How to beat this game.

[maillemaker]

I've been playing off and on for some years now.

I'm currently in mid 1943 and I think I have finally gotten some insight on how to beat this game. Now this will all change when hedgehogs come on the scene, but for now, I'm finding that the best way to survive is, first of all, have an undamaged submarine.

Second, you simply must have depth, which is predicated by #1. I now run for 180 meters in my VIIC as soon as I've fired my torpedoes.

With depth, you make detection harder, and you have time to outrun depth charges if you see them make a run over the top of you.

Without depth, you are toast.

So rule one: Set out with an undamaged sub, and keep it undamaged before you commit to a convoy attack. Don't risk any surface action, like gunning or shooting aircraft.

An undamaged sub means depth which means life.

Steve

[Sailor Steve]

I was going to make a wisecrack about it not being about beating the game, but surviving the war. Then I saw that that was where you were really going, so I'll just add a 70-year-old quote from the men who actually were there: "Run silent, run deep."

[maillemaker]

I was going to make a wisecrack about it not being about beating the game, but surviving the war.

I usually make a point to refer to such things as "games" or "simulations". Because they will never be "real".

I remember a passage from the booklet for the tank simulation "Steel Beasts" from years ago.

It said something like, "No matter how realistic you think this is, it will never compare to actually driving a tank. If you really want to experience what it is like, don't take a bath for a week, douse yourself in diesel fuel, and then cram yourself into a gym locker."

Steve

[ediko]

Originally Posted by maillemaker

I usually make a point to refer to such things as "games" or "simulations". Because they will never be "real".

I remember a passage from the booklet for the tank simulation "Steel Beasts" from years ago.

It said something like, "No matter how realistic you think this is, it will never compare to actually driving a tank. If you really want to experience what it is like, don't take a bath for a week, douse yourself in diesel fuel, and then cram yourself into a gym locker."

Steve

You forgot to turn on the vacuum cleaner for the sound effects.

Yep it's all about tactic here.
First, keep up with the changing technology at all times.
Your opponent doesn't stay behind and is going to do everything to hunt you down.
Second, ALWAYS and ALWAYS, if possible, stay out of shallow waters.
Third, there is ALWAYS crash dive, each and every time, if you see an aircraft coming in or any kind of warship,
which is obviously going to harass you after first mid of '42 when the Happy Times are long gone.

[desirableroasted]

Originally Posted by maillemaker

I've been playing off and on for some years now.

I'm currently in mid 1943 and I think I have finally gotten some insight on how to beat this game. Now this will all change when hedgehogs come on the scene, but for now, I'm finding that the best way to survive is, first of all, have an undamaged submarine.

Second, you simply must have depth, which is predicated by #1. I now run for 180 meters in my VIIC as soon as I've fired my torpedoes.

With depth, you make detection harder, and you have time to outrun depth charges if you see them make a run over the top of you.

Without depth, you are toast.

So rule one: Set out with an undamaged sub, and keep it undamaged before you commit to a convoy attack. Don't risk any surface action, like gunning or shooting aircraft.

An undamaged sub means depth which means life.

Steve

I'm going to write all that down.

[Fish In The Water]

Originally Posted by maillemaker

...but for now, I'm finding that the best way to survive is, first of all, have an undamaged submarine.

Beats the heck out of the alternative...

But seriously, good overview. Depth equals time which could well turn out to be your best friend.

[ryanglavin]

Until time= +24 hours.
Then you surface and scuttle. Like my last career.
Made it all the way to April 1945 from June 1942.
Crews safety in mind, I gave up the 200+ meter depth to surrender my boat after the grueling 24+hours we faced.