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By Al Giovetti
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Genre: submarine simulator
Release: June 1997
Developer: Sonalysts
Lead Artist:
Programmer:
Producer: Kim Castro (VP and Head)
Publisher: Jane's Combat Simulations (Origin and EA)
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Website:
Requirements:Pentium 90 MHz CPU or faster, Windows 95, 16 Meg RAM, 4x Speed CD-ROM drive, DirectX compatible sound and video cards

688(I) Hunter Killer

History

Sonalist has designed and produced submarine simulators for the Department of Defense. Since defense money is not as easy to come by after the collapse of the Soviet Union, this real war company, like Paradigm who used to work on real flight sims, has turned to virtual war as a source of revenue. In a surprising statement, one company official has revealed that the game companies are more generous with dollars than their governmental counterparts. Perhaps EA is not as fiscally sound as we thought.

In any case, what is bad for the Department of Defense, seems to be good for gamers, in this case. The talents of a company created by Dave Hinkel, a retired submaring commander, are now turned toward the production of high quality computer simulations. So the entire crew at Sonalist have US Navy backgrounds to draw upon. The games are so accurate, Sonalist runs the games buy the Pentagon for clearance.

Company Line

"The ultimate nuclear sub simulation" - T. Liam McDonald, PC Gamer, March 1997

Description Jane's Combat Simulations presents 688(I) Hunter/Killer, the most realistic submarine simulation ever developed for PC. Master the sonar and weapons control systems, learn to develop real target solutions, and outfit your boat with the latest advanced weaponry. Then use your skills to complete the tour of duty, and earn your dolphins to become a true sub-mariner.

Key Features

A Truly Authentic Simulation: Developed by defense contractors who design submarine simulators for the US Navy.

Over 12 Detailed Operating Stations: Control all aspects of submarine warfare, including the sonar suite, fire control, helm, and target motion analysis.

Real-World Terrain: Ocean depth and water density for the entire globe are based on actual satellite topographical data.

Real-Life Situations: Conduct detailed training and single missions, plus a full campaign, all based on political analysis from Jane's Information Group.

Multiplayer Warfare: Seek and destroy up to 8 players over the Internet or LAN, or 2-player Sub-to-Sub via modem.

Full 3D Technology: Full 3D technology allows for multiple camera views and accurate 3D models of over 20 different naval weapons platforms.

Complete Control: Manage all of the resources of your submarine, including crewmen training and weapons load-outs.

Game Play

Missions occur in a variety of theatres, including the Caribbean, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal, the Persian Gulf, and the Indian Ocean. You, as the submarine commander, will need to contend with anti-sub helicopters.

The game player must use passive sonar, which listens to signals and analyses them for data used in the hide and seek style of submarine warfare. Thermoclines must be used to hide the sub sonic signature to fend off would be attackers, just like a real sub.

The guages and displays in the game were designed by the same people who worked on these displays when they were with the US Navy. Accuracy is a point in the games favor.

Time compression of 4 and 8 times allows players to move the more boring parts of submarine warfare along and get to the action parts.

Views include both first person and third person views from outside the submarine.

Plot

Graphics

The submarine simulation is the first to use a 3D graphic engine. Ships were modeled on Silicon Graphics workstations. Most of the simulation software was custom designed just for the game.

Animation

Voice Actors

Music Score

Sound Effects

Utilities

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Multi-player Features

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References