rsrd convoys; where are they

[JoeCorrado]

As you likely know by now- I am no purist for realism, my realism level runs at bout 60% but I do try to stay within my patrol area following my mission parameters- and you can't sink what isn't there. I agree that IF you are in the right place at the right time, there is shipping. No doubt about it.

Problem is, even setting up outside a port that should be active will yield no targets most times in RSRD. That really is not realistic. A good sized port with zero traffic in or out, is counter intuitive unless your presence is already known. And even then, your targets would likely be ASW units.

Likewise, there is a lack of even local merchants- typical strategy if no larger targets were available, was often to move closer to shore and attack smaller merchants that would travel the coast for safety. Again- you can't sink what isn't there in RSRDC.

So, if you maintain integrity of assigned mission, that leaves port raiding. While it was sometimes done in order to force the issue, in SH4 it is about as gamey as it gets unless it matches your mission assignment.

I think that ultra messages could resolve (or at least mitigate) the empty seas issue in RSRDC that some of us suffer from- these messages were quite typical and were also very effective in placing our subs in the right place at the right time. If you received even two or three ultra's that fine tuned your search during a 30 day patrol in an otherwise barren sea- it would add to the enjoyment factor. Maybe an increase in shipping is not the only possible resolution?

Stock game shipping is way, way, way too abundant. And the ultra messages never end- Sometimes the over abundance of the stock campaign is worse that the shortage of RSRDC-

I don't dislike the idea of spending a 30 day patrol and getting just a few ships- even the opportunity of sighting ships even if they get away. No problem at all. That is pretty realistic since a skipper who could nab an average of three or four ships per patrol, was considered top shelf indeed.

Spending a thirty day patrol with zero contacts in your assigned area was frustrating as it could be in real life- and it did happen occasionally- but for a game, that is just not very fun.

I regret if it comes off as whiny or complainant. RSRDC is the culmination of a vast amount of work- but as even Duci used to say- the ability to have a favorite mod "flavored to taste" is the goal. If I had a more accommodating "real life" I would attempt to learn the methods of tweaking in order to provide an alternative which provides the "sweetened target availability" that some percentage here hope for while preserving the great aspects of RSRDC relative to the historic records that are so awesome is RSRDC.

Originally Posted by Bubblehead1980

Exactly.I was once, long ago, one of those who thought there were not enough convoys in RSRD.I added some that should be there in certain areas such as east china sea, east of hainan island via luzon straits to japan but even without those, there are plenty

I am reading a great novel "Submarine" which reminds me again of the tactics of a sub skipper, and I don't want my RSRDC experience to make me one of those skippers who could just never find the war. LOL