Thinking of buying this game...Co-Op play [and other] questions...

[Impugn]

I know I'm late, but I never got around to it. I intend to buy three copies of the game, if I buy any at all.

Regarding Co-Op play:

I'm always looking for a game that I can play co-op with my friends who come over...have 3 good gaming PC's in the same room.

I understand that the co-op mode is 1 sub per player. What is the setting for co-op? Can we do the dynamic career mission set together or are we stuck with using the single missions (random and pre-created)?

If we do single missions, will our "commanders" gain prestige and whatnot or is that done only within the context of career mode?

Regarding StarForce copy protection and such:

Are there DVD editions of the game that came out later that dropped the much-maligned StarForce protection?

Are there sites where this game (and license keys) can be purchased via download? I much prefer to run stuff off my 10kRPM SATA hard-drives either via downloaded game packages or virtual CD-ROM/DVD's. I really hate having to keep physical media handy and leaving open the possibility of it getting damaged.

I'm not out to pirate or rip anybody off...I just REALLY hate having to use original game CD/DVD's. Primarily, I like to buy the game, create virtual CD/DVD's, and put the physical media in a binder, never to be touched by human hands again. A secondary option is to settle for a downloaded version.

Regarding the game, in general:

Since this thing has been out for a while, I imagine the crafty folks among you have developed a ton of mods and addons. What are the "must get" ones? (Especially within the context of co-op play)?

Thank you for your time. Glad to be here - seems like a very cool community.

-Impugn

[irish1958]

Read the nubie stickey in the heading of this forum;
SHIII is a great game; you won't regret getting it.
The new StarFarce drivers are said to be OK
There is a multiplayer thread and matchup. Apparently a lot of people like to play it in this mode

[kiwi_2005]

Buy it.

Lan Co-op play definalety, online is not that great.

[HunterICX]

Regarding the Online Co-op its sucks on the internet
if you just join an game you're highly in the middle of Craptastic Noobs that Spam Acoustic torpedos with an high chance that they hit you by their stupidity.

LAN is o.k if you play with ur friends or make an appoints on MSN to play together online. create an Room with an password that ur friend knows.

Regarding the Game mode's online you have

Single missions : these are preset maps that are always the same. they start to be boring if you play them an several times

you can switch to Generated: this means you create an quik map by selecting the following thins while setting it up.

Example

Convoy Type : Taskforce (Battleships) and normal Escorted Convoy's (merchants with escort Destroyers)
Convoy Size : small, Medium, Large
Convoy Escort : Small , Medium, Large
Escort Dificulty : Easy, Regular, Elite
Aircover : Yes or No
Weather Conditions : Good, Average, Bad
Time : AM and PM times
You distance to convoy: Close, Medium, Far.


the generated maps are good fun...you're always in an different position.

The Game itself is very good. the Stock SH3 is good to try out and practice the gameplay

if you want mods there are 2 mayor mods
the grew wolves: It adds more atmospheric to the game about the U boat war and improves some realistic settings, graphics and the U-Boat feeling

Nygm: this mod aims for realism most of the Hardcore Realism player uses this mod.

[Pants]

Online you could always make a server and password it....and only give the password to your mates who you want to join, thats what i do...kinda hard to have a lan with my friend in australia.

[Patboot]

And I thought joining the KM would get me away from you.