688 Attack Sub

688 Attack Sub is a 1989 submarine sim from Electronic Arts, designed by John W. Ratcliff and Paul Grace. It was released for DOS and the Amiga, and later for the Sega Genesis. Its music was composed by Rob Hubbard.

You command either a US Los Angeles-class or a Soviet Alfa-class nuclear attack submarine across ten missions, from Cold War scenarios to a hypothetical global conflict.

Gameplay

688 Attack Sub balances realism and accessibility, with each station aboard the submarine shown on its own screen.

• Two submarines: The US boat has better electronics and more weapons, while the Soviet boat is faster.
• Stations: Sonar, weapons, periscope, navigation and more.
• Sonar: Identify contacts by their sound signatures.
• Ten missions: A range of Cold War scenarios.
• Two-player mode: Play head-to-head via modem or null-modem cable.

The digitised graphics and sound were impressive for 1989, and the two-player mode was a highlight.

Verdict

688 Attack Sub is a classic, accessible submarine sim. It’s dated now, but it laid the groundwork for later sims such as 688(I) Hunter/Killer.