688(I) Hunter/Killer

About

"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.

Genres & Tags

Strategy

Play Modes

78%

Audience ScoreBased on 258 reviews

story14 positive mentions

graphics16 negative mentions

Highly realistic submarine simulation that offers a deep and engaging experience.
Despite its dated graphics, the gameplay remains solid and rewarding for those who invest time in learning the mechanics.
The game features a comprehensive manual that enhances understanding of submarine operations and tactics.

The steep learning curve and lack of in-game tutorials can make it difficult for new players to get started.
Many players report technical issues, including crashes and poor performance on modern systems.
Graphics are outdated and may not appeal to those accustomed to modern gaming visuals.

story
104 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
84%
3%
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 can engage in immersive gameplay with a variety of mission types, including training, single, and campaign 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.”
- “However, if you can pass through that, you will find a good game with interesting missions and tense moments.”
- “The game suffers some sort of timing problem on modern systems, rendering some objectives not achievable in one of the single missions and one campaign mission, and the final campaign mission unwinnable via the normal route.”
- “There are other missions like this, but the simple thrust of this review is that the whole model of detection is much simpler and more arithmetic than future submarine simulators can be, and that limits both the enjoyment and replayability of this title.”
- “You don't play this game just for the story.”
graphics
70 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
60%
23%
The graphics of the game are widely regarded as outdated and primitive, reminiscent of early gaming days with a resolution limited to 640x480. Despite their clunky appearance, many players find them sufficient for gameplay, emphasizing that the simulation and strategic elements remain engaging and enjoyable. While the visuals may not meet modern standards, they hold a nostalgic charm for fans of the genre, and the gameplay experience compensates for the graphical shortcomings.
- “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.”
- “While the graphics are something from the early days of gaming computers, the simulation is as good as it gets in my experience.”
- “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.”
- “Yes, the graphics are truly clunky these days.”
- “Graphics are obviously extremely outdated, but the gameplay hasn't changed.”
gameplay
46 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
71%
7%
The gameplay is described as immersive and engaging, particularly praised for its improved interface and realistic mechanics compared to previous titles like Sub Command and Dangerous Waters. However, players note the steep learning curve due to a lack of in-depth tutorials and outdated graphics, which may deter newcomers. Overall, while the gameplay offers a solid simulation experience for fans of naval strategy, it requires patience and a willingness to navigate its complexities.
- “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.”
music
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
58%
21%
The music in the game has received mixed reviews; while some players praise the intense and atmospheric soundtrack reminiscent of the 90s, others find it repetitive and annoying, leading them to turn it off. The sound effects are noted for their official and immersive quality, enhancing the overall experience. Overall, the soundtrack is highlighted as a significant aspect of the game, with some players expressing a desire for more music of this style.
- “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').”
replayability
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
17%
33%
The game offers straightforward and dynamic missions that provide a decent level of replayability, with some users noting significant replay value. However, the simplicity of the detection model may limit long-term enjoyment and replay potential compared to more complex future submarine simulators.
- “- The missions are straightforward, dynamic, and replayable.”
- “6: Lots of replay value.”
- “There are other missions like this, but the simple thrust of this review is that the whole model of detection is much simpler and more arithmetic than future submarine simulators can be, and that limits both the enjoyment and replayability of this title.”
- “The missions are straightforward, dynamic, and replayable.”
- “There is lots of replay value.”
humor
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by intentionally cheesy campaign debriefings that, while detracting from realism, provide a comedic element that some players find amusing. However, it lacks the level of humor found in some of its predecessors, such as "Dangerous Waters."
- “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.”
emotional
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express that the game evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of childhood experiences and the excitement of discovery. It captures the innocence and wonder of learning something new, akin to the feelings of characters like Rex from Toy Story.
- “This game woke up the sleeping younger me and made me feel like a kid again who was 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.”
optimization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's optimization has received criticism for its glitchy performance, which detracts from the experience, despite players being tolerant of the old-school graphics.
- “Started playing it a while ago and though I don't mind the old-school graphics, the glitchy performance is annoying.”