Another fine Navy DAY!
The game switches between views from your periscope and strategic displays of your vessel, and maps may be accessed to pinpoint the enemy's location.
On-board sonar warns you of approaching destroyers and lets you know when your torpedoes or gun has hit the enemy. Options allow you to select practise mode or go straight into missions, which include night attacks, surface raids and cat-and-mouse actions with the depth charge carrying destroyers.
Successful hunting requires close shots but it is often better to keep your distance and manoeuvre into a position that allows an unaware convoy to steam straight towards you, saving you from having to chase it all over the pacific!
Silent service is one of those rare creatures: a strategy game for the Nintendo. It has a depth (no pun intended) that is normally found in a 16 but computer games. In that sense the game is a refreshing change from platform and shoot-em-up games. The graphics are good and the array of options make the game easy to get into, but I found the game somewhat lacking in atmosphere and real excitement, especially as there can be long gaps between action. Despite this the game is a worthy addition to any collection and it is to Microprose's usual high standards.
Worse things happen at sea
Submarine crews during the last war did not lead a glamorous life. They spent weeks at sea in cramped, unhygienic conditions in constant fear of attack from the surface, knowing that if hit by the depth charges they faced a cold and terrifying death. Supplies were limited by space, so illness caused by vitamin deficiencies were common, as were psychological problems due to overcrowding.
Sub-Options
The difficulty of your mission is determined firstly by your rank (which varies from midshipman to captain), Other choices to make life more dangerous include limited visibility, zigzagging convoys, deadlier destroyers, and even the chance that some of your torpedoes are duds!
Know the Score
Each enemy vessel is worth “points” based on its tonnage. Therefore tankers tend to be worth more than troop ships in your attempts to cripple the Japanese war effort. Destroyers aren't particularly heavy, but it is a good idea to sink these first – before they sink you!
Presentation : Attractive intro screens and option displays
Graphics : A bright and colourful game but the graphics are sometimes a little blocky
Sound : Plenty of atmospheric effects
Playability : Manages to create a tense atmosphere during combat sequences
Lastability : It's hard to imagine “Finishing” this game, and it's one you'll come back to for a break from the more usual Nintendo fare.
Overall Although it lacks the immediate action of other games, silent service is an enjoyable and interesting sub-simulation.