Is SH3 for me?

Flaxpants · 06-16-10, 10:20 PM

Hi everyone, I'm new around here and am interested in buying the Silent Hunter game after having a friend of mine raving about it incessantly, so I figure it's time to give it a go myself. I have a couple questions about different versions of the game and which one I should go for- my friend plays SH5 but I can rule this version out immediately due to the required internet connection- where I live there is no decent internet connection and would rather avoid relying on it to be able to play myself. Needless to say I am mostly interested in the single player game.
I have been reading up online about the other versions and trying to get a feel for which one is most highly regarded, and most of the positive comments I'm finding are for SH3. SH1 & 2 are too old for me as I want to have semi decent graphics. So my questions to you guys are: SH3 or SH4? Which in your opinion is the best all-round game and why? Whichever version I buy, I would also want to obtain any/all official expansions at the same time, so presumably there is a 'gold' edition or something that will give me the complete game?
Anything you can tell me would be most useful and much appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

Ducimus · 06-16-10, 10:43 PM

>>where I live there is no decent internet connection

Yup, SH5, is right out.

>>Needless to say I am mostly interested in the single player game.

You've come to the right place

>>SH1 & 2 are too old for me

Me too.

>> as I want to have semi decent graphics.

Define semi decent?

>>So my questions to you guys are: SH3 or SH4?

That i think depends on what your into, and how you define "semi decent graphics".

If your into Uboats, partial to the atlantic theater, and don't mind a graphic engine that is a little dated, then SH3 is definatly a good choice.

If your not partial to any theater, and want a game that looks a little better graphicly, then SH4 is a good choice.

>>Which in your opinion is the best all-round game and why?

Though i admit here, cause i spent the last few years modding SH4, i have to admit it is a mixed bag. In a nutshell......

Everything about SH3 as a game engine works correctly. It's a little dated around the edges, slow to load, but it's a solid platform, has great atmosphere, and it freaking works.

SH4, you have more choices. With the mods available you have around, (and im over generalizing), something like 10 to 12 different types of submarines to play with, in two different theaters of war. In SH3 you have half that, and only one theater of war. That said, while the game looks better graphically, some things that used to function in SH3, no longer function correctly in SH4 (and even less so in SH5

).

So really, it all depends on what your into. Personally, if i was a die hard Uboat fan, i think id be playing SH3. I'm a bit more rounded though, so ive been sticking with SH4, with some brief forays into SH5.

krashkart · 06-16-10, 10:52 PM

I've experienced SH3, so that's the only one I can recommend.

Flaxpants · 06-16-10, 11:05 PM

Thanks for your prompt and thorough reply Ducimus, nice one.
In answer to your questions- re semi-decent graphics, yes, a bit vague I know!. I guess so long as they're not terribly dated I am cool with that. What's more important to me is the fun- if the gameplay is good and the atmosphere captures the 'thrill of the hunt', then my imagination can quite happily fill in the blanks. Having said that- a nice looking game is, well, nice to look at.
I'm not a U-boat fanatic per se, its the gameplay I'm after, I'm also not really that bothered about which theatre/era I'm playing in, so long as I get to blow stuff up!
When you say SH4 has more choices, are you referrng to the game engine itself or the modding options? As an example, I mostly play sim type games, FSX, Arma2 etc.. I tend to like the more in-depth games that allow me to exercise a fine level of control, I don't know if there is any difference in the level of detail in that regard between SH3 and SH4?
Thanks again.

pickinthebanjo · 06-16-10, 11:09 PM

I own both, I prefer SH3 mainly because of the Atlantic theater but SH4 has that as well (Some mod I used in the past. I can't recall the name, it's common though) but also because I find SH4 to be troublesome. I like the plane attacks alot more in SH4 but thats about it, the american subs confuse the hell out of me (it's that damn hydrophone/SONAR and that TDC) but I also find it to be less stable than SH3.

SH3 has alot more mods available to choose from that include the sub interiors (Diesel room, Officers quarters/Mess, Crew quarters and the galley) as well as the new Merchant fleet mod, and many supermods that alter the game in many ways. The greaphics are fine by me, I sound SH4's to be chunky. (and the crew always stared at me, it was unnerving)

With mods like SH4 effects, GWX Enhanced Damage effects, and SH5 water you can get pretty much what your looking for but with more stability, immersion and realism.

timmy41 · 06-16-10, 11:17 PM

SH3

Ducimus · 06-16-10, 11:44 PM

>>I guess so long as they're not terribly dated I am cool with that. What's more important to me is the fun- if the gameplay is good and the atmosphere captures the 'thrill of the hunt', then my imagination can quite happily fill in the blanks

SH3 might be your speed then. As graphics go, compare screenshot threads in SH3 and SH4 forums. Id suggest starting at the end of those threads and work your way backwards.

>>When you say SH4 has more choices, are you referrng to the game engine itself or the modding options?

Theater and submarine options.
You can play operation Monson for uboats, and TMO and RFB for fleet boats. All told with OM, you can play Type II B/C/D, Type VII B/C/C41/D, Type IX, Type IX B/C/C40/D2, Type XXI, Type XXIII on the uboat side of the house, or S boat, Porpoise, salmon, sargo, tambor/gar, gato, balao, tench, and narwhal classes on the fleet boat side.

>>in-depth games that allow me to exercise a fine level of control,

level of control is about the same in SH3 and SH4 really.

--------------------------------

>>SH3 has alot more mods available to choose from that include the sub interiors

Sh4 is catching up in that department.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=158706
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=155147

and here, which is arguably mod of the year:
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=170944

Get those 3 works combined, and it'll kick ass.

>>(and the crew always stared at me, it was unnerving)

That was fixed.

FIREWALL · 06-17-10, 12:13 AM

SHCommander is the deal maker for SH3 GWX.

If SH4 with TMO or ATO had a Commander it would be a hard decision if I had to choose only one. SH3 or SH4.

Ducimus · 06-17-10, 12:41 AM

SH3 commander is an excellent point. One more point i forgot to mention in SH3's favor is the UI. I've always liked the SH3 UI better then the SH4 orders bar. That said, wide screen monitors may or may not be an issue. Im not sure how that widescreen mod works out. Ive always been blessed with a full size (not widescreen) 19" LCD

Sailor Steve · 06-17-10, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIREWALL

SHCommander is the deal maker for SH3 GWX.

If SH4 with TMO or ATO had a Commander it would be a hard decision if I had to choose only one. SH3 or SH4.

Perfectly said. SH3 Commander makes the difference for me as well.

That said, though SH4 does break a couple of things, it also does a couple of things better. So the choice is tougher.

I think Ducimus summed it up about as well as it can be. Look at screen shots to see if the graphics make a difference for you, and ask more questions. Most of us who play both will be glad to say what we like best about each.

SH3: The graphics are dated, but only a little. Lots of folks gladly ignore that because the game is more complete than any other so far, and has mods galore. If you like sailing in and out of harbors looking at the sights, and if you like having merchants you've sunk get historic names, and if you like seeing the sights along the Kiel Canal and blimps escorting convoys, then SH3 is the only way to go.

SH4: Much less graphics mod work so far, but plenty of work in the places where it counts. Excellent campaign mods for both sides of the war, much more believable graphics, better crew management and much more stable, and the graphics engine requires a bit more horsepower but is much less likely to crash on you. If you want to play a u-boat campaign as good as any in SH3 and a US Pacific campaign (or three) as well, then SH4 is your baby.

Or you can be like a lot of us and play both.

Flaxpants · 06-17-10, 12:56 AM

Sailor Steve: "If you like sailing in and out of harbors looking at the sights, and if you like having merchants you've sunk get historic names, and if you like seeing the sights along the Kiel Canal and blimps escorting convoys, then SH3 is the only way to go."

What you've said here is exactly the kind of thing I like. Are these features due to the range of mods available? Or is it something about the game?

I must say what an affable and helpful bunch you are on these forums!

nemchenk · 06-17-10, 03:19 AM

One point about SH3 -- you will need to download a whole bunch of mods to get the most of it, which might be an issue on a flaky or slow internet connection...

maillemaker · 06-17-10, 06:36 AM

I play SH3 with the GWX (Grey Wolves Expansion) mod and the Lifeboats & Debris mod. That's it. I play 100% realism which means no external camera views so many of the eye-candy mods don't apply to me.

The game is extremely compelling and customizable. I find the graphics fantastic though I wish there was better widescreen support.

Some of the things that I find great about SH3 are:

* Highly customizable realism settings. These allow you to get into the game quickly. Especially the auto TDC (target data computer), which basically makes shooting torpedoes a point-and-shoot affair.

* A deep sense of investment in your u-boat and crew. It takes several successful patrols before you earn enough renown to get your crew built up with enough medals and qualifications to maximize your crew and u-boat's efficiency. Many people play "Dead is Dead" with no "do-overs" so it stings to have invested 10 hours in your boat and crew and have it lost.

* A compelling sense of accomplishment. This is really the key to any game, in my opinion, whether it is SH3 or Farmville. The game is addictive because it fuels a sense of accomplishment, especially with harder difficulty levels. You randomly find ships to sink (and random reinforcement is much stronger than consistent reinforcement, this is a psychological fact). You earn renown based on tonnage sunk so you are always gunning for more tonnage. You earn rank for yourself, awards for yourself, and rank, awards, and skills for your crew.

And as the war progresses, the game gets harder, so the sense of accomplishment grows stronger. I myself have never made it through the war without dying, and that is frustrating and inspiring at the same time.

That's my take on SH3.

Steve

Brag · 06-17-10, 07:16 AM

After an 18 month absense. Yesterday, I downloaded GWX3. I am absolutely delighted with it.

jangles · 06-17-10, 07:59 AM

IVe been playing SH3 with GWX for just under a week now , I have to say I am really enjoying it.

Im completely new to the whole sub sim scene.

One thing I would say tho - its a real time-sink , the last couple of nights for me have gone in a flash

(been late for work a few times too!)

At the mo im am playing at 34% realism , the default , I will in time change it so that its a bit harder (manual targeting, contacts etc).

I left my crew surfaced last night, in very stormy seas of the outer hebrides with the gramaphone playing - I will be ordering them back to work tonight tho..

06-16-10, 10:20 PM	#1
Flaxpants Ace of the Deep Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Koh Samui, Thailand Posts: 1,196 Downloads: 168 Uploads: 0	Is SH3 for me? Hi everyone, I'm new around here and am interested in buying the Silent Hunter game after having a friend of mine raving about it incessantly, so I figure it's time to give it a go myself. I have a couple questions about different versions of the game and which one I should go for- my friend plays SH5 but I can rule this version out immediately due to the required internet connection- where I live there is no decent internet connection and would rather avoid relying on it to be able to play myself. Needless to say I am mostly interested in the single player game. I have been reading up online about the other versions and trying to get a feel for which one is most highly regarded, and most of the positive comments I'm finding are for SH3. SH1 & 2 are too old for me as I want to have semi decent graphics. So my questions to you guys are: SH3 or SH4? Which in your opinion is the best all-round game and why? Whichever version I buy, I would also want to obtain any/all official expansions at the same time, so presumably there is a 'gold' edition or something that will give me the complete game? Anything you can tell me would be most useful and much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

06-16-10, 10:52 PM	#3
krashkart Navy Seal Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 5,292 Downloads: 100 Uploads: 0	I've experienced SH3, so that's the only one I can recommend. __________________ sent from my fingertips using a cheap keyboard

06-16-10, 11:09 PM	#5
pickinthebanjo Seasoned Skipper Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 651 Downloads: 282 Uploads: 0	I own both, I prefer SH3 mainly because of the Atlantic theater but SH4 has that as well (Some mod I used in the past. I can't recall the name, it's common though) but also because I find SH4 to be troublesome. I like the plane attacks alot more in SH4 but thats about it, the american subs confuse the hell out of me (it's that damn hydrophone/SONAR and that TDC) but I also find it to be less stable than SH3. SH3 has alot more mods available to choose from that include the sub interiors (Diesel room, Officers quarters/Mess, Crew quarters and the galley) as well as the new Merchant fleet mod, and many supermods that alter the game in many ways. The greaphics are fine by me, I sound SH4's to be chunky. (and the crew always stared at me, it was unnerving) With mods like SH4 effects, GWX Enhanced Damage effects, and SH5 water you can get pretty much what your looking for but with more stability, immersion and realism. __________________ Intel Core I7 980x - ASUS Rampage III - EVGA GTX 570 - OCZ Gold 1600Mhz 6Gb - Intel X25-M 80Gb - Coolermaster HAF 932 - Windows 7 Ultimate - CoolerMaster 1200W SH3 Deeper Torpedo Launch / Realistic Crush Depth Mod Here - http://www.filefront.com/user/pickinthebanjo Last edited by pickinthebanjo; 06-16-10 at 11:20 PM.

06-17-10, 12:13 AM	#8
FIREWALL Eternal Patrol Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: CATALINA IS. SO . CAL USA Posts: 10,108 Downloads: 511 Uploads: 0	SHCommander is the deal maker for SH3 GWX. If SH4 with TMO or ATO had a Commander it would be a hard decision if I had to choose only one. SH3 or SH4. __________________ RIP FIREWALL I Play GWX. Silent Hunter Who ???

06-17-10, 07:16 AM	#14
Brag Navy Seal Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Docked on a Russian pond Posts: 7,072 Downloads: 2 Uploads: 0	After an 18 month absense. Yesterday, I downloaded GWX3. I am absolutely delighted with it. __________________ Espionage, adventure, suspense, are just a click away Click here to look inside Brag's book: Amazon.com: Kingmaker: Alexey Braguine: Books Order Kingmaker here: http://www.subsim.com/store.html For Tactics visit:http://www.freewebs.com/kielman/

06-16-10, 10:43 PM	#2
Ducimus Rear Admiral Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,987 Downloads: 67 Uploads: 2	>>where I live there is no decent internet connection Yup, SH5, is right out. >>Needless to say I am mostly interested in the single player game. You've come to the right place >>SH1 & 2 are too old for me Me too. >> as I want to have semi decent graphics. Define semi decent? >>So my questions to you guys are: SH3 or SH4? That i think depends on what your into, and how you define "semi decent graphics". If your into Uboats, partial to the atlantic theater, and don't mind a graphic engine that is a little dated, then SH3 is definatly a good choice. If your not partial to any theater, and want a game that looks a little better graphicly, then SH4 is a good choice. >>Which in your opinion is the best all-round game and why? Though i admit here, cause i spent the last few years modding SH4, i have to admit it is a mixed bag. In a nutshell...... Everything about SH3 as a game engine works correctly. It's a little dated around the edges, slow to load, but it's a solid platform, has great atmosphere, and it freaking works. SH4, you have more choices. With the mods available you have around, (and im over generalizing), something like 10 to 12 different types of submarines to play with, in two different theaters of war. In SH3 you have half that, and only one theater of war. That said, while the game looks better graphically, some things that used to function in SH3, no longer function correctly in SH4 (and even less so in SH5 ). So really, it all depends on what your into. Personally, if i was a die hard Uboat fan, i think id be playing SH3. I'm a bit more rounded though, so ive been sticking with SH4, with some brief forays into SH5.

06-16-10, 11:05 PM	#4
Flaxpants Ace of the Deep Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Koh Samui, Thailand Posts: 1,196 Downloads: 168 Uploads: 0	Thanks for your prompt and thorough reply Ducimus, nice one. In answer to your questions- re semi-decent graphics, yes, a bit vague I know!. I guess so long as they're not terribly dated I am cool with that. What's more important to me is the fun- if the gameplay is good and the atmosphere captures the 'thrill of the hunt', then my imagination can quite happily fill in the blanks. Having said that- a nice looking game is, well, nice to look at. I'm not a U-boat fanatic per se, its the gameplay I'm after, I'm also not really that bothered about which theatre/era I'm playing in, so long as I get to blow stuff up! When you say SH4 has more choices, are you referrng to the game engine itself or the modding options? As an example, I mostly play sim type games, FSX, Arma2 etc.. I tend to like the more in-depth games that allow me to exercise a fine level of control, I don't know if there is any difference in the level of detail in that regard between SH3 and SH4? Thanks again.

06-16-10, 11:17 PM	#6
timmy41 Weps Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 367 Downloads: 9 Uploads: 0	SH3

06-16-10, 11:44 PM	#7
Ducimus Rear Admiral Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,987 Downloads: 67 Uploads: 2	>>I guess so long as they're not terribly dated I am cool with that. What's more important to me is the fun- if the gameplay is good and the atmosphere captures the 'thrill of the hunt', then my imagination can quite happily fill in the blanks SH3 might be your speed then. As graphics go, compare screenshot threads in SH3 and SH4 forums. Id suggest starting at the end of those threads and work your way backwards. >>When you say SH4 has more choices, are you referrng to the game engine itself or the modding options? Theater and submarine options. You can play operation Monson for uboats, and TMO and RFB for fleet boats. All told with OM, you can play Type II B/C/D, Type VII B/C/C41/D, Type IX, Type IX B/C/C40/D2, Type XXI, Type XXIII on the uboat side of the house, or S boat, Porpoise, salmon, sargo, tambor/gar, gato, balao, tench, and narwhal classes on the fleet boat side. >>in-depth games that allow me to exercise a fine level of control, level of control is about the same in SH3 and SH4 really. -------------------------------- >>SH3 has alot more mods available to choose from that include the sub interiors Sh4 is catching up in that department. http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=158706 http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=155147 and here, which is arguably mod of the year: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=170944 Get those 3 works combined, and it'll kick ass. >>(and the crew always stared at me, it was unnerving) That was fixed.

06-17-10, 12:41 AM	#9
Ducimus Rear Admiral Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,987 Downloads: 67 Uploads: 2	SH3 commander is an excellent point. One more point i forgot to mention in SH3's favor is the UI. I've always liked the SH3 UI better then the SH4 orders bar. That said, wide screen monitors may or may not be an issue. Im not sure how that widescreen mod works out. Ive always been blessed with a full size (not widescreen) 19" LCD

06-17-10, 12:56 AM	#11
Flaxpants Ace of the Deep Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Koh Samui, Thailand Posts: 1,196 Downloads: 168 Uploads: 0	Sailor Steve: "If you like sailing in and out of harbors looking at the sights, and if you like having merchants you've sunk get historic names, and if you like seeing the sights along the Kiel Canal and blimps escorting convoys, then SH3 is the only way to go." What you've said here is exactly the kind of thing I like. Are these features due to the range of mods available? Or is it something about the game? I must say what an affable and helpful bunch you are on these forums!

06-17-10, 03:19 AM	#12
nemchenk Bosun Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 69 Downloads: 22 Uploads: 0	One point about SH3 -- you will need to download a whole bunch of mods to get the most of it, which might be an issue on a flaky or slow internet connection...

06-17-10, 06:36 AM	#13
maillemaker Sea Lord Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,639 Downloads: 75 Uploads: 0	I play SH3 with the GWX (Grey Wolves Expansion) mod and the Lifeboats & Debris mod. That's it. I play 100% realism which means no external camera views so many of the eye-candy mods don't apply to me. The game is extremely compelling and customizable. I find the graphics fantastic though I wish there was better widescreen support. Some of the things that I find great about SH3 are: * Highly customizable realism settings. These allow you to get into the game quickly. Especially the auto TDC (target data computer), which basically makes shooting torpedoes a point-and-shoot affair. * A deep sense of investment in your u-boat and crew. It takes several successful patrols before you earn enough renown to get your crew built up with enough medals and qualifications to maximize your crew and u-boat's efficiency. Many people play "Dead is Dead" with no "do-overs" so it stings to have invested 10 hours in your boat and crew and have it lost. * A compelling sense of accomplishment. This is really the key to any game, in my opinion, whether it is SH3 or Farmville. The game is addictive because it fuels a sense of accomplishment, especially with harder difficulty levels. You randomly find ships to sink (and random reinforcement is much stronger than consistent reinforcement, this is a psychological fact). You earn renown based on tonnage sunk so you are always gunning for more tonnage. You earn rank for yourself, awards for yourself, and rank, awards, and skills for your crew. And as the war progresses, the game gets harder, so the sense of accomplishment grows stronger. I myself have never made it through the war without dying, and that is frustrating and inspiring at the same time. That's my take on SH3. Steve

06-17-10, 07:59 AM	#15
jangles Sailor man Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 48 Downloads: 84 Uploads: 0	IVe been playing SH3 with GWX for just under a week now , I have to say I am really enjoying it. Im completely new to the whole sub sim scene. One thing I would say tho - its a real time-sink , the last couple of nights for me have gone in a flash (been late for work a few times too!) At the mo im am playing at 34% realism , the default , I will in time change it so that its a bit harder (manual targeting, contacts etc). I left my crew surfaced last night, in very stormy seas of the outer hebrides with the gramaphone playing - I will be ordering them back to work tonight tho..