Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

688 Attack Sub delivers a deep and methodical submarine simulation that challenges players to think and act like a true sub skipper. Each of the ten missions—from quiet patrols to tense anti-ship engagements—forces you to juggle multiple stations: sonar, weapons, navigation, helm, radio, and periscope. You can either manage every detail yourself or delegate tasks to your AI crew, allowing you to focus on big-picture strategy or dive headfirst into every tactical decision.

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The learning curve is deliberately steep, reflecting the game’s commitment to realism. Sonar contacts must be classified by ear and plotted carefully on your navigation chart, while torpedo data requires precise input of speed, depth, and firing solution. Though the interface is dated by modern standards, the authentic control panel layouts and audible beeps and clicks add to the immersive experience, rewarding players who invest time in mastering each station.

Mission variety keeps the gameplay fresh. In American missions, you may be tasked with shadowing Soviet task forces or escorting friendly convoys, whereas the Soviet scenarios often involve intercepting NATO vessels or breaking enemy screen defenses. Each scenario is crafted to test different aspects of submarine warfare, from stealthy reconnaissance to high-stakes torpedo engagements under the threat of depth charges.

Delegation offers a welcome accessibility option. If you prefer a broader tactical view, you can assign sonar sweeps or weapons solutions to your crew, then focus on navigation and mission objectives. This balance between full control and delegation ensures that both simulation veterans and newcomers can find a comfortable playstyle without sacrificing the core tension of silent underwater combat.

Graphics

Visually, 688 Attack Sub embraces the constraints of late-1980s hardware by focusing on close-up control panel views rather than open-water 3D renderings. The central screen displays your sonar scopes, periscope targeting reticles, and weapons control indicators in crisp, clear detail. Though static by modern standards, these instrument readouts effectively convey the sense of being inside a Cold War–era sub.

Occasional digitized images of surface ships, enemy vessels, and officer portraits provide a break from the control panels and add a touch of realism. While these snapshots lack the fluid animation of later titles, their pixelated charm underscores the game’s early pioneering status in the simulation genre. They also serve as important visual cues for important mission events, such as identifying a Soviet cruiser or visually confirming a periscope target.

The user interface prioritizes function over flair. Colored icons and simple text labels guide you through station management, and sound effects—like sonar pings, torpedo tube cycles, and hull creaks—reinforce the atmosphere. Though you’ll miss the dynamic ocean swells and detailed vessel models of modern subsims, the minimalist presentation keeps the focus squarely on tactical decision-making.

Overall, while the graphics won’t impress those accustomed to high-definition visuals, they remain effective in communicating critical information. The control‐panel aesthetic supports the immersive goal, letting you feel like an officer in charge of a nuclear sub where every dial twist or sonar blip matters.

Story

Rather than a traditional narrative, 688 Attack Sub delivers its story through mission briefings, radio chatter, and the silent tension of Cold War standoffs. Each mission comes with a clear objective—shadowing an enemy carrier group, disrupting a supply convoy, or escaping depth-charge barrages—immersing you in the geopolitical chess game of the era.

The absence of character-driven cutscenes or dialogue-heavy sequences is intentional, reflecting the isolated, duty-focused life aboard a submarine. Your crew is identified by rank and station, not personality, emphasizing collective teamwork over individual heroics. This approach might feel sparse compared to modern story-rich sims, but it reinforces the sense of responsibility that comes with commanding a strategic weapons platform.

Environmental storytelling—through sonar contacts, tactical decision points, and radio transmissions—gradually conveys the escalating tensions between NATO and Warsaw Pact forces. You gain a palpable sense of being a silent hunter in the vast ocean, where one wrong move could lead to detection and catastrophic counterattack.

By building atmosphere through sound cues and mission context rather than cutscenes, the game invites you to create your own submarine drama. The quiet hum of the reactor, the steady drip of compartment alarms, and the sudden flare of action during torpedo engagements become the chapters in your own Cold War narrative.

Overall Experience

688 Attack Sub remains a foundational title in submarine simulation, offering an engrossing blend of realism, strategy, and atmosphere. Its focus on authentic station management sets it apart from arcade-style naval games, rewarding patience, careful listening, and methodical planning. If you’ve ever dreamed of commanding a nuclear-powered sub during the height of the Cold War, this game delivers that experience in unvarnished form.

Although the graphics and sound design feel dated, they serve the larger goal of immersion by emphasizing functional instrumentation and believable crew delegation. The game’s stripped-down presentation ensures minimal distractions, letting you concentrate on the tactical challenges of underwater warfare. Modern players may need to adjust expectations, but the core simulation remains engaging even decades after its release.

The mission design strikes a solid balance between guided objectives and open-ended tactics. You’ll find yourself refining sonar-search patterns, mastering periscope tracking, and perfecting torpedo solutions as you progress through the ten scenarios. Replay value is bolstered by the choice between American and Soviet consoles, each offering subtle differences in performance and handling.

For enthusiasts of military simulations and Cold War history, 688 Attack Sub offers a valuable slice of gaming heritage. While its age shows in visuals and UI conventions, the underlying gameplay continues to challenge and satisfy players who appreciate thoughtful, slower-paced strategy. It’s a rewarding experience for those willing to immerse themselves in the world of submarine command.

Retro Replay Score

6.8/10