Is the game ever harder than real life?

[Torvald Von Mansee]

I was playing the SQ 7 mission. I thought I'd try precisely the same thing Kretschmer (sp?) pulled: surface in the middle of the convoy and start torpedoing. I did just this.

Now, I saw an interview w/Kretschmer where the implication was that he was running in and around the convoy on the surface w/out really being detected. However, this did NOT happen w/me. I was instantly detected and couldn't accomplish anything.

Any thoughts?

[sharkbit]

It's been my experience as well with the game. A Kretschmer style attack is difficult, if not impossible. I've seen a way to tweek the AI sensors that may aid in that type of attack, but I haven't tried it yet after tweeking them.

I've seen threads where people have said they've done that sort of attack though, so maybe it is possible.

[Falkirion]

What were the weather conditions you had at the time of the attack? Where were the escorts? What mods if any are you using?

[BillCar]

I do Kretschmer-style attacks often enough. Run decks awash in rough weather, you'll be fine. I play 100% realism, GWX 3.0.

[Threesixtyci]

The AI cheats, but within limits. For example, the game never has a problem detecting a sub from a merchant within a convoy, whether surfaced or not... Got no problem shooting through it's own sheep, either.

Although, living on such a small boat for months at a time with no real showers for anyone, is not something I'd ever what to experience or even want to imagine. Not to mention the moldy food, the lack of fresh air and the knowledge that you may be in that boat, forever.

[Iranon]

Some things are unrealistically harsh on the player. When sneaking around on the surface and you are spotted, you tend to come under fire from *everything* within seconds.

[Paul Riley]

Shame,because I would like to ravage a convoy from within myself,closest I ever got I think was about 2km from the convoy's flank and submerged (Aug 1942).

[RConch]

I have much better luck coming in from the front flank with decks awash. Alot depends on where are the escorts, if they are on the flanks of the convoy only it usually works. If one escort is in front, I stalk and hope the front escort moves out of the way. If not, try and take him out.
I have never had any luck sneaking in from the rear between the columns, once spotted all heck breaks loose with star shells. Talk about "standing in the spotlight".

[Paul Riley]

As of late my preferred method of engaging a convoy 1942 onwards is to try and get ahead of the convoy as much as possible and get into position for a night submerged attack.I normally ignore the escorts and single out 1 or 2 important ships in the convoy and stick to my plan from then on.I will usually be no more than about 2km from the convoy flank as stated earlier,and then open fire as the target ships arrive.All my firing solutions are worked out well in advance.If I am detected I will head on a parallel course away from the convoy and hope to escape out the rear if possible,hoping the convoy's noise will dampen our own noise...hopefully.
After about 1 hr evasion I will turn around and take up the chase again and repeat the above procedure.I will even try to maintain the attack in daylight too,but the firing distance will probably be increased to about 3-4km,as the escorts have been known to spot the tip of the periscope even at 2km in daylight!
I personally DO think the game's detection chances to be quite overkill at times,making attacking convoys very difficult,more so as the war drags on.Having said that,making that successful attack exactly as you planned it is even more satisfying.

It is important to note that I have not progressed further than Aug 1942 at ANY time!...there is still lots for me to do in the game.
Reading through my 'uboat commander's handbook' by doenitz at times is very helpful,and gives a good insight as to how real captains handled difficult situations.Anyone that doesnt have this book I suggest you try to get it,I managed to get a brand new copy from Amazon,but there were only 2 or 3 in stock at the time.That was about 1 yr ago.

[Torvald Von Mansee]

Originally Posted by Falkirion

What were the weather conditions you had at the time of the attack? Where were the escorts? What mods if any are you using?

I think it is actually a GWX mission in and of itself. That might be my problem, right there.

It was a pretty clear night, too. I don't know if that were historically accurate, though.

There didn't seem to be any kind of fog of war among the convoy, which I guess is another problem.

[Torvald Von Mansee]

Originally Posted by Threesixtyci

Although, living on such a small boat for months at a time with no real showers for anyone, is not something I'd ever what to experience or even want to imagine. Not to mention the moldy food, the lack of fresh air and the knowledge that you may be in that boat, forever.

I guess most of the men who went out in the u-boats are still in them.

[Torvald Von Mansee]

Originally Posted by BillCar

I do Kretschmer-style attacks often enough. Run decks awash in rough weather, you'll be fine. I play 100% realism, GWX 3.0.

Decks awash is 6 meters?

I keep forgetting to do that.

[Panser]

Originally Posted by Torvald Von Mansee

Decks awash is 6 meters?

I keep forgetting to do that.

Click your depth gauge to just under 8m. Eight or more will send your watch crew below.

[Rhodes]

Before OLC mod and GWX 3.0, I never manage to get close enough for a sort of "Kretschmer" attack. Funny that my first time was in early 43, and manage to get with in 2k of the convoy and inside the escort screen! Flat sea, no moon, 0 knot wind, possibly no radar (?) in the escorts and/or green (?) crews!

Now, only during the first years of the war I can get close, possibly 1,5 km of the convoy before geting detect by a ship. Weather conditions and running with or without decks awash matters!

[Letum]

With GWX and OLC I can get within 300m of merchants before being
spotted at night, in rough weather and with decks awash.