SH5 player review thread - post your opinions about the game here

AS · 03-06-10, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Webster

i am starting this thread to be a place where you can post all your opinions about sh5.

this sh5 forum is here for discussiing the sh5 game and we dont want it to be a place where we are just endlessly discuss what we think of how UBI runs its company or treats its customers so post that stuff in the general topics section where it belongs.

it is time the sh5 forum returns to being just about sh5 game discussions and not about all sorts of things other then the actual game.

thank you

Why I like the new interface

Hi everybody,

curiosity and my love for submarines turned out to be stronger than my hate for DRM, so I eventually got a copy of SH5... and I´m glad I did!

There´s no doubt about many issues the stock version of SH5 has, but this has been the case with all SH releases, so let´s say the DEV Team just sticks to tradition.

Some peolpe complain about the new interface. They say they do not know how to orientate. Well, I would like to have my dear compass back, too, don´t get me wrong here, but I´m for one happy with the new interface. It´s the first time I really seem to know where I am and where everyone else is, thanks to the small map that is always available and which shows me which direction I look.

That´s a simple tool but it helps me a lot. To those who cry: "unrealistic!" - well, I disagree. The truth is, it´s unrealsitic to stare at a computer screen, using a mouse and keys to look around. In real life you have a totally different AWARENESS of where you are in relation to your ship and to other ships (I know what I´m talking about, I do some sailing). You just turn your head and you instinctively KNOW where you want to go or what bearing you have got. If you really need to know degrees, use the UZO to do so.

So what the new interface basically gives you is more awareness of the situation, which results in better orientation. The same goes for setting course. Just look into one direction and press "," you U-Boat will head the way you look. Seems too arcadish to you? Well, basically, this is what you would do in real life, too. And don´t forget, you are the captain, so no, you wouldn´t actually press any rudder buttons! (You can still do it using shift and arrow for full rudder).

The new map layout is also way easier to use, plotting and editing courses is a walk in the park.

I know a lot of people will disagree with me, I can understand them. But maybe those who hate the new interface are only disappointed because they are used to the good old one. I think if you give SH5 a fair chance, it´ll pay off. I´m sure all those great modders out there will turn SH5 into the best subsim ever. Stock SH5 offers a very promising basis for that!

Now I have to go back, my IWO just told me he spotted a merchant!

Cheers, AS

AVGWarhawk · 03-06-10, 08:01 AM

The interface is not bad. A bit quirky but once you get familiar with the what buttons do what it is ok. Overall it gets the job done.

Frederf · 03-06-10, 08:29 AM

I like the ideas behind the new interface. There is a lot of potential there. A lot of work is required to really follow through on the execution. Personally I'd like to see even more buttons taken off the "command picture frame" and given to 3D hotspots, crew conversations, etc.

Watching the vernier dial in the center of the compass repeater turn is quite a treat! Of course mine stopped working about 5 minutes into the experience but that's what bug fixes are for.

The Num_. "turn to where I'm looking" command was in SH4 as well if you recall. It's the exact same code, just a new keystroke assignment. Old hat, not a new feature. Personally I want to tap the helmsman on the shoulder or whisper in a speaking tube "Make heading 0-9-1" instead of having to click a course arrow on a minimap.

I'm really not a fan of the minimap as ubiquitous mind link. Situational awareness is built and it's more fun to have a little fog of war. The FOV for the view could be larger though. Feels like I have horse blinders on.

I like how the new course plotting system doesn't always return you to "follow course" mode every time you as much as look at a point. However SH5's happiness to let you stay off the course mode is messed up by the lack of a "return to course" button. It says "double click to return to course" but it lies. Also laying down a route through the Canal and having the voice over shout NEW WAYPOINT COURSE 2-6-9 (in German) for 30 waypoints is a row gets old.

Charlie901 · 03-06-10, 09:59 AM

The INTERFACE would be acceptable had the Devs actually finished the game and added all of the necessary dialouge options to your crewmen...

Such as Depth Under Keel...etc.

Unfortunately without the Mandatory Hotkeys and No appriate Dialogue options you will find yourself frustrated at completeing the easiest of tasks...

How easy would it be to command your Helmsman to to right 15 degree rudder for instance (and instead we have the missing rudder guage hotkey so were stuck hitting the right arrow key a rediciously amount).

.

Jeevz · 03-06-10, 11:36 AM

I really like the idea of the new interface. It's really fast and presents most of the needed info quickly. The resizeable TAI map is fantastic. I just wish they had included a compass and put orders like Depth under Keel, Return to Course, Cease Fire, Target the waterline, etc. in the dialog boxes.

I'm considering digging into the files and trying to see if these can be done. I've written scripting languages for years but I don't really know the SH file structure and how it works really so it may be over my head.

gutted · 03-06-10, 11:55 AM

I like the new interface as well.. it's jut missing some things. Also a more accurate way of setting depth would have been nice. As it is right now holding control and trying to click that small scale is a crapshoot. It takes about 3 tries to get the intended depth.

mookiemookie · 03-06-10, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AS

So what the new interface basically gives you is more awareness of the situation, which results in better orientation.

Do you know at a glance what general compass direction you're headed in? What your fuel supply is? What your battery level is?

No. Therefore you do not have more awareness of the situation. Q.E.D.

Onkel Neal · 03-06-10, 03:09 PM

Ah, but even the captain of a sub does not know the battery state or fuel level at a glance. In SH5 just touch one key ENTER and you have the info.

mookiemookie · 03-06-10, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neal Stevens

Ah, but even the captain of a sub does not know the battery state or fuel level at a glance. In SH5 just touch one key ENTER and you have the info.

If we were talking realism, I would agree. But we were debating awareness.

longam · 03-06-10, 05:39 PM

Return to course is the Zero key on the Number Pad.

swampa · 03-06-10, 06:19 PM

I found out how to set speed in knots

, what depth I want

, only the course and heading is missing

or not found it, other than that starting to get use to it. Using one of the key mapping mods depth under keel

Kresge · 03-06-10, 05:36 PM

Finally received my game in the mail and had a chance to sit down for a few hours last night and play around. I definitely like the interface better than I was expecting. Like others have said, there are some very important items missing, but we'll take care of that problem soon enough. I think the whole process of tracking and setting up a firing solution, even in auto mode, is a bit more cumbersome than the old ways, but there seems to be a bit more flexibility built in there.

That said, I'm really looking forward to a finished keyboard mod, something like ol' Set Keys where I can lay down the key associations I am more familiar with from years of habit. D for dive, S for surface, P for periscope depth, etc.

nycoroner05 · 03-10-10, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mookiemookie

Do you know at a glance what general compass direction you're headed in? What your fuel supply is? What your battery level is?

No. Therefore you do not have more awareness of the situation. Q.E.D.

good point

hachiman · 03-10-10, 03:25 PM

I'ver played all 4 SH games and would probably say this is my least favourite.

The Pro's

Graphically it's beautiful. I love it!!
Being able to walk around and through your boat and interact with the crew.
Small neat nice touches like the Kiel canal.

The Con's (If i am wrong in any of these things then please correct me)

Escorts that are useless. They seem uber slow and i think they have dropped depth charges (Approx 2) near me. I've been rammed a few times with minimal damage as i tend to ignore escorts as they are so weak.
Salvo is 4 torpedoes or nothing. No twin or triple shots.
No Salvo spread angle.
Just straight running torps. I haven't seen a ladder pattern or an acoustic torp.
No escorts with hedgehogs((But perhaps like the torps i haven't got to the point they appear.)

It's back to SH3 for me.

quantumpawn · 03-10-10, 05:43 PM

Although new to the forum, I have been playing sub sims since Silent Service for the Commodore 64. I was very excited about the release of SH5. That is, til I learned of the new DRM. I absolutely will not buy any game that has such a ridiculous DRM. That being said, from everything I have read on multiple forums, I can say that Ubisoft did me a favor, because it appears that the game itself is a complete disaster. I sympathize with those who purchased the game.

03-06-10, 08:01 AM	#2
AVGWarhawk Lucky Jack Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a 1954 Buick. Posts: 28,253 Downloads: 90 Uploads: 0	The interface is not bad. A bit quirky but once you get familiar with the what buttons do what it is ok. Overall it gets the job done. __________________ “You're painfully alive in a drugged and dying culture.” ― Richard Yates, Revolutionary Road

03-06-10, 11:36 AM	#5
Jeevz A-ganger Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 80 Downloads: 35 Uploads: 0	I really like the idea of the new interface. It's really fast and presents most of the needed info quickly. The resizeable TAI map is fantastic. I just wish they had included a compass and put orders like Depth under Keel, Return to Course, Cease Fire, Target the waterline, etc. in the dialog boxes. I'm considering digging into the files and trying to see if these can be done. I've written scripting languages for years but I don't really know the SH file structure and how it works really so it may be over my head. __________________ Commence to Jigglin

03-06-10, 03:09 PM	#8
Onkel Neal Born to Run Silent Join Date: Jan 1997 Location: Cougar Trap, Texas Posts: 21,383 Downloads: 541 Uploads: 224	Ah, but even the captain of a sub does not know the battery state or fuel level at a glance. In SH5 just touch one key ENTER and you have the info. __________________ SUBSIM - 26 Years on the Web

03-06-10, 06:19 PM	#11
swampa Mate Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: UK Posts: 55 Downloads: 104 Uploads: 0	I found out how to set speed in knots, what depth I want, only the course and heading is missing or not found it, other than that starting to get use to it. Using one of the key mapping mods depth under keel

03-06-10, 05:36 PM	#12
Kresge Engineer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The Motor City Posts: 209 Downloads: 4 Uploads: 0	Finally received my game in the mail and had a chance to sit down for a few hours last night and play around. I definitely like the interface better than I was expecting. Like others have said, there are some very important items missing, but we'll take care of that problem soon enough. I think the whole process of tracking and setting up a firing solution, even in auto mode, is a bit more cumbersome than the old ways, but there seems to be a bit more flexibility built in there. That said, I'm really looking forward to a finished keyboard mod, something like ol' Set Keys where I can lay down the key associations I am more familiar with from years of habit. D for dive, S for surface, P for periscope depth, etc. __________________ ". . . sailors do not fancy living underwater without breathing in sunshine occasionally." Commodore Joseph Smith commenting on the USS Monitor

03-06-10, 08:29 AM	#3
Frederf Seasoned Skipper Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 665 Downloads: 79 Uploads: 1	I like the ideas behind the new interface. There is a lot of potential there. A lot of work is required to really follow through on the execution. Personally I'd like to see even more buttons taken off the "command picture frame" and given to 3D hotspots, crew conversations, etc. Watching the vernier dial in the center of the compass repeater turn is quite a treat! Of course mine stopped working about 5 minutes into the experience but that's what bug fixes are for. The Num_. "turn to where I'm looking" command was in SH4 as well if you recall. It's the exact same code, just a new keystroke assignment. Old hat, not a new feature. Personally I want to tap the helmsman on the shoulder or whisper in a speaking tube "Make heading 0-9-1" instead of having to click a course arrow on a minimap. I'm really not a fan of the minimap as ubiquitous mind link. Situational awareness is built and it's more fun to have a little fog of war. The FOV for the view could be larger though. Feels like I have horse blinders on. I like how the new course plotting system doesn't always return you to "follow course" mode every time you as much as look at a point. However SH5's happiness to let you stay off the course mode is messed up by the lack of a "return to course" button. It says "double click to return to course" but it lies. Also laying down a route through the Canal and having the voice over shout NEW WAYPOINT COURSE 2-6-9 (in German) for 30 waypoints is a row gets old.

03-06-10, 09:59 AM	#4
Charlie901 XO Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL Posts: 413 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 0	The INTERFACE would be acceptable had the Devs actually finished the game and added all of the necessary dialouge options to your crewmen... Such as Depth Under Keel...etc. Unfortunately without the Mandatory Hotkeys and No appriate Dialogue options you will find yourself frustrated at completeing the easiest of tasks... How easy would it be to command your Helmsman to to right 15 degree rudder for instance (and instead we have the missing rudder guage hotkey so were stuck hitting the right arrow key a rediciously amount). .

03-06-10, 11:55 AM	#6
gutted The Old Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New Orleans, LA. Posts: 1,379 Downloads: 487 Uploads: 11	I like the new interface as well.. it's jut missing some things. Also a more accurate way of setting depth would have been nice. As it is right now holding control and trying to click that small scale is a crapshoot. It takes about 3 tries to get the intended depth.

03-06-10, 05:39 PM	#10
longam Admiral Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,014 Downloads: 26 Uploads: 0	Return to course is the Zero key on the Number Pad.

03-10-10, 03:25 PM	#14
hachiman Planesman Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Edinburgh Jockland Posts: 199 Downloads: 33 Uploads: 0	I'ver played all 4 SH games and would probably say this is my least favourite. The Pro's Graphically it's beautiful. I love it!! Being able to walk around and through your boat and interact with the crew. Small neat nice touches like the Kiel canal. The Con's (If i am wrong in any of these things then please correct me) Escorts that are useless. They seem uber slow and i think they have dropped depth charges (Approx 2) near me. I've been rammed a few times with minimal damage as i tend to ignore escorts as they are so weak. Salvo is 4 torpedoes or nothing. No twin or triple shots. No Salvo spread angle. Just straight running torps. I haven't seen a ladder pattern or an acoustic torp. No escorts with hedgehogs((But perhaps like the torps i haven't got to the point they appear.) It's back to SH3 for me. __________________ Whats not to love about Submarines? Long'Hard and full of Seamen!!

03-10-10, 05:43 PM	#15
quantumpawn Nub Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 4 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Wouldn't trade Silent Service for SH5 Although new to the forum, I have been playing sub sims since Silent Service for the Commodore 64. I was very excited about the release of SH5. That is, til I learned of the new DRM. I absolutely will not buy any game that has such a ridiculous DRM. That being said, from everything I have read on multiple forums, I can say that Ubisoft did me a favor, because it appears that the game itself is a complete disaster. I sympathize with those who purchased the game.