Which one should I get...

Badfuzzy · 11-28-07, 08:09 AM

SH3 or SH4

What are the pros and cons of each? From perusing the forums I get the sense that SH4 is buggy/unstable but has better gameplay and graphics than SH3. SH3 on the other hand is a 'finished' product with lots of community made mods. There is a certain appeal in playing as the americans, but if it comes at a significant loss of playability I think I'll pass...

The last an only subsim that I've played is the original silent hunter yaers ago, and I recall posting here about some technical issue I had.(I forgot my original login)

Sorry if this is the wrong forum to post in, but I hope that I'll get slightly more objective comments by posting in the General forum rather than in one of the Silent Hunter forums.

Thanks for the advice

Skybird · 11-28-07, 08:26 AM

SH3: (own experience)
+:
stable
well-modded
no unpleasant surprises anymore
still very good graphics and sound
nice gamepley
low price
fantastic atmosphere
runs perfect on nowadays hardware

-:
Starforce infested (workaround possible, though, but not allowed to be discussed in this forum)

SH4: (as far as I followed it)
+:
slightly better graphics
different theatre (question of taste)

-:
buggy and unstable
atmosphere not improved, some say: inferior
full price
not as well-modded as SH3
high hardware demands
still Starforce? I do not remember

My conclusion was that SH4 compared to SH3 GWX is not worth it for me to spend additional money on it.

kiwi_2005 · 11-28-07, 09:00 AM

Get Both. That way you can judge for yourself. You could probably pick up SH3 for $10 and SH4 for $50. Anyways they are both great games and worth having on your hdd.

SH4 1.4 patch is out with improvements and bug fixes. And for SH3 the latest GWX is out soon. Christmas is here!

ReallyDedPoet · 11-28-07, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skybird

SH3: (own experience)
+:
stable
well-modded
no unpleasant surprises anymore
still very good graphics and sound
nice gamepley
low price
fantastic atmosphere
runs perfect on nowadays hardware

-:
Starforce infested (workaround possible, though, but not allowed to be discussed in this forum)

SH4: (as far as I followed it)
+:
slightly better graphics
different theatre (question of taste)

-:
buggy and unstable
atmosphere not improved, some say: inferior
full price
not as well-modded as SH3
high hardware demands
still Starforce? I do not remember

My conclusion was that SH4 compared to SH3 GWX is not worth it for me to spend additional money on it.

Well said with regards too SH3, it is a great one, but I differ on 4.

SH4: (as far as I followed it)
+:
slightly better graphics
graphics, with patch and anticipated Reflections on Water modifications are much better than SH3
different theatre (question of taste)
Once used to it, the Pacific Theatre is also an enjoy able place to hunt

-:
buggy and unstable
It has been quite stable since 1.3, most probs. are from folks loading non-compatible mods, etc, or have been hardware related.
atmosphere not improved, some say: inferior
This is improving with continued mod development, much in the same way as SH3
full price
With patch 1.4 it is worth it

not as well-modded as SH3
Have a look at the mods section, there are many great mods already, this area will only get better
high hardware demands
Its a new game, so demands will be higher, an unfortunate reality of PCs
still Starforce? I do not remember
No starforce

For SH4 check out this thread:http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=124823
My advice, if your system can handle both, get em' both, they are well worth
it

RDP

Skybird · 11-28-07, 10:33 AM

Before buying both, buy just one, the cheaper one, and see if it fits your taste. In the end, you cannot run two sims at the same time, and cannot steer two subs simultaneously. And it takes much time and committment to play any of these two, but play it thoroughly.

Chock · 11-28-07, 03:30 PM

If you've never played either, the sensible choice is SH3, not because it is any better or worse (they essentially involve the same thing), but simply because it is cheaper, and why spend 30 quid to find out if you like something when you can spend 10 quid to do the same?

I have them both, like them both and play them both, but SH3 will run on a lesser machine and has more free mods available for it, whereas SH4 is prettier, has quite a few mods, and has a mission disk coming out for it next year, but requires a better computer with better graphics capabilities to enjoy it with all the detail turned up.

If computing power, money and personal theatre of operations preference are not issues, then get both!

Chock

SUBMAN1 · 11-28-07, 03:30 PM

I have both. SHIV is the better one to have. I hear SH3 is being ported to it too, so you will have both in SHIV soon.

Last I checked, pretty much everything works bug free in SHIV.

One thing about SHIV - the AI is also much better in relation to enemy units. I'm not sure if I was ever really sunk by DC's in SHIII, but they will get you in SHIV.

-S

PS. Skybird is German, so he may be a little biased towards Uboats. :p

AVGWarhawk · 11-28-07, 04:35 PM

Quote:

I have both. SHIV is the better one to have. I hear SH3 is being ported to it too, so you will have both in SHIV soon

Sound advise here!

Quote:

Last I checked, pretty much everything works bug free in SHIV.

Very playable with or without mod.

The first on is you definite answer. SH3 is basically melding into the SH4 engine. Add on in the works for next year.

STEED · 11-28-07, 05:29 PM

The SH4 add on coming next year is another grab at your money sure great graphics but how many bugs will there be? How many patches to patch it? I am against the add on as I view SH4 as a Allied sub game and it should remain that way, as for SH4 yes it's better graphics but realism is poor. SH3 with the super mod GWX 1.03 is a hell of a lot more realism to it, and we are days away from the upcoming GWX 2.0 which is going to take SH3 to the next level.

My advice buy SH3 and if you can SH4 as cheap as possible.

Hakahura · 11-28-07, 05:46 PM

My opinion, for what it's worth and I will try and be objective.

It comes down to your PC's specs. Can it run SHIV?
Remember whats on the box is the minimum, to run well you ideally want better.

Also what kind of subsim player are you?
Do you play fully realistic? If so you won't be able to see much of SHIV's better graphics, if you spend your time peering through the scope and looking at the map. If you play at lower levels and like to use features like the external camera then the better graphics will be a huge draw.

To be honest the the original post gave me a little laugh, most people seems to have a pretty strong bias one way or another whatever forum you post in.

SH3 for me. (Though I do own and still occasionally play SHIV)

11-28-07, 06:03 PM

I've had nothing but stability problems with SH4. SH3 is stable and fun.

Reaves · 11-28-07, 07:11 PM

Silent Hunter 2

Nah get number 4 unless you love the Atlantic and U-boats.
-

bookworm_020 · 11-28-07, 07:11 PM

Apples and oranges!

IF your computer is powerful enough to run both, then it comes down to which theatre you would prefer to be in.

SH3 Has far more mods than SH4, and now with the GWX 2.0 Supermod about to be released, takes the stock version of the game on to another level.

SH4 has better gaphics from day one (and some of the mods that have already bean done have improved on that). There is also add on in the near future that has already been mentioned.

Both are stable with the currant patches, have new mods being writen as we speak and both have a loyal following. It's your choice in which way you want to go.

You could just by both.......:hmm:

Peto · 11-28-07, 08:53 PM

I play them both. when I feel like having technology on my side

--I go to the Pacific. When I feel suicidal, I start a career in SH3 and try to survive the war

.

Both are Great Sub Sims

CCIP · 11-28-07, 10:16 PM

As far as vanilla, SH4 is in much better state than SHIII ever was. Theaters are different, I would say on pure comparison SHIV 1.4 > SHIII 1.4. Mind the different theaters however, depends what you're interested in more, too. Both are in good shape now.

Mod-wise, SH3 is ahead and with GWX 2.0 coming up shortly, it'll really be about as good as the game will get. SH4 however is catching up very well and has also been significantly improved.

I slightly prefer SH4, but both are excellent at the moment.

11-28-07, 08:09 AM	#1
Badfuzzy Swabbie Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 5 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Which one should I get... SH3 or SH4 What are the pros and cons of each? From perusing the forums I get the sense that SH4 is buggy/unstable but has better gameplay and graphics than SH3. SH3 on the other hand is a 'finished' product with lots of community made mods. There is a certain appeal in playing as the americans, but if it comes at a significant loss of playability I think I'll pass... The last an only subsim that I've played is the original silent hunter yaers ago, and I recall posting here about some technical issue I had.(I forgot my original login) Sorry if this is the wrong forum to post in, but I hope that I'll get slightly more objective comments by posting in the General forum rather than in one of the Silent Hunter forums. Thanks for the advice

11-28-07, 08:26 AM	#2
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,604 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	SH3: (own experience) +: stable well-modded no unpleasant surprises anymore still very good graphics and sound nice gamepley low price fantastic atmosphere runs perfect on nowadays hardware -: Starforce infested (workaround possible, though, but not allowed to be discussed in this forum) SH4: (as far as I followed it) +: slightly better graphics different theatre (question of taste) -: buggy and unstable atmosphere not improved, some say: inferior full price not as well-modded as SH3 high hardware demands still Starforce? I do not remember My conclusion was that SH4 compared to SH3 GWX is not worth it for me to spend additional money on it. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

11-28-07, 09:00 AM	#3
kiwi_2005 Eternal Patrol Join Date: May 2004 Location: Aeoteroa Posts: 7,382 Downloads: 223 Uploads: 1	Get Both. That way you can judge for yourself. You could probably pick up SH3 for $10 and SH4 for $50. Anyways they are both great games and worth having on your hdd. SH4 1.4 patch is out with improvements and bug fixes. And for SH3 the latest GWX is out soon. Christmas is here! __________________ RIP kiwi_2005 Those who can't laugh at themselves leave the job to others.

11-28-07, 10:33 AM	#5
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,604 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Before buying both, buy just one, the cheaper one, and see if it fits your taste. In the end, you cannot run two sims at the same time, and cannot steer two subs simultaneously. And it takes much time and committment to play any of these two, but play it thoroughly. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

11-28-07, 03:30 PM	#6
Chock Sea Lord Join Date: May 2005 Location: Under a thermal layer in chilly Olde England Posts: 1,842 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	If you've never played either, the sensible choice is SH3, not because it is any better or worse (they essentially involve the same thing), but simply because it is cheaper, and why spend 30 quid to find out if you like something when you can spend 10 quid to do the same? I have them both, like them both and play them both, but SH3 will run on a lesser machine and has more free mods available for it, whereas SH4 is prettier, has quite a few mods, and has a mission disk coming out for it next year, but requires a better computer with better graphics capabilities to enjoy it with all the detail turned up. If computing power, money and personal theatre of operations preference are not issues, then get both! Chock __________________

11-28-07, 03:30 PM	#7
SUBMAN1 Rear Admiral Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 11,866 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I have both. SHIV is the better one to have. I hear SH3 is being ported to it too, so you will have both in SHIV soon. Last I checked, pretty much everything works bug free in SHIV. One thing about SHIV - the AI is also much better in relation to enemy units. I'm not sure if I was ever really sunk by DC's in SHIII, but they will get you in SHIV. -S PS. Skybird is German, so he may be a little biased towards Uboats. :p __________________

11-28-07, 05:29 PM	#9
STEED Lucky Jack Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Down Town UK Posts: 27,695 Downloads: 89 Uploads: 48	The SH4 add on coming next year is another grab at your money sure great graphics but how many bugs will there be? How many patches to patch it? I am against the add on as I view SH4 as a Allied sub game and it should remain that way, as for SH4 yes it's better graphics but realism is poor. SH3 with the super mod GWX 1.03 is a hell of a lot more realism to it, and we are days away from the upcoming GWX 2.0 which is going to take SH3 to the next level. My advice buy SH3 and if you can SH4 as cheap as possible. __________________ Dr Who rest in peace 1963-2017. To borrow Davros saying...I NAME YOU CHIBNALL THE DESTROYER OF DR WHO YOU KILLED IT!

11-28-07, 05:46 PM	#10
Hakahura Grey Wolf Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Posts: 785 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	My opinion, for what it's worth and I will try and be objective. It comes down to your PC's specs. Can it run SHIV? Remember whats on the box is the minimum, to run well you ideally want better. Also what kind of subsim player are you? Do you play fully realistic? If so you won't be able to see much of SHIV's better graphics, if you spend your time peering through the scope and looking at the map. If you play at lower levels and like to use features like the external camera then the better graphics will be a huge draw. To be honest the the original post gave me a little laugh, most people seems to have a pretty strong bias one way or another whatever forum you post in. SH3 for me. (Though I do own and still occasionally play SHIV) __________________ Sir Humphey Appleby, GCB, KBE, MVO and MA. Britain's Greatest Orator, well bar that Churchill fellow.

11-28-07, 06:03 PM	#11
waste gate Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	I've had nothing but stability problems with SH4. SH3 is stable and fun.

11-28-07, 07:11 PM	#12
Reaves The Old Man Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 1,509 Downloads: 4 Uploads: 0	Silent Hunter 2 Nah get number 4 unless you love the Atlantic and U-boats. - __________________

11-28-07, 07:11 PM	#13
bookworm_020 Navy Seal Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sinking ships off the Australian coast Posts: 5,966 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	Apples and oranges! IF your computer is powerful enough to run both, then it comes down to which theatre you would prefer to be in. SH3 Has far more mods than SH4, and now with the GWX 2.0 Supermod about to be released, takes the stock version of the game on to another level. SH4 has better gaphics from day one (and some of the mods that have already bean done have improved on that). There is also add on in the near future that has already been mentioned. Both are stable with the currant patches, have new mods being writen as we speak and both have a loyal following. It's your choice in which way you want to go. You could just by both.......:hmm: __________________ "There is always one person in any organization who knows whats going on, That person must be fired"

11-28-07, 08:53 PM	#14
Peto Ace of the Deep Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: The details of my life are quite inconsequential Posts: 1,049 Downloads: 4 Uploads: 0	I play them both. when I feel like having technology on my side --I go to the Pacific. When I feel suicidal, I start a career in SH3 and try to survive the war . Both are Great Sub Sims __________________ If your target has a 30 degree AOB, the range from his base course line equals the current range divided by 2.

11-28-07, 10:16 PM	#15
CCIP Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Waterloo, Canada Posts: 8,700 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 2	As far as vanilla, SH4 is in much better state than SHIII ever was. Theaters are different, I would say on pure comparison SHIV 1.4 > SHIII 1.4. Mind the different theaters however, depends what you're interested in more, too. Both are in good shape now. Mod-wise, SH3 is ahead and with GWX 2.0 coming up shortly, it'll really be about as good as the game will get. SH4 however is catching up very well and has also been significantly improved. I slightly prefer SH4, but both are excellent at the moment. __________________ There are only forty people in the world and five of them are hamburgers. -Don Van Vliet (aka Captain Beefheart)