My impressions of the AI are that it is comparable to previous Silent Hunter sims. The big difference with SH5 is there is an option to provide a graphic depiction of the enemy ships' sensor range on the chart. Novice players can easily see how close they can get before they run the risk of detection. If you are spotted, expect a vigorous and realistic reaction by destroyers. Harbors are teeming with activity and well defended. I counted over 12 ships when departing Kiel for a patrol. Any evaluation of wolfpacks will have to wait for the review.

Now, here's something I have always been interested in: crew AI. It seems in SH5 their ability to detect ships is slightly less than yours. To test this out, I approached an enemy task force based on sound bearings. I kept watch with the AI crew on the bridge, and I was able to make out the ships on the horizon before the AI crew did. Big plus for that, I like incentives to get more involved in the gameplay and this one is appreciated.

As with the last three Silent Hunter sims, the dev team has raised the bar on the eye candy. With the graphics on high, the subs and ships are impressive. The water is better than ever before--blue waves with trickles of white foam that simply look great. Framerates varied with the level of detail, textures, and shadows selected.