SH4 - what engine improvements? (no flames!)

[MarkShot]

I am playing AOD, SHCE, and SH3/GWX at the moment. I have SH4, but have not bothered installing it.

I would like to ask what game engine (simulation portion of the game) improvements does SH4 offer over SH3? For example, someone told me in another thread that SH4 provides an in game implementation of thermal layers. This is the type of stuff I am asking for.

I am asking for two reasons. First, I am in the systems business and loves computers, games, and interfaces. I've beta tested well known games and at the moment am even a part owner of a small independent game company. So, game engines fascinate me. Second, of course, I like to play subsims and I am trying to decide if I should make room in my life for yet a fourth WWII subsim. (I already own and play SC/DW and various versions of Harpoon.)

PLEASE, no flames and personal attacks on those who play SH3 and/or make mods for it. My question is a technical question and I want technical answers.

Thank you.

PS1: Since I want technical answers and not "Which game do you like better?", I have skipped searching.

PS2: Mods, if the subject is too difficult for the forum to handle, then please delete the thread. I do not want to be the source of trouble.

[Rockin Robbins]

A major problem that I had with SH3 is that after weeks of play the game would suddenly forget the savegame file and not be able to find it. Inquiries revealed that you could not save the game if any ship appeared on any sensor, if you were not surfaced, if you were within a certain distance from land, if you were wearing any item of blue clothing or saving on any day of the week containing a "y." OK, the last two I made up. The SH4 engine has totally solved those problems and all my saves over an 8-month period in all kinds of random conditions have been fine.

I'm not sure if that is what you are after, but you have to admit that satisfaction in the game is very dependent on the ability to play a career successfully.

Crew management has also been changed with watch changes automatic and each compartment containing three watches. You can still move crew members among available slots.

[AVGWarhawk]

Some how and some way they have been able to optimize loading times. Even with a bunch of mods loading with it.

[ReallyDedPoet]

Originally Posted by MarkShot

For example, someone told me in another thread that SH4 provides an in game implementation of thermal layers.

A thread on the subject , there may be something in there for you
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...thermal+layers


RDP

[GlobalExplorer]

I would like to hear more opinions because I am also thinking about making the switch (once my new pc is running).

[Linavitch]

Originally Posted by GlobalExplorer

I am also thinking about making the switch

"SH4 gen" here we come

Seriously, although I don't know much about programming, the Sh4 engine does exactly what it says on the tin. Lets you cruise around the pacific blowing sh!t up. I guess the major gameplay differences are the historical nature of the war. ie you're on the winning side this time.

The major new game plusses for me are:-

Increased TC range (it's a big bloody ocean)
Varied missions plus the chance to recieve new orders on patrol
Variable AI ship to ship (don't think SH3 had this, may be wrong)
No save game bugs and no "loading this save will delete all later saves"
The sheer beauty of the thing

In the early days lots of people complained of CTD's (although I have yet to experience one in nearly 12 months of play) but from reading other posts most of these seem to have been cured by patches and Mods.

Stock SH4 (and stock SH3) are a fairly shallow (no pun intended) experience. However, once the game is modded up to your taste, the depth and scope of the game are at least equal or greater than SH3/GWX.

I guess the hardest part is the initial change. You'll probably miss the clickable officers and such like but once the new system is mastered it is equally intuitive.

[Fincuan]

Originally Posted by Linavitch

You'll probably miss the clickable officers and such like but once the new system is mastered it is equally intuitive.

The newest Trigger Maru features these

[Linavitch]

Originally Posted by Fincuan

The newest Trigger Maru features these

Sort of. Clicking the helmsman in SH4 takes you straight to the nav map. In SH3 it brings up several options of reports, plot course etc.

[GlobalExplorer]

It's only the hardware that held me back for almost a year. SHIV did simply run like **** on my system, and he graphics OOB looked pretty crappy when compared to SHIII. Hell at that time AA wasnt even enabled.

Looking at all those great screenshots now and with a really fast computer in the planning stage, it's probably time to give the game a second chance.

How does the AI fare? Is the game difficult enough?

What about the weather? Does it make more sense than in SHIII (i.e. not a thunderstorm after 2 days on every patrol).

[AVGWarhawk]

How does the AI fare? Is the game difficult enough?

What about the weather? Does it make more sense than in SHIII (i.e. not a thunderstorm after 2 days on every patrol).

I thought AI out of the box was not bad really. It has a nice mix of rookie to really nasty. You never know what you are going to get. TM and RFB mods have made them even better.

Weather is great and you can watch it change if you want. No more 3 months of rain and fog. It is quite dynamic. Download ROW and sha'zam beautiful screenshots.

[Rockin Robbins]

One down, three to go. You can see the TDC setup. The water is warmer than it was before. Make the move!

Errr.... sorry, forgot you said no flames!:rotfl:

[MarkShot]

I just got bitten by the "save/reload" bug. Pretty irritating knowing how easy this is to program right!

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=129875

[AVGWarhawk]

What flames????

[AVGWarhawk]

I'm going to flame you again

[AVGWarhawk]

And these poor unfortunate souls: