The thing I really love about this game is that you really do feel like you are riding a sailing ship. Those who have sailed will know what I mean. It really does capture the power of the wind.
Ok in an attempt to explain the firing sequence as it stands now. (subject to change)
You select the shot you want. This is done for each side of the vessel.
The crew load the shot and time to do this is indicated by a red circle slowly filling until it becomes green
If you have fired one deck at a time or one deck not all decks will be ready at once but can be fired as they become ready
Alternatively wait for all decks to report loaded and ready to fire (green circles complete).
Now you are rady to fire.
Move the mouse to the side you wish to fire from so that you are looking out that side of the ship. Right click to get down flush with the top deck to lay the guns.
A firing cone will appear. The longer you hold this the narrower the cone becomes. This shows where your shot will hit.
Move the mouse from left to right to utilise the limited cannon traverse (only a few degrees usually) for a better shot.
Move the mouse up and down using the red dash as reference until you think you have the range.
Factor in roll and wait for your roll to come about .
Press space for a single shot for ranging. Do this as many times as needed.
Press left mouse button to unleash the full broadside. You may not be able to see through the smoke for a period of time.
In this screenshot you can see the white lines on the water where the shot would land should I fire (shot grouping). I am looking as far left as I can to try to bring the enemy to bear. If you look closely you can see the red dash that acts as a firing reticle. This is moved up and down to indicate cannon elevation. This is where the real skill lies.
Notice also that all reload circles (one that indicates there is only one deck) are green and ready to fire. Loaded with Ball.
The grouping strip can be seen in the water here. If I should fire all shot will fire within this area and not to the left or right. My cannon on both sides however are indicated as reloading by the red incomplete circle. Loading with ball.
Aiming to the far right.
This little cutter is a bit of a hand full at full speed. Gun elevation because of lee on one side hits the water not far away!!!