Silent Service

This game not appear and not count in community profile user game list :(

No sé cómo se juega y casi me deja sordo.

年代久远的模拟游戏

Nagyon kezdetleges. Csak legkönnyebb fokozatban lehet eredményt elérni.

아.... 이런 그림체의 예전 게임을 좋아하는 편이지만.. 이런 시뮬레이션은 역시 어렵군요.. 인터페이스가 친절하지 못하고 기능등을 공부도 해야해서.. 저는 즉시 포기하게 만드네요.. 안타깝습니다. 하지만.. 추억돋는 그래픽으로 인하여 추천은 하고 갑니다.

Silent Service is a historic submarine warfare simulation originally developed by MicroProse Software and designed by legendary game developer Sid Meier. First released in the mid-1980s and later made available on modern digital storefronts through publishers such as Atari and Nightdive Studios, the game represents one of the earliest serious attempts to bring realistic naval combat simulation to home computers. At a time when many games focused on fast arcade action or simple mechanics, Silent Service took a more ambitious direction by attempting to capture the strategic tension and calculated decision-making involved in commanding a World War II submarine. Its influence on later military simulation titles remains significant, and it continues to be remembered as a foundational entry in the submarine simulation genre. The game places players in command of a United States Navy submarine operating in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. The title refers to the “Silent Service,” a nickname historically used to describe the U.S. submarine force due to the stealthy nature of their missions. As the submarine captain, the player is responsible for carrying out war patrols deep in enemy territory, searching for Japanese merchant convoys and military vessels that must be intercepted and destroyed. These patrols simulate the strategic role submarines played during the war, where small groups of vessels were tasked with disrupting enemy supply lines and weakening naval operations through carefully planned attacks. Unlike traditional action games, Silent Service emphasizes strategy, patience, and tactical thinking. Players navigate vast areas of ocean while scanning for signs of enemy shipping routes. Locating a convoy is only the beginning of the challenge, however, because executing a successful torpedo attack requires precise positioning and careful calculations. The submarine must approach the target without being detected, often maneuvering underwater or using darkness as cover. The captain must determine the speed and direction of enemy ships, calculate the correct firing angle, and time the torpedo launch so that it intersects with the moving target. A poorly planned attack can easily miss its target and alert the entire convoy to the submarine’s presence. The gameplay is built around several operational stations that simulate the interior control systems of a submarine. Players can move between these stations to manage different aspects of the vessel. The bridge allows observation of the ocean surface while the submarine is traveling above water, the periscope provides a crucial view for tracking enemy ships while submerged, and the navigation charts display the submarine’s location across the Pacific theater. Additional systems control engine speed, diving depth, and torpedo firing solutions. By switching between these stations, players gradually develop a sense of how submarine crews coordinated complex operations during wartime. Combat encounters in Silent Service are tense and methodical rather than explosive or chaotic. Enemy convoys are usually protected by escort ships such as destroyers that specialize in anti-submarine warfare. Once a torpedo attack is detected, these escorts immediately begin hunting the submarine using sonar and depth charges. Surviving this phase can be even more difficult than executing the attack itself. Players must dive deeper, shut down engines to reduce noise, and maneuver cautiously while listening for the distinctive sounds of approaching enemy vessels. Depth charge explosions can damage the submarine’s hull or equipment, forcing players to balance evasive maneuvers with careful control of their remaining resources. The game also includes a broader campaign structure that adds long-term progression to the experience. Each patrol begins at a friendly naval base such as Pearl Harbor or another Allied port in the Pacific region. From there, players chart a course into contested waters and begin searching for enemy shipping. During the patrol, players may encounter merchant vessels carrying supplies, heavily defended convoys, or even large warships that require especially careful planning to attack. Success is measured primarily by the tonnage of enemy ships sunk during the patrol, which reflects the historical importance of disrupting enemy supply chains. Difficulty and realism settings provide flexibility for players with different levels of experience. Beginners can choose simplified mechanics that make targeting and navigation easier, allowing them to focus on learning the basic principles of submarine warfare. More experienced players can enable advanced simulation features that require manual calculations and careful monitoring of navigation systems. This adjustable complexity helped the game appeal to a wide audience when it was first released, from casual players curious about naval warfare to enthusiasts seeking a detailed simulation. Visually, Silent Service reflects the technological limitations of its original era but still manages to convey a convincing sense of submarine operations. The graphics are relatively simple, consisting of basic ship models and interface displays that represent the submarine’s control systems. The periscope view, in particular, provides an iconic perspective where enemy ships slowly move across the horizon as the player prepares to fire torpedoes. While the visuals may appear minimal compared to modern simulation games, they effectively communicate the necessary information and maintain clarity during critical moments. The audio design contributes significantly to the atmosphere despite its simplicity. Sonar pings, engine hums, and the distant rumble of depth charge explosions create an immersive soundscape that reinforces the tension of underwater warfare. The contrast between long periods of quiet navigation and sudden bursts of combat noise helps replicate the unpredictable nature of submarine patrols. Even with the limited sound capabilities available at the time, these audio cues play an important role in helping players interpret the situation around them. One of the most notable achievements of Silent Service is its attention to historical authenticity. Many of the mechanics reflect real submarine tactics used during the Pacific War, including stealth approaches, torpedo targeting calculations, and the constant threat posed by anti-submarine escorts. Players quickly learn that submarine warfare relies as much on patience and observation as it does on firepower. This commitment to realism helped distinguish the game from other titles of its era and laid the groundwork for future naval simulation games. At the same time, the game’s age means that some aspects may feel dated to modern players. The interface requires manual navigation through multiple screens, which can feel cumbersome compared to contemporary simulation controls. The slower pacing may also surprise players accustomed to faster action-oriented games, since locating enemy ships sometimes requires extended travel and careful observation. However, these elements are also part of the game’s authentic design philosophy, reflecting the slow and deliberate nature of real submarine operations. Ultimately, Silent Service remains an important milestone in the history of computer gaming. By combining historical realism, strategic gameplay, and immersive simulation mechanics, it demonstrated that video games could recreate complex military scenarios in a compelling and engaging way. Even decades after its original release, the game continues to be appreciated for its thoughtful design and its role in shaping the submarine simulation genre. For players interested in naval history, strategic planning, or the early evolution of simulation games, Silent Service provides a fascinating and rewarding experience that captures the suspense of commanding a submarine deep beneath hostile waters. Rating: 6/10

Not the best version available, but still a bit of fun to revisit such a classic. I doubt many will have much fun playing Silent Service, so maybe only grab it if you are a hardcore fan of retro games.