Veteran returning to GWX seeks mod advice

K-61 · 08-03-10, 03:56 PM

I've been gone from the game for about a year. I suffer from chronic back pain from a workplace injury suffered eight years ago. It knocked the stuffing out of me and curtailed my interest in many of my activities, including playing SH3. That tells you how bad it was.

Anyhow, I've acquired a rather spiffy gaming notebook, an ASUS G73Jh, which seems more than capable of handling SH3. I've just installed GWX Gold and would appreciate any advice concerning the latest mods you like to install, in addition to the ones that are already included in the GWX Gold installation routine.

Thanks, crew!

Gerald · 08-03-10, 03:59 PM

and I hope that you do are in good shape!

K-61 · 08-03-10, 04:12 PM

In good enough shape to ship to sea again!

I forgot to mention in my previous post that this notebook features a 17.3 inch widescreen at 1920 x 1080. Loading the game on this system I get cutoffs on both sides, with the game being a square in the middle. It's still good enough to play, but I'd like to be able to get it to fill out the screen. I know there has been a screen res utility available for some time, but I don't have it or know how to use it. I'm fairly adept technically, so instructions would be easy enough for me to follow. If there is a recent utility that would work for the above resolution, I'd be appreciative for a pointer to it.

Thanks in advance.

smilinicon · 08-03-10, 04:43 PM

hello, best wishes to you. I was laid up for 9 months with pain so I know where you are coming from.

GWX has been a pretty complete package for me and about the only other mod I've added is a reduced radio message mod. the high res mod is easy to use and a great addition to SH3.

frau kaleun · 08-03-10, 05:19 PM

Hi and welcome back!

I think the "res fix" mod you're referring to is this one:

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/down...o=file&id=1092

For best results, copy and paste the instructions in the Description at that link into a temporary txt file for quick reference after you download it. I don't think a full version of them is included in the readme file that comes with the download (at least I had to refer back to the mod's page here to work it all out when I first installed it).

IIRC from my own experience I was able to get the game to run in a widescreen res with this mod, but because the graphics in some screens are not formatted for that, it caused certain things to be stretched out (particularly circular objects like the compass) in a way that I didn't like so I use it to run the game the way you describe, in a 4X3 aspect ratio with narrow black bars on each side... just at a higher res than the game's native one.

Two other notes on this mod: when you run it, it will change the way you take screenshots - you will need to use the PrintScreen key on your keyboard instead of whatever way stock/GWX does it. Also, many people have found that trying to take a screenshot when running this mod causes the game to crash and AFAIK no one's yet figured out why or found a solution. It's not a problem I've had but it seems pretty common so if you use it you might want to load up a single mission first and try a screenshot to see what happens rather than have the game crash on you during a critical moment in a career patrol.

Also if you like to fiddle with things in the mission editor, this mod will bork that up because of the resolution changes. The "fix" is to temporarily rename the file d3d9.dll that the mod will have you copy to your game folder. Then the mission editor will work and look fine... just remember to change the file name back before you load the game again!

There are also some widescreen mods out there, where people have reformatted the graphics to fit a WS aspect ratio with no stretching and no loss of available screen space. I think there are two, with threads on both of them in the Mods Workshop forum. Don't know if they are still considered "works in progress" or if final versions have been released. The only catch is that (last I checked) each one was designed for a particular WS res and might not work (or work as well) for anyone using a different res. This may have changed as I have not been following those discussions for a while now - but check it out if you're interested. A search for "widescreen" in that forum should turn up the relevant threads.

One of the most exciting and relatively new mods out there is FM_New_Interiors, which adds significant "playable" area to the inside of your u-boat if you are playing a Type VII, including an officer's mess and everything from the control room back to the diesels. The relevant thread is stickied at the top of the Mods Workshop forum. I tried it out and it was awesome, but I removed it while troubleshooting some other problems... I hope to get it back working again for my next career.

Anyway FWIW here's a list of the mods I'm using right now... others may chime in with their current selections, but what you like in a mod depends on what things you want to add or enhance to enjoy the game more, and that's completely subjective so everybody has a different set of "must haves." If you have any questions about a particular mod give a shout and its devoted users will probably pipe up with info about it and why they like it.

GWX 3 St Naz and Schluese and other units V4
WB's GWX campaign with VonDos' ships v2.7
TMT v2 + ThomsensShips V4.2
WB - TMT fix
WB - add Q ship
GWX - Alternate Loadscreen - Full Circle
GWX3.0 Contact Color
Waterstream+Exhaust Combi V2.3 for GWX3
Waterstream+Exhaust Combi - Single Exhaust for TypeII
WBNN Mission Orders Lite
Rapt0r's Unis V2.0 Grey [All Leather No Medals] Modified
FK's Valkyrie Cap Emblem
SH-5 Water for GWX 3.0 V0.9 Atlantic campaign (default)
Sobers 3D waves
Foam
LifeBoats&Debris_v4
DD_OH_V3.09_with_GWX_Integrated_Orders
DD_OH_V3.09_ConningDeckCam_Fix_20091210230737
Grey Brown Cloth Map
FK's Sound Mod
Scirè-Tikigod- repeated order
OLC's Modified Searchlight Beams for GWX3
GWX - Enhanced Damage Effects
GWX - Captain America's Officer Icons
Pascal_Port_People
b25_SF@Grass_1024_V2
sobers real smoke darker and a brown tint1.1
Flags_enlighten
Torpedo damage Final
electric torpedo trail fix
Turm 7B Your Way
Black Boat - VII - NZ

JSGME (the Generic Mod Enabler) is by far the easiest way to install and uninstall most mods, it will have been included with your GWX install but I recommend downloading the latest version of it.

Also if you don't already use SH3 Commander, I recommend that as well - it will let you tweak many aspects of the game, give you some cool options that you wouldn't otherwise have, and let you manage your crew and career in ways that far surpass what you can do in-game.

Both JSGME and Commander have dedicated threads that are stickied at the top of the Mods Workshop forum.

Happy hunting!

conus00 · 08-03-10, 05:51 PM

If you are ok with running "just" SH3+GWX3.0 try this link:
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=170191

Oh, and welcome back!

08-03-10, 03:56 PM	#1
K-61 Grey Wolf Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ontario Posts: 795 Downloads: 39 Uploads: 0	Veteran returning to GWX seeks mod advice I've been gone from the game for about a year. I suffer from chronic back pain from a workplace injury suffered eight years ago. It knocked the stuffing out of me and curtailed my interest in many of my activities, including playing SH3. That tells you how bad it was. Anyhow, I've acquired a rather spiffy gaming notebook, an ASUS G73Jh, which seems more than capable of handling SH3. I've just installed GWX Gold and would appreciate any advice concerning the latest mods you like to install, in addition to the ones that are already included in the GWX Gold installation routine. Thanks, crew! __________________

08-03-10, 03:59 PM	#2
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Wecome back, and I hope that you do are in good shape! __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

08-03-10, 04:12 PM	#3
K-61 Grey Wolf Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ontario Posts: 795 Downloads: 39 Uploads: 0	In good enough shape to ship to sea again! I forgot to mention in my previous post that this notebook features a 17.3 inch widescreen at 1920 x 1080. Loading the game on this system I get cutoffs on both sides, with the game being a square in the middle. It's still good enough to play, but I'd like to be able to get it to fill out the screen. I know there has been a screen res utility available for some time, but I don't have it or know how to use it. I'm fairly adept technically, so instructions would be easy enough for me to follow. If there is a recent utility that would work for the above resolution, I'd be appreciative for a pointer to it. Thanks in advance. __________________

08-03-10, 05:51 PM	#6
conus00 Grey Wolf Join Date: May 2008 Location: DB85 Posts: 804 Downloads: 166 Uploads: 0	If you are ok with running "just" SH3+GWX3.0 try this link: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=170191 Oh, and welcome back! __________________

08-03-10, 04:43 PM	#4
smilinicon Bosun Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 66 Downloads: 69 Uploads: 0	hello, best wishes to you. I was laid up for 9 months with pain so I know where you are coming from. GWX has been a pretty complete package for me and about the only other mod I've added is a reduced radio message mod. the high res mod is easy to use and a great addition to SH3.

08-03-10, 05:19 PM	#5
frau kaleun Rear Admiral Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Skyri--oh who are we kidding, I'm probably at Lowe's. Again. Posts: 12,706 Downloads: 168 Uploads: 0	Hi and welcome back! I think the "res fix" mod you're referring to is this one: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/down...o=file&id=1092 For best results, copy and paste the instructions in the Description at that link into a temporary txt file for quick reference after you download it. I don't think a full version of them is included in the readme file that comes with the download (at least I had to refer back to the mod's page here to work it all out when I first installed it). IIRC from my own experience I was able to get the game to run in a widescreen res with this mod, but because the graphics in some screens are not formatted for that, it caused certain things to be stretched out (particularly circular objects like the compass) in a way that I didn't like so I use it to run the game the way you describe, in a 4X3 aspect ratio with narrow black bars on each side... just at a higher res than the game's native one. Two other notes on this mod: when you run it, it will change the way you take screenshots - you will need to use the PrintScreen key on your keyboard instead of whatever way stock/GWX does it. Also, many people have found that trying to take a screenshot when running this mod causes the game to crash and AFAIK no one's yet figured out why or found a solution. It's not a problem I've had but it seems pretty common so if you use it you might want to load up a single mission first and try a screenshot to see what happens rather than have the game crash on you during a critical moment in a career patrol. Also if you like to fiddle with things in the mission editor, this mod will bork that up because of the resolution changes. The "fix" is to temporarily rename the file d3d9.dll that the mod will have you copy to your game folder. Then the mission editor will work and look fine... just remember to change the file name back before you load the game again! There are also some widescreen mods out there, where people have reformatted the graphics to fit a WS aspect ratio with no stretching and no loss of available screen space. I think there are two, with threads on both of them in the Mods Workshop forum. Don't know if they are still considered "works in progress" or if final versions have been released. The only catch is that (last I checked) each one was designed for a particular WS res and might not work (or work as well) for anyone using a different res. This may have changed as I have not been following those discussions for a while now - but check it out if you're interested. A search for "widescreen" in that forum should turn up the relevant threads. One of the most exciting and relatively new mods out there is FM_New_Interiors, which adds significant "playable" area to the inside of your u-boat if you are playing a Type VII, including an officer's mess and everything from the control room back to the diesels. The relevant thread is stickied at the top of the Mods Workshop forum. I tried it out and it was awesome, but I removed it while troubleshooting some other problems... I hope to get it back working again for my next career. Anyway FWIW here's a list of the mods I'm using right now... others may chime in with their current selections, but what you like in a mod depends on what things you want to add or enhance to enjoy the game more, and that's completely subjective so everybody has a different set of "must haves." If you have any questions about a particular mod give a shout and its devoted users will probably pipe up with info about it and why they like it. GWX 3 St Naz and Schluese and other units V4 WB's GWX campaign with VonDos' ships v2.7 TMT v2 + ThomsensShips V4.2 WB - TMT fix WB - add Q ship GWX - Alternate Loadscreen - Full Circle GWX3.0 Contact Color Waterstream+Exhaust Combi V2.3 for GWX3 Waterstream+Exhaust Combi - Single Exhaust for TypeII WBNN Mission Orders Lite Rapt0r's Unis V2.0 Grey [All Leather No Medals] Modified FK's Valkyrie Cap Emblem SH-5 Water for GWX 3.0 V0.9 Atlantic campaign (default) Sobers 3D waves Foam LifeBoats&Debris_v4 DD_OH_V3.09_with_GWX_Integrated_Orders DD_OH_V3.09_ConningDeckCam_Fix_20091210230737 Grey Brown Cloth Map FK's Sound Mod Scirè-Tikigod- repeated order OLC's Modified Searchlight Beams for GWX3 GWX - Enhanced Damage Effects GWX - Captain America's Officer Icons Pascal_Port_People b25_SF@Grass_1024_V2 sobers real smoke darker and a brown tint1.1 Flags_enlighten Torpedo damage Final electric torpedo trail fix Turm 7B Your Way Black Boat - VII - NZ JSGME (the Generic Mod Enabler) is by far the easiest way to install and uninstall most mods, it will have been included with your GWX install but I recommend downloading the latest version of it. Also if you don't already use SH3 Commander, I recommend that as well - it will let you tweak many aspects of the game, give you some cool options that you wouldn't otherwise have, and let you manage your crew and career in ways that far surpass what you can do in-game. Both JSGME and Commander have dedicated threads that are stickied at the top of the Mods Workshop forum. Happy hunting!