Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Jane’s Combat Simulations: 688(I) Hunter/Killer delivers an impressively deep submarine command experience, putting you at the helm of a 688(Improved)-class vessel. You’ll take charge of more than a dozen operational stations—from sonar to weapons control—each requiring careful attention and coordination. The complexity ramps up naturally through training missions, where you learn the ropes before diving into single encounters and a full campaign that spans realistic Cold War scenarios.

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Managing all the stations simultaneously is where the real fun—and challenge—begins. You’ll need to balance scanning for enemy contacts, plotting attack trajectories, adjusting depth and speed, and coordinating with allied forces. Every decision matters: a misread sonar ping or a delayed torpedo launch can mean mission failure. For players who thrive on attention to detail and strategic thinking, this title offers hours of engrossing, high-stakes gameplay.

Beyond the single-player missions, the multiplayer component extends the life of the game significantly. Whether over the Internet, a LAN, or even a modem connection, you can test your tactical skills against real opponents. Cooperative play is also supported, allowing friends to split station duties and experience the thrill of coordinated submarine warfare. For sim enthusiasts, the depth and flexibility of the gameplay are nothing short of compelling.

Graphics

For its time, Hunter/Killer showcases detailed 3D submarine models and realistic ocean environments that bring the depths to life. The water surface dynamically ripples and reflects light, while underwater terrain is rendered with depth contours, oceanic trenches, and seafloor textures that enhance both immersion and tactical decision-making. Recognizing underwater topography is crucial in avoiding detection and staging ambushes.

The user interface is designed to evoke an actual submarine’s control room, with crisp, functional instrument panels and gauges. Sonar scopes, periscope views, and tactical displays are laid out intuitively, letting you switch between stations seamlessly. While the graphical fidelity may feel dated by today’s standards, the attention to accuracy and the clean design ensure clarity in high-pressure situations.

Visual feedback during combat sequences—such as torpedo launches, depth charge detonations, and enemy sub hull breaches—is both dramatic and informative. Smoke, explosions, and water plumes are rendered convincingly, providing immediate confirmation of your tactical decisions. Whether you’re running silent or engaging targets at long range, the graphical presentation maintains a solid balance between realism and playability.

Story

The campaign in 688(I) Hunter/Killer is structured around a series of Cold War–era conflicts, with briefings that set the stage for each mission. You’re tasked with a variety of objectives—from intelligence gathering and covert surveillance to full-on naval engagements. The narrative framework, though not heavily cinematic, offers enough context to give your orders real-world weight and significance.

Briefing rooms feature detailed mission plans, briefing maps, and strategic overviews that immerse you in the geopolitical tension of the time. As you progress, scenarios grow more complex, introducing multi-stage objectives that require stealth, patience, and precise execution. The story unfolds through mission debriefs and radio chatter, creating a palpable sense of urgency and stakes.

While the game does not rely on lengthy cutscenes or voiced characters, its authentic military-style briefings and realistic radio communications deliver a credible atmosphere. You feel like a commander receiving orders from naval headquarters, and each successful mission reinforces the sense that your actions have direct impact on broader strategic goals.

Overall Experience

Jane’s Combat Simulations: 688(I) Hunter/Killer stands out as one of the most thorough submarine simulators of its generation. Its steep learning curve may intimidate newcomers, but comprehensive training missions and clear station-based tutorials ease players into the experience. Once you’ve mastered the basics, the game rewards your commitment with some of the most tactically rich and suspenseful gameplay available in naval simulations.

The balance between single-player content and multiplayer options ensures that both solo strategists and competitive gamers will find plenty to enjoy. The campaign offers hours of scenario-driven missions, while the ability to pit your wits against human opponents adds unpredictable challenges that keep each engagement fresh. Cooperative play also shines, fostering teamwork as you and your crewmates handle different stations.

Despite aging graphics and a user interface that reflects its 1990s heritage, the overall package remains remarkably engaging. The combination of realistic controls, authentic atmosphere, and robust mission design makes 688(I) Hunter/Killer a must-have for enthusiasts of naval warfare and simulation aficionados. For anyone seeking a deep, rewarding dive into submarine command, this title remains a classic worth adding to your collection.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10