SH3 Commander Release 2.2 now available!

[JScones]

Release 2.2 of SH3 Commander is now available. This is a full minor release - no previous version of SH3 Commander is required.

Changes:
- Improved insertion of date based variable menu text. No more need to include *_menu.txt files in the Date folder structure
- Now recognises when a career is "mid-patrol" and ignores realistic career length and realistic crew transfer options accordingly
- "U-Boat Aces" listing now includes other player Commanders (marked with single asterisk)
- Added "Use real ship names" option which if selected replaces standard SH3 ship labels in patrol logs with real ship names. Note that changes are irreversable (credit to Observer for the extensive research undertaken on this one)
- Improved random tonnage calculations (essentially Observer's mod re-engineered and integrated within SH3 Commander)
- Now randomises the time Escorts spend looking for U-Boats after losing contact (by default between 15 and 45 minutes)
- "Randomise crew names" renamed to "Use realistic crew configurations". Functionality is unchanged
- Moving the mouse cursor over text "hidden" under the Commander's image now shows the text
- Improved the robustness of recording a Commander's pre-career history
- Improved the insertion method of Basic.cfg modifications
- Modders can now use a /nolaunch switch to stop SH3 loading (ie for mod testing purposes)

New mod inclusions:
Skins added for Sergbuto's two new merchants (credit to iambecomelife for early war skins and Beery for late war skins)

No screenshots this time as this release focusses on "under the bonnet" tweaks and improvements. The interface is largely unchanged.

Note that this release marks the separation of SH3 Commander and RUb. You'll notice that SH3 Commander no longer copies in full versions of the *_menu.txt files, only the labels that it is asked to adjust (by default #46 for the NewsMod and #902-904 for the pre-1940 Flotilla names - but you can add whatever you like by following the instructions outlined in SH3Cmdr Help.html). This means no more text "side effects". Likewise, real U-Boat availability dates are now written individually to Basic.cfg, meaning that there are no Basic.cfg files included with SH3 Commander either.

These improvements mean that major mods can now work harmoniously with SH3 Commander.

One key thing to remember about SH3 Commander is that it can be modded and tweaked too - you can browse any file within the Cfg sub-folder and by following the instructions outlined at the top, you can tweak to suit your individual gameplay style and preference. Just remember to back up the original files first as neither Beery or I have the resources to answer every "I've stuffed up an SH3Cmdr file" question.

And modders, if you have created camo skins, dials or whatever that are U-Boat, Flotilla or Date related, you can zip them up to run with SH3 Commander just as you can with JSGME. Let Beery or me know if you have questions or if you would like your creations included in a future release of SH3 Commander.

To download, use your SH3 Commander "Updates" feature or click here. To make it easier for users, this release comes with full install/uninstall support - no more .7z file. When installing, please ensure that you read the !!PLEASE READ BEFORE CONTINUING!! information.

Notes:
-When you first load SH3 Commander please review the "SH3 Options" screen. Failing to review prior to launching Silent Hunter III may result in unwanted (albeit temporary) gameplay experience.
-For efficiency and dynamic reasons, I have slightly changed the Fatigue key names in "Crew fatigue models.cfg". Please note this when reinserting your own models. This change now allows you to add other CREW_* block values that exist, such as FatigueMin and so on.
-The setup wizard version is approximately 43mb. Alternatively, the same release is available as a 31mb .7z download at http://www.beerymod.com/SH3Cmdr22.7z. Please read SH3Cmdr Help.html before installing the .7z version. Should demand call, a "Lite" version will be made available which will include everything except for the random ship skins.

As always, please post your questions/feedback/problems to this thread...