TMO 2.5 Difficulty - Page 4

Bilge_Rat · 02-13-12, 03:36 PM

sorry for ressurecting an old thread. I'm a long time RFB+RSRDC player who recently switched to TMO2.5+RSRDC and wanted to offer my 2 cents..

regarding the AI, TMO 2.5 is not substantially different or more or less realistic than RFB, it is just a different interpretation of the same reality. I have done a number of RSRDC single missions to test the AI, sometimes it finds you easier in TMO than RFB, sometimes it does'nt.

It does appear easier to be found in TMO when at periscope depth, but appears easier to avoid detection if below the thermal layer + silent running, so the trick of diving below an escort screen does work.

Looking through the TMO and RFB "sim" files, you see that TMO is not harder than RFB; it is in certain areas, but easier in others. For example, it is easier to be found in TMO than RFB in clear calm waters or during the day, but it is easier to be found in RFB than TMO in choppy waters or at night.

It is also relatively easy to escape if you are found. Going deep below the thermal layer and "silent running" usually does the trick. I have had some close calls, but have always managed to escape so far. Again, looking at the "sim" file shows that the TMO AI will give up quicker if it does not reestablish contact than the RFB AI.

As a final tip, when trying to escape from an escort, it is probably not a good idea to use bursts of "flank speed". Unlike RL, DC blasts will not mask your noise in SH. Using "flank" just makes it easier for the escort to reestablish contact. Staying at "silent running" and just using the rudder to get out of the way is usually a better long term strategy.

Armistead · 02-13-12, 04:16 PM

If TMO escorts drop charges on me, I'm going flank so I can outrun them, I find going slow even at depth is a good way for a group of cans to land right on you. If you're being pinged they can't listen anyway so they don't hear you.

EricW · 02-14-12, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armistead

If TMO escorts drop charges on me, I'm going flank so I can outrun them, I find going slow even at depth is a good way for a group of cans to land right on you. If you're being pinged they can't listen anyway so they don't hear you.

This.....when they drop right on top of you, I go to flank with 15 degrees rudder to get out of the DC pattern. THEN go back to silent running hoping that they lose me when they come around again. It usually works and after a few runs they turn the wrong way and I'm gone. The operative word here is "usually"

Bilge_Rat · 02-14-12, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armistead

If TMO escorts drop charges on me, I'm going flank so I can outrun them, I find going slow even at depth is a good way for a group of cans to land right on you. If you're being pinged they can't listen anyway so they don't hear you.

Every one has a favorite technique, but there is always a trade off.

Yes, an escort pinging is not listening, but when you are facing 2-3 escorts, there is a good chance at least one is listening.

Running at "Flank" even for 30 seconds will not move the sub very far. At 2 knots "silent running", a sub will move about 100 feet in 30 seconds. At 9 knots "flank", the sub will move about 450 feet in the same time, probably more like 350-400 feet if the boat is accelerating and decelerating from 2 to 9 to 2 knots in 30 seconds. The 300 feet difference is about one boat length. It may get you out of the damage zone of the DCs, it may not.

On the other hand, running at "flank" makes your boat very noisy and easier to pick up by any escort nearby. As soon as one regains contact, their clock gets reset and they will all continue searching for you for a set period of time.

Nicolas · 02-16-12, 02:56 PM

I not played after 1943 yet, tmo 2.5 difficulty for me is the best balanced one i played. I do not notice escort 'super powers' at all, but is still dangerous at a level i like. I remember when playing RSRD campaign the game seemed to be more easy can be?.

I'm goin' down · 02-16-12, 07:40 PM

Try TMO2.0 to 2.2 with the Optical Training Mod supplemented with Toyyo's Revenge option. The mod has not yet made compatible with TMO2.5. The combination is the hardest game out there. The destroyers are transformed into terminators.

oh, yea. I almost forgot. Waves to the Nicolas, who gave us the Easy Aob!!

02-13-12, 03:36 PM	#46
Bilge_Rat Silent Hunter Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: standing watch... Posts: 3,856 Downloads: 344 Uploads: 0	sorry for ressurecting an old thread. I'm a long time RFB+RSRDC player who recently switched to TMO2.5+RSRDC and wanted to offer my 2 cents.. regarding the AI, TMO 2.5 is not substantially different or more or less realistic than RFB, it is just a different interpretation of the same reality. I have done a number of RSRDC single missions to test the AI, sometimes it finds you easier in TMO than RFB, sometimes it does'nt. It does appear easier to be found in TMO when at periscope depth, but appears easier to avoid detection if below the thermal layer + silent running, so the trick of diving below an escort screen does work. Looking through the TMO and RFB "sim" files, you see that TMO is not harder than RFB; it is in certain areas, but easier in others. For example, it is easier to be found in TMO than RFB in clear calm waters or during the day, but it is easier to be found in RFB than TMO in choppy waters or at night. It is also relatively easy to escape if you are found. Going deep below the thermal layer and "silent running" usually does the trick. I have had some close calls, but have always managed to escape so far. Again, looking at the "sim" file shows that the TMO AI will give up quicker if it does not reestablish contact than the RFB AI. As a final tip, when trying to escape from an escort, it is probably not a good idea to use bursts of "flank speed". Unlike RL, DC blasts will not mask your noise in SH. Using "flank" just makes it easier for the escort to reestablish contact. Staying at "silent running" and just using the rudder to get out of the way is usually a better long term strategy. __________________

02-16-12, 07:40 PM	#51
I'm goin' down Ocean Warrior Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Notify command we have entered the Grass Sea Posts: 2,822 Downloads: 813 Uploads: 0	Pussies Try TMO2.0 to 2.2 with the Optical Training Mod supplemented with Toyyo's Revenge option. The mod has not yet made compatible with TMO2.5. The combination is the hardest game out there. The destroyers are transformed into terminators. oh, yea. I almost forgot. Waves to the Nicolas, who gave us the Easy Aob!! Last edited by I'm goin' down; 02-16-12 at 11:43 PM.

02-13-12, 04:16 PM	#47
Armistead Rear Admiral Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: on the Dan Posts: 10,880 Downloads: 364 Uploads: 0	If TMO escorts drop charges on me, I'm going flank so I can outrun them, I find going slow even at depth is a good way for a group of cans to land right on you. If you're being pinged they can't listen anyway so they don't hear you.

02-16-12, 02:56 PM	#50
Nicolas Commander Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Uruguay Posts: 453 Downloads: 196 Uploads: 4	I not played after 1943 yet, tmo 2.5 difficulty for me is the best balanced one i played. I do not notice escort 'super powers' at all, but is still dangerous at a level i like. I remember when playing RSRD campaign the game seemed to be more easy can be?.