Considering GWX

[Tynan]

So in reading these posts I hear alot about this GWX "expansion?" to SH3? I've considered getting it, but my system is several years old (it can run stock SH3 no problem, but it looks like GWX is more modern).
So what are the differences between GWX and the standard version 1.4? And should I play stock for a while and then GWX or can I get right into it? Thanks all.

[YukonJack_AK]

I am certain one of the members of the GWX Team will be along to expand on this, but simply - GWX takes SH3 from a good simulation to "the Real F-ing Deal" They've spent years improving everything from the weather to the AI and they've done a bang-up job too! More ships, more aggressive aircraft, and alot more immersive experiance overall await you!

As far as your rig - my previous build, which was an AMD Athlon 64 Brisbane 2.1GHz, with 4GB DDR2 and a NVidia 8500GT (1GB) ran it with an average of 80fps in native resolution. As long as you have a decent video card with atleast 256mb to 512mb of memory and no less than 2GB of RAM... you should have no problems running GWX with everything maxxed out!

And if I may make a recommendation - don't play GWX without SH3Commander.

[Brer Rabbit]

I started out on Plain SH3. Beginning with low realism until I got the feel of the game I gradually increased realism to about 85%. That took about 6 months. Then I incorperated GWX and began in ernest - I added mods and tried several GUI mods. Today after almost 3 years, I am patrolling with 100% using GWX, TMT, MEP and MaGui, along with several other mods.

It is important I think that you understand manual targeting, and then determine what is most enjoyable as far a realism and mods for the way you play.

I would also recommend that you read the interrogations reports on U-boat archives to get an idea of how the u-boats operated IRL.


Most of all have fun.

Brer Rabbit

[Dutch89]

You will find way more types of ships, cargo on ships, lights on and off. its like a whole new game. It still blows my mind what these cleaver guys have done with the game.

I feel its like a new game now with GWX

Have a look at some screen shots on the web

I would recommend you play Stock SH3 to start off.
Get the feel of it. Make a mental note of things you do and don't like about it.
Take some time to read about all the mods, including, but not limitted to GWX.
(GWX has a great manual, which I strongly recommend reading).

The next step is to see what mods fix, what YOU percieve to be weaknesses in the Stock version. See what you have to give up by installing the mod, if anything. Also learning what files you can alter yourself can be very rewarding. The smaller mods can fix alot of individual things, and should not be overlooked.

How you set up your game should be a very personal thing.
There is nothing wrong with mixing and matching either.
Reaching a final decision, on your own, can be fun, educational, and interesting.

Enjoy.

[baggygreen]

Gday mate,

I myself have just gotten back into SH3 after a bit of an absence (self-imposed, marriage does terrible things to a man's gaming time)

I got straight into GWX 3 and even tho I played GWX when it was first released, I was completely surprised and impressed. Haven't looked too deeply into the changelogs but bugger me, its an incredible game now!

Well worth the mammoth download (or one of the lads can post you the mod).

Cheers

Baggy

[Vipper]

I have quiet outdated computer myself (can't play SH5 i guess) Athlon 5200+ 64 x2 Dual, 2.6 Ghz, 2Gb RAM, Geforce 7900 GS and SH3 with GWX runs well. Only slight framerate issues when looking busy port on clear day (16km view) or accelerating time near port or convoy.

marriage does terrible things to a man's gaming time

Not to my brother, he got gamer wife...Now they teach their daughter how to play games and she already does write messages on keyboard but not on paper...hehe.