When should I install Grey Wolves?

[Captain Fail]

Hi I recently bought SHIII from steam and I am enjoying it but I can't decide if I should install the Grey Wolves mod. I have been reading through the forums and it seems that it makes the game much harder. I'm worried that I might not enjoy the game so much if I get sunk all the time, and since it is through Steam I would have to re-download the game all over again if I don't like it. Would you recommend that I play the normal game a bit more first or should I just install the mod now? Thanks for you help.

[mookiemookie]

I'd go for it. It makes the game much harder, but only compared to the stock AI which is very very dumb. Even with GWX, there's still a nice gentle sloping learning curve in 1939 and 1940 where you can get away with some stuff that will get you sunk in '43 and '44.

[Brag]

I would do one or two patrols with stock, to get familiar with controls, crew management, repairs.

Then go for GWX3.

Happy hunting and welcome aboard

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by Brag

I would do one or two patrols with stock, to get familiar with controls, crew management, repairs.

Then go for GWX3.

This is my feeling as well, but remember that GWX must be installed over a clean SH3. You must reinstall SH3 for GWX to work properly.

[desirableroasted]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

This is my feeling as well, but remember that GWX must be installed over a clean SH3. You must reinstall SH3 for GWX to work properly.

That's why I said he should play stock until he is comfortable. Stock is a pretty good game while you are learning, and installing GWX is not always a quick walk in the park.

That said, I cannot conceive of the game without GWX. I cannot even really answers about stock any more.

[CCIP]

I don't think there's really a difficulty difference between stock and GWX, because you can still change difficulty settings in the game with appropriate effects. If you're really worried about difficulty - just set the game to an easier level. Auto targeting, map contacts, external camera, stealth meter - those things will make it very manageable for even the beginner-est of beginners. IMO the original game's shortcomings make it, in some ways, more difficult to manage than GWX. And while it might make the learning curve slightly steeper, starting at the mod you're actually going to play will make it both smoother and shorter.

[desirableroasted]

Originally Posted by Captain Fail

Hi I recently bought SHIII from steam and I am enjoying it but I can't decide if I should install the Grey Wolves mod. I have been reading through the forums and it seems that it makes the game much harder. I'm worried that I might not enjoy the game so much if I get sunk all the time, and since it is through Steam I would have to re-download the game all over again if I don't like it. Would you recommend that I play the normal game a bit more first or should I just install the mod now? Thanks for you help.

I would play the stock game until you feel comfortable and happy with it. Then add a neutral mod such as SH3 Commander, which lets you do stuff like randomize your opening crew, keep records, award medals as you see fit.

When, at some point, the stock game feels too "arcade" like -- you shoot and the target just blows up -- consider GWX.

I would not say GWX makes the game much harder, but it is less forgiving and far more "realistic." For example, stock deck guns can bring down a battleship -- a historical impossibility, and not particularly fun once you have done it. GWX dials that sort of stuff back.

GWX also has a far wider and more realistic range of ships, both naval and merchant, and makes crazy stuff like "harbor raiding" much more difficult.

Until you add it (if ever) it is still a good idea to download the GWX manual. Excellent advice about convoy attacks, etc, which apply even if you are in pure stock.

Good hunting!

[sharkbit]

I think you'll find yourself getting bored with stock pretty quick.

You won't be dissappointed with GWX. Don't be afraid to try NYGM. I have yet to but I will one day.

[Herr-Berbunch]

I don't see the point in playing stock, other than to really appreciate GWX more when you do install it. You may as well learn with GWX if you play GWX.

[java`s revenge]

I recommend to make a copy of silent hunter III and name it
for example sh3bckup.

[Schwieger]

Originally Posted by desirableroasted

For example, stock deck guns can bring down a battleship...

[Sandman_28054]

I, on the other hand, haven't had much luck with GWX 3.0.

I have loaded it, but after about the 12th mission, saved games always corrupt, and playing in general locks my 'puter up.

So I don't play it.

[Damo]

Originally Posted by Sandman_28054

I, on the other hand, haven't had much luck with GWX 3.0.

I have loaded it, but after about the 12th mission, saved games always corrupt, and playing in general locks my 'puter up.

So I don't play it.

You should give more details of your problems and your computer specs so maybe we can help you solve those issues instead of blaming GWX as the root cause. No doubt any problems you're experiencing have been discussed on these forums umpteen times before.

[Sandman_28054]

Originally Posted by Damo

You should give more details of your problems and your computer specs so maybe we can help you solve those issues instead of blaming GWX as the root cause. No doubt any problems you're experiencing have been discussed on these forums umpteen times before.

I have an AMD 960 Chipset (2.08 Ghz processor), 160 GB Seagate HD, 2 GB, PC3800 DDR Ram, PNY 512 mb video card, HD Litescribe DVD-RW, Envision 19" Widescreen monitor.

Need more info?

[donw]

yesterday would have been good