WWII Tactical submarine combat in the South Pacific
The game blends a submarine simulator with arcade-style action, providing the tools for both stealthy and aggressive playstyles. Players take command of a Gato-class submarine prowling the South Pacific, tasked with hunting enemy convoys, battling destroyers, attacking land bases, and shooting down aircraft.
The extensive campaign mode spans 10 patrols across different regions of the Pacific theater, including the Solomon Islands, Philippines, and Sea of Japan. Each patrol tasks players with a variety of specialized missions beyond just sinking merchant ships, such as rescuing downed pilots, delivering supplies, and attacking land-based targets. This variety keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Between patrols, players can upgrade their submarine with new equipment and systems, allowing them to become more effective over the course of the campaign. The progression system gives a greater sense of investment compared to static capabilities.
The game features an intuitive, mouse-driven control scheme that allows players to easily manage the submarine's sensors, weapons, and crew. Key systems like the torpedo data computer are abstracted, streamlining the experience without sacrificing strategic depth.
Multiple difficulty settings cater to both casual players and veteran submarine combat enthusiasts. Lower difficulties offer a more forgiving experience, while higher settings ramp up the challenge with more aggressive enemy AI and reduced margin for error.
The game's sound design, cinematic camera angles, and attention to visual details like torpedo wakes and depth charge explosions contribute to a strong sense of immersion, capturing the tension and excitement of WWII submarine warfare.