutter early warning system" is to drop my TC to 128 or 64 for a while, but that's because it might be a plane causing it and I really, really don't want to lose my career because that plane manages to sink me in the time it takes the sim to auto-drop from 1024 or 512 to 1. Is it "cheating?" I guess, but so is using TC in the first place, yet most of us don't have 6 years to finish a campaign __________________ Ansonsten, Herr Lutter, ist alles in Butter Liqui-cooled Intel i2550K @ 4.2 GHz, 8 Gb RAM, GTX 970 GPU

04-08-12, 11:55 AM	#14
merc4ulfate DILLIGAF Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: florida Posts: 2,058 Downloads: 210 Uploads: 0	yes it works ... the enemy is near when that happens yes it is cheating to do it but hey its a game that was made with time compression so I use it yes I have been known to go looking for them when that happens but I have TMO+RSRD and the compression studder does not seem to happen like it did in the stock game

04-08-12, 02:18 PM	#15
Diopos Ace of the Deep Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Athens, the original one. Posts: 1,226 Downloads: 9 Uploads: 0	Using the "stuttering" is not cheating it is a necessity! Using time compression is cheating, but it is "official" and it is a major necessity. What happened to the guy who tried to play the game at x1? . __________________ - Oh God! They're all over the place! CRASH DIVE!!! - Ehm... we can't honey. We're in the car right now. - What?... er right... Doesn't matter! We'll give it a try anyway!

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