MovieChat Forums > Das Boot (1982) Discussion > I can be a U-boat captain

I can be a U-boat captain

posted 9 years ago by MirkoS
11 replies | jump to latest

I excel at Silent Hunter IV (and III but that was many years ago). I know how to ID and track targets, plot firing solutions, to attack convoys, to manage damage crews. I know how to use sonar. I've even manned the deck gun and AA by myself. I've played it on 100% realism (limited fuel, dud torpedoes, etc), and even have installed advanced realism mods such as the Trigger Maru overhaul from Subsim.com. I've gotten out of pretty hairy situations with many destroyers circling above, and have racked up a fairly decent tonnage during my various careers.

I watch Das Boot unimpressed. Sure it has good acting, but how hard can it really be? Back then they had to go to school to learn to be a captain, unfortunately for them there were no simulations to learn on. I really don't see anything too difficult that I've not already learned from the comfort of home.

[–] Kojiro_Vance 9 years ago

Pfff, I would destroy you.

I played Silent Service on my Nintendo when I was a kid. I can control a huge WW2 submarine using two buttons and a D-pad.

[–] Prairie_Scum 9 years ago

Neither of you would be a match for me. I trained extensively with the uber-realistic simulation software Sub Hunt on Intellivision followed by years of real world experience playing with my toys in the tub. All fear Commander Prairie Scum, terror of the ocean depths and master of the high seas.

[–] CGSailor 8 years ago

I have beat you all as I predate all computerized simulation with the advanced and totally true to life "Sub Search" game by Milton Bradley, a 3D version of "Battleship" if you will.

https://shatteredblog.wordpress.com/2011/06/15/gems-from-the-past-sub-search/

I joined the Navy to see the world, only to discover the world is 2/3 water!

[–] michaelnewman01 8 years ago

Ooh ooh, i want to join in, too! I played this really cool videogame called the Submarine Multi-Mission Team Trainer Phase 3. It was sooo realistic! Much harder than Silent Hunter IV, though. I had 10 guys working with me and we still got our butts kicked with frustrating regularity. Also, unlike SH4, we had to simulate the Engine Room, too, with the Fleet Interactive Display Equipment. Once again, I had four guys playing on my team and we always finished our missions exhausted.

I bow to your capabilities, Mirko S, I know I couldn't be a sub captain after my sims.

"You feel the way the boat moves? The sunlight on your skin? Thats real. Life is wonderful."

[–] CGSailor 8 years ago

Well hello there stranger, LTNS.
You forgot the flooding trainer.

I joined the Navy to see the world, only to discover the world is 2/3 water!

[–] michaelnewman01 8 years ago

Hey. Good to hear from you, too, CG.

I only actually did the flooding trainer twice. I've always thought it was a little silly because trying to stop flooding at depth with DC gear would be fairly ridiculous. If the flood control systems don't work, you're pretty much hosed.

The FIDE is where I suffer most of the time, though. Reactor accident drills and all that. Not very fun, especially because no matter how well you do, there's always something you did wrong.

"You feel the way the boat moves? The sunlight on your skin? That's real. Life is wonderful."

[–] ykyr 9 years ago

Reminds me of the early internet days, when trolling was an art form :D..

[–] BullSchmidt 9 years ago

I can be a U-boat captain

But do you have the beard for it? Being good on sims isn't enough.

[–] MirkoS 9 years ago

My beard is pretty good, it's redish orange with a few grey hairs here and there so the younger crew members would respect me even more.

[–] Hungerhill 8 years ago

How about seasickness? Can't practice that from your bedroom.

[–] persen1 8 years ago

How about seasickness? Can't practice that from your bedroom.

Sure you can. Just get a very cheap waterbed, which is poorly equipped with wave absorption.
That will test your sea legs :-)