Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Submarine Titans delivers a fresh twist on real-time strategy by immersing players in a fully realized underwater world. The game’s core mechanic revolves around commanding fleets of submarines across five distinct depth levels, transforming the familiar 2D plane into a layered battlefield. This vertical dimension introduces unique tactical considerations: some units excel in deep trenches, while others dominate near the seabed or midwater. As each depth offers different movement and line-of-sight advantages, skilled captains will learn to coordinate multi-level attacks and surprise enemy forces from unexpected angles.

The title features three robust single-player campaigns—White Sharks, Black Octopi, and the alien Silicons—each offering ten missions that progressively develop faction-specific strengths. Human factions rely on construction submarines to seed buildings that then autonomously finish construction, while the Silicons deploy self-transforming capsules. This structural diversity keeps base management engaging, as players must balance resource intake, unit production, and defensive planning. Special units like Marauders (capable of capturing enemy vessels), Avengers (disabling opponents), and Dreadnoughts (bombarding from above) demand strategic foresight and create memorable battlefield moments.

Resource management in Submarine Titans is multifaceted. Humans juggle oxygen, metal, Corium 276, and gold: oxygen fuels base operations, metal and Corium feed industrial growth, and gold can be extracted almost anywhere. Silicons streamline to energy, Corium, and silicon, reflecting their alien biology and technological leanings. Each resource influences construction speed, research progression, or unit upkeep, forcing players to scout map deposits and safeguard vital extraction points. The deep tech tree further enriches strategic options, unlocking advanced submarines, powerful superweapons, and specialized defenses that can turn the tide of war.

Beyond single-player, Submarine Titans includes a versatile map editor, a sound editor, and random map generation for skirmish and multiplayer matches. The AI offers three difficulty presets, plus customizable behavior settings via an external application—ideal for players who crave unique challenge profiles. These tools, combined with hacking mechanics to capture enemy tech, ensure each playthrough can feel distinct, whether you’re experimenting with faction synergies or testing new tactics against friends online.

Graphics

Although Submarine Titans employs a 2D engine, the developers have masterfully conveyed a sense of three-dimensional depth. Players can rotate the battlefield in 45° increments and smoothly zoom in and out, allowing for detailed views of intricate submarine models and sprawling underwater bases. The lighting effects—filtered sunlight, bioluminescent flora, and flickering warning lamps—imbue each map with an eerie, immersive ambiance that underscores the ocean’s vastness and mystery.

Unit and environment sprites are richly detailed, from the sleek contours of human-built hulls to the organic, shell-like structures of Silicon constructs. Animations feel deliberate and weighty: torpedo trails leave subtle wakes, shield fields pulse with energy, and explosions send debris scattering across the seabed. Defensive installations perch on rocky outcroppings, their turrets swiveling fluidly to track targets, while resource extractors exhibit mechanical precision as they bore into Corium veins or harvest gold nuggets.

The user interface strikes a balance between functional clarity and thematic flair. Iconography is intuitive—resource counters display intuitive symbols, ability buttons are clearly labeled, and the minimap provides a crisp overview of multi-level engagements. In-game tooltips offer concise explanations, and color-coded faction schemes help prevent confusion during fast-paced skirmishes. While the visuals may not rival modern 3D blockbusters, Submarine Titans’ artistic direction delivers a cohesive, visually appealing underwater world that stands the test of time.

Story

Submarine Titans opens with the harrowing aftermath of the Clark Comet’s impact, which forced humanity to seek refuge beneath the ocean’s surface. From this compelling premise emerges two distinct human factions: the militaristic White Sharks, eager to seize dominance through brute force, and the eco-minded Black Octopi, who champion technological innovation and environmental stewardship. Their ideological clash provides a rich backdrop for political intrigue and battlefield drama.

As the campaigns unfold, players witness shifting alliances and unexpected betrayals, particularly when the Silicons—an enigmatic alien race shaped by crystalline biology—make their presence known. Each mission’s objectives reinforce narrative stakes: rescue stranded convoys, cripple enemy research labs, or secure ancient alien artifacts. Between missions, cutscenes and mission briefings flesh out character motivations, revealing the hidden costs of war and humanity’s struggle for survival in a hostile environment.

Although voice acting is sparingly used, the game relies on clear mission text and evocative imagery to convey its storyline. Players become invested in key personalities—White Shark admirals exuding martial pride, Black Octopi scientists grappling with moral dilemmas, and the inscrutable Silicon overseers pursuing inscrutable goals. This narrative variety encourages multiple playthroughs, as experiencing each faction’s perspective sheds new light on the overarching conflict and the mysteries lurking in the abyss.

Overall Experience

Submarine Titans stands out as an ambitious underwater RTS that balances innovation with solid genre fundamentals. Its vertical combat layers and diverse faction mechanics offer depth and replayability, while the polished AI customization and map editing tools extend the game’s lifespan well beyond the campaign. Fans of strategic micromanagement will appreciate the nuanced interplay between resource control, unit positioning, and tech upgrades.

The game’s learning curve can be steep—juggling four or more resource types and mastering three campaigns demands dedication. However, newcomers can ease into the experience by experimenting in skirmish mode or tuning AI aggression. Multiplayer skirmishes, though limited by the era’s networking constraints, add another dimension to the game’s strategic potential, especially when pitting unusual faction matchups against friends.

Ultimately, Submarine Titans provides an engaging, thoughtful dive into RTS territory that’s refreshingly different from land-based contemporaries. Its strong thematic cohesion, inventive mechanics, and variety of single-player and customizable modes make it a worthy addition to any strategy enthusiast’s library. Whether you’re intrigued by underwater warfare, faction rivalry, or deep customization, Submarine Titans delivers an experience as vast and unpredictable as the ocean itself.

Retro Replay Score

6.6/10