[Threadfin]

No external cameras is the best way to play sub sims, so you've got that right. Commanding the boat becomes a whole new challenge when all your information comes from your point of view. And when you submerge, you have no real knowledge about what's happening topside, just like it should be.

Firing salvos is also the right way to go, so I agree with this too.

However turning map contacts off is a step over the line for me, and this is why. WW2 subs had a tracking party that ran the plot. As the solo human in your sim boat you do not have this. In real subs, the plot is continually updated based on a number of data points. Stadimeter readings, sonar ranges, radar ranges and so on.

The accuracy of this plot is constantly checked against what the TDC is showing. When they match, the crew has high confidence of a good solution. When they don't, they endeavor to determine why, but will know that one or the other (or even both) are currently inaccurate. A failsafe.

The issue we struggle with in Silent Hunter is the unerring accuracy of the map contacts. It is always right. What we need are map contacts that are not infallible, where the accuracy of the plot is based on duration, number of data points and crew veterancy. The chance for the plot to have errors.

So the question is one of a perfect plot, simulating the work your officers do on an approach, versus the too-perfect way it is implemented in these submarine sims.

For me, turning it off is actually the less preferable of the two options. Of course I'd like it to fall in the middle, map contacts with possible error. But not having it at all is like making your approach with only the skipper on duty. It handicaps you more than the perfect map contacts help you.

But of course it all comes down to the player's preferences, and these settings do indeed challenge your skills. But no contacts is a bit too far, in my view.