688(I) Hunter/Killer
- October 26, 2006
- Sonalysts
"688 Hunter/Killer" is a submarine simulation game that puts you in command of a 688 class submarine. Navigate through various missions, managing your crew, submarine systems, and weapons to complete objectives and defeat the enemy. The game features realistic physics and detailed submarine systems for an immersive underwater combat experience.
Reviews
- Highly realistic submarine simulation that offers a deep and engaging experience.
- Despite its dated graphics, the gameplay mechanics and strategic elements are solid and rewarding.
- Comes with an extensive manual that enhances the learning experience and provides valuable insights into submarine operations.
- The steep learning curve and lack of intuitive tutorials can make it difficult for new players to get started.
- Graphics are outdated and may deter players accustomed to modern visuals.
- Technical issues on modern systems, including crashes and compatibility problems, can hinder gameplay.
- story52 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 87 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's story is primarily conveyed through its missions, which are based on actual naval training scenarios and offer a mix of straightforward and challenging objectives. While the narrative depth may not be the main draw, players appreciate the immersive experience and the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing complex missions. However, some missions suffer from timing issues on modern systems, which can hinder the overall experience.
“The gameplay is so immersive and the story is so deep I can promise that you won't regret buying and playing this game.”
“Many of the missions are based on actual navy training scenarios and actual missions performed by our brave navy boys.”
“You have training missions, single missions, and campaigns as well to test your skills.”
“The game suffers from a timing problem on modern systems, rendering some objectives unachievable in one of the single missions and one campaign mission, making the final campaign mission unwinnable via the normal route.”
“The whole model of detection is much simpler and more arithmetic than future submarine simulators can be, which limits both the enjoyment and replayability of this title.”
“You don't play this game just for the story.”
- graphics35 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely regarded as outdated and primitive, reminiscent of early gaming days, with many users noting their clunky and simplistic nature. Despite this, players appreciate that the visuals are sufficient for gameplay and often find a nostalgic charm in the 90s aesthetic. Overall, while the graphics may not meet modern standards, they do not detract significantly from the solid gameplay experience.
“While the graphics are something from the early days of gaming computers, the simulation is as good as it gets in my experience.”
“I love the cheesy 90s graphics (they get the job done), the slick interface (UI is super intuitive and easy to use), and especially love the mini 3D view we get while operating the boat.”
“The graphics and presentation are obviously dated, but still have a certain charm.”
“The graphics are downright primitive by 2020 standards, as the game uses a custom written 3D engine hardcoded to use 640x480 and targeted DirectX 3.0.”
“Graphics are obviously extremely outdated, but the gameplay hasn't changed.”
“The graphics and presentation are obviously dated, but still have a certain charm.”
- gameplay23 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as immersive and engaging, with a strong emphasis on realism and strategic naval operations, particularly in the context of submarine simulation. While the interface and mechanics are praised for their improvement over previous titles, the game suffers from outdated graphics and a lack of comprehensive tutorials, making it challenging for new players to grasp the mechanics. Overall, it offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest time in learning its systems, despite some limitations in mission variety and accessibility.
“The gameplay is so immersive and the story is so deep I can promise that you won't regret buying and playing this game.”
“The gameplay feels better than both Sub Command and Dangerous Waters primarily due to the better interface design.”
“Gameplay consists of navigating your vessel, an improved Los Angeles-class submarine, and completing objectives such as sinking enemy ships and laying mines.”
“There are very few accommodations made for the sake of gameplay here.”
“It lacks an in-depth tutorial and there's not much to be found online regarding gameplay mechanics.”
“Honestly, I didn't understand the game mechanics all that much, so I dropped it.”
- music7 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 86 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players praise the intense and nostalgic soundtrack reminiscent of the 90s, others find it slow-paced or even annoying, leading them to turn it off. Overall, the soundtrack is noted for its tension and importance, with some users expressing a desire for more games to feature similar music.
“The soundtrack is awesome and tense as hell.”
“Though it's slow-paced as an experience (and crashed once for me), I absolutely admire the 90s graphics and the soundtrack. We need more like that, with this kind of tension and intensity.”
“This game's music is of special mention.”
“The music I had to turn off because it was kind of getting annoying.”
“The music was kind of alright and the sound effects when pushing buttons and dials felt all official and important sounding.”
“Though it's slow-paced as an experience (and crashed once for me), I absolutely admire the 90s graphics and the soundtrack (we need more like that, with this kind of 'tension' and 'intensity').”
- replayability3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some users appreciate the straightforward and dynamic missions that offer significant replay value, others feel that the simplistic detection model limits long-term enjoyment and variety compared to future submarine simulators.
“The missions are straightforward, dynamic, and replayable.”
“Lots of replay value.”
“The missions are straightforward, dynamic, and replayable.”
“There is lots of replay value.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is characterized by intentionally cheesy campaign debriefings that, while detracting from realism, add a comedic element that some players find amusing. Unlike its more humorous predecessors, it incorporates sea animals, which adds a unique twist to its comedic style. Overall, the humor is a mixed bag, balancing between fun and a loss of seriousness.
“Unlike some descendants of the game (like the hilariously dangerous waters), it features sea animals.”
“The campaign debriefings are intentionally cheesy; I think it sort of loses some realism there, but it's also a bit funny, so it's a wash.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express that the game evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of childhood experiences and the excitement of discovery. The emotional connection is likened to the innocence and wonder of characters like Rex from Toy Story, highlighting the joy of exploration and learning without guidance.
“This game woke up the sleeping younger me and made me feel like a kid again, figuring out how to play a game without using the manual.”
“While I was learning, this game made me feel like Rex from Toy Story when Buzz first comes around.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players have noted that while they appreciate the old-school graphics, the game's performance is hindered by frequent glitches, leading to a frustrating experience.
“Started playing it a while ago and though I don't mind the old-school graphics, the glitchy performance is annoying.”