Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Silent Service II drops you into the cold, tense world of submarine warfare in the Pacific Theater during World War II. You take command of one of nine playable U.S. submarines, each modeled after real vessels, and juggle speed, depth, direction and fuel as you stalk Japanese convoys and warships. The interface faithfully recreates periscope views and sonar consoles, giving you a sense of being in the cramped, claustrophobic control room below deck.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Missions span seven historically inspired encounters, ranging from dawn patrols to moonlit ambushes against the Japanese fleet. Fuel management and torpedo inventory become critical factors when you push deeper into enemy waters. You have access to ten torpedo types—from the reliable Mark 14 to special-purpose acoustic and proximity-fuzed weapons—so planning your loadout based on target composition and escort patterns is vital.

Enemy AI is surprisingly aggressive: destroyers will drop depth charges if they detect your presence, and capital ships can zigzag out of your targeting solution. You’ll need to master tactics like “end-around” maneuvers, stealthy periscope peeks, and silent running to avoid detection. The inclusion of surface gun engagements and night attacks adds variety, forcing you to decide whether to risk surfacing for deck gun attacks or rely solely on torpedoes.

Replayability is high thanks to the open-ocean campaign mode, where the entire Pacific is your sandbox. Randomized ship movements and dynamic weather conditions ensure no two patrols feel identical. Whether you’re plotting a direct intercept course to sink a Yamato-class battleship or picking off unescorted transports under cover of darkness, Silent Service II remains a tense, methodical simulation that rewards patience and careful decision-making.

Graphics

Silent Service II’s graphics were impressive for its time, presenting a clean, functional cockpit layout and crisp 2D sprite-based ships on an expansive 3D ocean plane. You’ll spend much of your time peering through the periscope viewfinder, which simulates optical distortion and limited visibility in fog or night conditions. These effects, though simple by modern standards, heighten immersion and make sightings feel earned.

The instrument panels—depth gauge, speed indicator, helm compass and sonar display—are all rendered at readable resolutions, allowing you to make quick adjustments under fire. Ship models are distinct: destroyers, cruisers and battleships each have unique silhouettes, enabling rapid target identification. Torpedo trails, explosion animations and wake effects add satisfying visual feedback when you land a hit.

Water and sky backdrops shift dynamically to replicate dawn, dusk and stormy seas, injecting visual variety into your patrols. While there’s no lavish terrain detail or high-definition textures, the minimalist presentation keeps the focus squarely on tactical gameplay rather than flashy graphics. For fans of classic simulations, the mix of functionality and atmosphere remains appealing.

Story

Silent Service II doesn’t rely on a scripted narrative or cutscene-driven campaign. Instead, it immerses you in the broader story of the Pacific war through mission briefings that reference real engagements and strategic objectives. You’re not just sinking ships—you’re playing a vital role in countering Japan’s supply lines and supporting island-hopping offensives.

Each of the seven missions recreates an actual US Navy submarine patrol or battle, from the early desperation after Pearl Harbor to late-war “graffiti patrols” where lone wolf skippers hunted the remnants of the Japanese fleet. These scenarios lend historical weight to your actions and reinforce the stakes: a successful patrol could turn the tide of battle thousands of miles from home.

Between missions, you receive reports on tonnage sunk, enemy countermeasures, and progress toward overall war goals. While there’s no in-depth character development or dialogue trees, the authentic war briefing style and period-accurate naval terminology provide context and keep you engaged. You feel like you’re part of a larger effort, where every torpedo counts.

Overall Experience

Silent Service II stands out as a deep, challenging submarine simulator that balances historical authenticity with accessible controls. There’s a learning curve—new commanders may find the interface daunting—but an in-game manual walks you through weapon settings, navigation procedures and engagement tactics. Once you grasp the fundamentals, the rush of lining up a perfect torpedo spread never gets old.

The tension of stealth gameplay is perhaps the title’s greatest asset. You’ll spend long stretches plotting approach vectors and monitoring sonar, punctuated by heart-pounding moments when you have to evade depth charges or dive to escape an alerted destroyer. The soundtrack is sparse—just rattling metal bulkheads, sonar pings and distant explosions—but this quiet reinforces the loneliness and danger of submarine warfare.

For enthusiasts of naval history and realistic sims, Silent Service II delivers pageantry without sacrificing grit. Casual gamers seeking fast-paced action might find the pacing too deliberate, but if you relish strategic resource management, cat-and-mouse engagements and genuine period detail, this game remains a must-play. With a vast Pacific map to explore, nine submarine classes to master and seven missions that span the war’s key moments, there’s ample reason to dive back in patrol after patrol.

Whether you aim to replay famous sinkings or create your own undersea legend, Silent Service II offers a rewarding voyage beneath the waves. Strap in, set your depth, and prepare for a journey that tests your nerve as much as your tactical acumen. The silent service awaits.

Retro Replay Score

8/10