Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Jane’s Combat Simulations: Naval Warfare Collection delivers a triad of classic military simulations that each explore a distinct facet of naval combat. In 688(I) Hunter/Killer, you step into the control room of a Los Angeles–class submarine, navigating the depths with sonar pings and torpedo salvos. Fleet Command shifts perspective to the bridge of an aircraft carrier task force, where macro-level decisions about ship positioning, air cover, and anti-submarine warfare determine victory or defeat. Finally, F/A-18 Simulator brings you into the cockpit of a Hornet, juggling radar locks, weapon management, and aerial dogfights at supersonic speeds.

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The collection’s strength lies in its faithful recreation of real-world procedures and systems. Submarine enthusiasts will appreciate the authentic sonar displays, thermal layer dynamics, and depth charge tactics of Hunter/Killer. Fleet Command’s strategic layer is underpinned by detailed order-of-battle charts and realistic engagement ranges, giving you the feel of commanding Task Force 61 in a tense Cold War confrontation. In the F/A-18 module, accurate flight physics, carrier catapult launches, and precise weapons delivery transform every sortie into a high-stakes mission.

While each simulation can be enjoyed independently, the shared naval theme creates a cohesive package. You can pursue silent underwater hunts one day and coordinate multi-ship formations the next, then switch to high-speed air combat—keeping the experience fresh across dozens of individual scenarios. For players who value depth over arcade thrills, the collection’s robust mission editors and difficulty sliders ensure endless replayability, letting you tailor each engagement to your preferred level of realism.

Graphics

Originally released in the mid-1990s, the visuals of Jane’s Combat Simulations show their age, but they remain serviceable and, in many cases, surprisingly immersive. Hunter/Killer’s grayscale sonar overlays and basic 3D wireframe models evoke the tension of submarine warfare, while the occasional splash effects and periscope zoom add cinematic flair to your underwater stalks. Textures may be low-resolution by modern standards, but the clarity of instrument panels and tactical displays never hinders gameplay.

Fleet Command takes a more abstract approach, presenting naval battles on a clean, strategic map interface. Ships and aircraft appear as icons rather than full 3D models, but detailed status bars, threat cones, and engagement rings provide all the information you need at a glance. This minimalist aesthetic keeps the focus on planning and command decisions rather than photorealistic visuals, allowing you to track dozens of units without clutter.

F/A-18 Simulator offers the most visually detailed experience of the three, featuring a 3D cockpit with instrument gauges that react to your inputs and external views of Hornet models with smooth animations. Landscape textures are simple, but runway lighting, carrier deck crew, and weather effects like clouds and rain create an atmospheric backdrop for your takeoffs, landings, and air-to-air engagements. Though dated, the graphics strike a fine balance between functional clarity and period charm.

Story

As a pure military simulation suite, Jane’s Combat Simulations: Naval Warfare Collection foregoes a traditional narrative in favor of scenario-based engagements rooted in hypothetical Cold War and modern conflicts. Each module presents a variety of historically inspired missions—patrols in the Barents Sea, convoy escorts in the Atlantic, or Red Flag–style air exercises—that provide context through briefing documents and radio chatter. These mission briefs supply just enough background to immerse you in the geopolitical stakes without bogging down the simulation with lengthy cutscenes.

Hunter/Killer missions often revolve around tracking silent enemy submarines or intercepting surface vessels conducting covert operations. Briefings detail sonar signatures, target profiles, and environmental factors, setting the stage for tense cat-and-mouse gameplay beneath the waves. In Fleet Command, scenarios simulate contested sea lanes and carrier strike group deployments, with strategic objectives that range from protecting vital supply convoys to launching amphibious assaults on hostile shores.

F/A-18’s campaign scenarios put you in the pilot’s seat for combined-arms operations against both land and sea targets. Briefings outline target coordinates, SAM threat zones, and friendly forces’ positions, creating dynamic mission plans that require both precision flying and situational awareness. Although you won’t find character-driven arcs or branching storylines here, the clear stakes and authentic military atmosphere ensure that each sortie feels purposeful and consequential.

Overall Experience

For serious simulation fans, the Naval Warfare Collection is a treasure trove of depth and variety. Each title captures a different aspect of maritime conflict—undersea stealth, fleet-level tactics, and carrier aviation—while maintaining the rigorous attention to procedural detail that Jane’s Combat Simulations is known for. The learning curve can be steep, especially if you dive straight into advanced settings, but the sense of accomplishment after successfully executing a coordinated attack or evading an enemy escort is immensely rewarding.

Newcomers should expect to spend time with the tutorials and manual pages, which remain invaluable resources for understanding complex controls and systems. Once you master the basics—periscope management, carrier landing patterns, threat assessment—you’ll find that each simulation flows naturally and offers nuanced challenges that arcade-style games simply can’t replicate. The collection’s modular design means you can focus on your favorite aspect of naval combat or tackle all three for a comprehensive immersion.

Despite dated graphics and UI, the enduring appeal of the Jane’s Combat Simulations: Naval Warfare Collection lies in its uncompromising realism and broad scope. Whether you’re plotting submarine patrol routes, directing a carrier task force, or conducting precision air strikes, the collection provides a satisfying simulation playground. For anyone passionate about maritime operations and tactical depth, this anthology remains a compelling addition to any flight or naval sim library.

Retro Replay Score

null/10