Is the game ever harder than real life?

Threesixtyci · 03-02-10, 11:36 PM

The AI cheats, but within limits. For example, the game never has a problem detecting a sub from a merchant within a convoy, whether surfaced or not... Got no problem shooting through it's own sheep, either.

Although, living on such a small boat for months at a time with no real showers for anyone, is not something I'd ever what to experience or even want to imagine. Not to mention the moldy food, the lack of fresh air and the knowledge that you may be in that boat, forever.

Iranon · 03-03-10, 04:05 AM

Some things are unrealistically harsh on the player. When sneaking around on the surface and you are spotted, you tend to come under fire from *everything* within seconds.

Paul Riley · 03-03-10, 05:16 AM

Shame,because I would like to ravage a convoy from within myself,closest I ever got I think was about 2km from the convoy's flank and submerged (Aug 1942).

RConch · 03-03-10, 07:51 AM

I have much better luck coming in from the front flank with decks awash. Alot depends on where are the escorts, if they are on the flanks of the convoy only it usually works. If one escort is in front, I stalk and hope the front escort moves out of the way. If not, try and take him out.
I have never had any luck sneaking in from the rear between the columns, once spotted all heck breaks loose with star shells. Talk about "standing in the spotlight".

Paul Riley · 03-03-10, 08:13 AM

As of late my preferred method of engaging a convoy 1942 onwards is to try and get ahead of the convoy as much as possible and get into position for a night submerged attack.I normally ignore the escorts and single out 1 or 2 important ships in the convoy and stick to my plan from then on.I will usually be no more than about 2km from the convoy flank as stated earlier,and then open fire as the target ships arrive.All my firing solutions are worked out well in advance.If I am detected I will head on a parallel course away from the convoy and hope to escape out the rear if possible,hoping the convoy's noise will dampen our own noise...hopefully.
After about 1 hr evasion I will turn around and take up the chase again and repeat the above procedure.I will even try to maintain the attack in daylight too,but the firing distance will probably be increased to about 3-4km,as the escorts have been known to spot the tip of the periscope even at 2km in daylight!

I personally DO think the game's detection chances to be quite overkill at times,making attacking convoys very difficult,more so as the war drags on.Having said that,making that successful attack exactly as you planned it is even more satisfying.

It is important to note that I have not progressed further than Aug 1942 at ANY time!...there is still lots for me to do in the game.
Reading through my 'uboat commander's handbook' by doenitz at times is very helpful,and gives a good insight as to how real captains handled difficult situations.Anyone that doesnt have this book I suggest you try to get it,I managed to get a brand new copy from Amazon,but there were only 2 or 3 in stock at the time.That was about 1 yr ago.

Torvald Von Mansee · 03-03-10, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Threesixtyci

Although, living on such a small boat for months at a time with no real showers for anyone, is not something I'd ever what to experience or even want to imagine. Not to mention the moldy food, the lack of fresh air and the knowledge that you may be in that boat, forever.

I guess most of the men who went out in the u-boats are still in them.

03-03-10, 05:16 AM	#3
Paul Riley Ocean Warrior Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sheffield, England Posts: 2,679 Downloads: 165 Uploads: 0	Shame,because I would like to ravage a convoy from within myself,closest I ever got I think was about 2km from the convoy's flank and submerged (Aug 1942). __________________ Best Patrol: 10 merchants + HMS Nelson for 68.056 Tonnes

03-03-10, 07:51 AM	#4
RConch Captain Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: No. Virginia Posts: 619 Downloads: 518 Uploads: 0	I have much better luck coming in from the front flank with decks awash. Alot depends on where are the escorts, if they are on the flanks of the convoy only it usually works. If one escort is in front, I stalk and hope the front escort moves out of the way. If not, try and take him out. I have never had any luck sneaking in from the rear between the columns, once spotted all heck breaks loose with star shells. Talk about "standing in the spotlight". __________________ "Noch und Noch" Prowling the Nord Atlantik with GWX 3.0.

03-03-10, 08:13 AM	#5
Paul Riley Ocean Warrior Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sheffield, England Posts: 2,679 Downloads: 165 Uploads: 0	As of late my preferred method of engaging a convoy 1942 onwards is to try and get ahead of the convoy as much as possible and get into position for a night submerged attack.I normally ignore the escorts and single out 1 or 2 important ships in the convoy and stick to my plan from then on.I will usually be no more than about 2km from the convoy flank as stated earlier,and then open fire as the target ships arrive.All my firing solutions are worked out well in advance.If I am detected I will head on a parallel course away from the convoy and hope to escape out the rear if possible,hoping the convoy's noise will dampen our own noise...hopefully. After about 1 hr evasion I will turn around and take up the chase again and repeat the above procedure.I will even try to maintain the attack in daylight too,but the firing distance will probably be increased to about 3-4km,as the escorts have been known to spot the tip of the periscope even at 2km in daylight! I personally DO think the game's detection chances to be quite overkill at times,making attacking convoys very difficult,more so as the war drags on.Having said that,making that successful attack exactly as you planned it is even more satisfying. It is important to note that I have not progressed further than Aug 1942 at ANY time!...there is still lots for me to do in the game. Reading through my 'uboat commander's handbook' by doenitz at times is very helpful,and gives a good insight as to how real captains handled difficult situations.Anyone that doesnt have this book I suggest you try to get it,I managed to get a brand new copy from Amazon,but there were only 2 or 3 in stock at the time.That was about 1 yr ago. __________________ Best Patrol: 10 merchants + HMS Nelson for 68.056 Tonnes

03-02-10, 11:36 PM	#1
Threesixtyci Torpedoman Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: CC, Texas Posts: 114 Downloads: 20 Uploads: 0	The AI cheats, but within limits. For example, the game never has a problem detecting a sub from a merchant within a convoy, whether surfaced or not... Got no problem shooting through it's own sheep, either. Although, living on such a small boat for months at a time with no real showers for anyone, is not something I'd ever what to experience or even want to imagine. Not to mention the moldy food, the lack of fresh air and the knowledge that you may be in that boat, forever.

03-03-10, 04:05 AM	#2
Iranon Loader Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 89 Downloads: 19 Uploads: 0	Some things are unrealistically harsh on the player. When sneaking around on the surface and you are spotted, you tend to come under fire from everything within seconds.