The third part of an acknowledged series of Silent Hunter, games simulating German submarines (U-boots) from World War II period. The second installment in the franchise, released in 2001, was a little below expectations of fans excited over the first game. This time the developers decided to make a game that would repeat the success of the first Silent Hunter from the 1990s.
In comparison with the previous games, changes can be spotted almost everywhere. First of all, Silent Hunter III uses a new 3D graphics engine, which realistically generates the environment, including sea waves, light reflexes, dynamically changing weather (rain, fog, etc). It also allowed programmers to implement virtual models of authentic ships, submarines and planes. This is true not only for their outside appearance but also interiors. You can explore fully rendered 3D interiors of U-boots which you command (there are 4 types of U-boots in 10 versions: Type II, VII, IX and XXI). The available sections include: command room, the radio operator center, sonar, sail, antiaircraft and naval guns. Each of these can be operated manually by the player, as the vessel’s captain, or handed down to subordinates.
The crew is another essential novelty in the series. This time they are not impersonal characters with little influence on the vessel’s performance. Now each crew member is a unique personality with his own 3D model and skills, which you should consider before asg him to work – either by the Diesel engine, operating the cannons, torpedo launcher or the sonar. In time, and with successfully completed missions, the crew gets experience and their usefulness grows. As the commander, the player can react to changing situation on the battlefield and e.g. send more men to torpedo launcher (for faster reloading) or order them to seal the hull damaged by depth charges. The player also decides whom to promote, reward with an order to or replace.
Other notable novelties are the new physics engine, destruction system, and improved AI. These mechanisms have great impact on the game’s realism.
Silent Hunter III lets you play an entire campaign, in which you climb up the military hierarchy, through regular patrols and taking part in operations (either fictitious or authentic). Besides, the authors implemented an editor allowing for scenario creation, as well as online multiplayer (both cooperative and competitive).
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