The game is the best in the series under one condition.... MODS realistic navigation and open horizons and better crew and realistic waves and damage are a MUST.
To address the critics below: The game can be demanding on older systems, but runs flawlessly on mine (Phenom II 965, HD 7850). CTDs are rare, but can happen. I haven't had one for a very long time, though. And the always online DRM is no longer forced (can be disabled in Uplay settings), the only thing that requires internet connection is a couple seconds of synchronizing save games with the server.
My review: The best and most immersive submarine simulator currently on the market (at this stage it is IMO better than SH3 and SH4). After suffering bad reviews after a buggy launch, the game has been greatly improved by tons of community mods that have made this game a very fun and addictive experience. I would say that around 90% of the bugs have been ironed out since the release. Some minor annoyances are still present, but it's nothing compared to the stock game (which is a buggy mess to put it mildly). If you are a beginner, search youtube for: How to install SH5 Mods Beginner Tutorial.
The strength of this game is the simulation aspect, which this game does on a very high level. Certain realism mods (like real navigation) add to this aspect so much, that it is easy to forget you are playing a video game, that's how good it simulates sub control. There are many different ways to calculate attack solutions on ships, this freedom is what makes it so believable. Flexibility is another important aspect. Don't want to play with perfect realism? No problem, you can change your settings to have an almost casual point-and-shoot gameplay. If you want just a moderate amount of realism settings, you can have that. Almost every function and setting imaginable can be tweaked and adjusted with mods or in-game settings. To summarize, Silent Hunter 5 is not for the impatient, but don't let that stop you, because it offers one of the most rewarding gameplay experiences I have ever seen in a video game
Awesome stuff Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This game was a huge disappointment. There is an inherent mouse lag that makes the game almost enjoyable despite it's reasonable graphics. The user interface is clunky, unintuitive and downright buggy in parts. It has a steep learning curve, slow to load and frustrating. Feels half finished - don't waste your time or money.
Someone please make a patch so SH3 can be played on the new Windows! Or, better yet, plug in the SH5 Graphics into the SH3 engine!!! Because SH5 is SOOOOooo boring. Sooooooo system demanding...when it doesn't need to be (my system should hack it with no problem but this game is sticky). and, finally the game is unfinished. Not to mention the **** have to be online to play it.
SummarySilent Hunter 5 ventures into uncharted territory and takes players behind the periscope of a German U-boat to take on the Allied Forces in famous battles across the vast Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. For the first time in the history of the series, players can live the life of a submarine captain from a first-person view and le...