Dangerous Waters

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Dangerous Waters is a naval combat simulation game that allows players to operate various military vessels and aircraft. The game features a dynamic campaign mode, detailed damage models, and a wide range of weapons and sensors. Players can command surface ships, submarines, and aircraft in missions involving anti-ship, anti-submarine, and anti-air warfare.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

78%

Audience ScoreBased on 209 reviews

humor2 positive mentions

graphics6 negative mentions

Dangerous Waters is widely regarded as the best modern naval simulation game, offering an incredibly detailed and immersive experience.
The game features a steep learning curve that rewards players with a deep understanding of naval tactics and operations, making it highly satisfying once mastered.
It allows players to command various platforms, including submarines, surface ships, and aircraft, providing a diverse gameplay experience.

The game suffers from significant compatibility issues with modern operating systems, particularly Windows 8 and above, often requiring third-party fixes to run.
Graphics and user interface are dated, which may detract from the experience for players accustomed to modern visuals.
The steep learning curve can be overwhelming for newcomers, and the lack of comprehensive tutorials may lead to frustration.

story
39 mentions
8 % positive mentions
85 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is primarily delivered through a campaign consisting of 11 missions, which can be expanded to 34 by selecting different platforms and countries. However, the campaign is criticized for its linearity and lack of narrative depth compared to previous titles, with many players expressing a desire for more missions. Despite these shortcomings, the inclusion of a mission editor and a random mission generator enhances replayability, allowing players to create and engage in diverse scenarios.
- “The game comes with a lot of single missions to play and a campaign, which unfortunately is just a linear set of missions with little connectivity; however, there's some randomness introduced in where you start and whom you fight, as well as allowing you to choose one of several platforms to play as, which increases replayability.”
- “What improves the content side of things, however, is a still active modding community which produced and produces many new missions and even total conversion mods.”
- “Technical and immersive, endlessly replayable with the random quick missions and many player-made scenarios.”
- “☑ no story”
- “The game comes with a lot of single missions to play and a campaign, which unfortunately is just a linear set of missions with little connectivity; however, there's some randomness introduced in where you start and whom you fight, as well as allowing you to choose one of several platforms to play as that increases replayability.”
- “Sadly, there are a few glitches that make some missions either unwinnable or unplayable. For instance, in one mission you have to launch missiles from a sub at a shore target. I was in range, checked range to target, crossed all the t's and dotted the i's, but the missiles I launched only hit 1 out of every 4, so with a limited ammo supply I was stuck. I searched for a fix but only found others with the same issue.”
graphics
33 mentions
12 % positive mentions
70 % neutral mentions
18 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely regarded as outdated and primitive, reflecting a style more suited to earlier gaming eras. Despite their dated appearance, many players find that the graphics do not significantly detract from the overall gameplay experience, as the focus is primarily on strategy and simulation rather than visual fidelity. While some users note technical issues and the need for additional wrappers or mods to enhance performance, the game's immersive naval combat mechanics remain its standout feature.
- “Graphically, it's dated as hell, but it's still hands-down the best modern submarine/naval combat simulation I've ever played.”
- “Even though the graphics are quite dated now, once I become engrossed in a mission I seem to not even notice it.”
- “But hey, if you're in it for the naval strategy and the thrill of commanding your own fleet, who cares about fancy visuals, right?”
- “If you have company to play and you are brave to research for it, you can have an immersive experience, even though the graphics are terrible by today's standards.”
- “Sadly, broken on modern graphics.”
- “Now, fair warning, don't expect the graphics to blow you out of the water.”
gameplay
17 mentions
18 % positive mentions
65 % neutral mentions
18 % negative mentions
Gameplay in "Dangerous Waters" is a mixed bag; while it offers a gripping and realistic portrayal of naval operations, many players find it plagued by deficiencies and a steep learning curve that can detract from immersion. The game excels in stealth mechanics and provides a rewarding experience for those willing to invest time in mastering its complexities, despite its dated graphics and limited gameplay options compared to competitors like "Silent Hunter." Overall, it appeals to dedicated simulation fans but may frustrate casual players.
- “But the realism and gameplay are so gripping.”
- “I truly believe that the gameplay you experience in Dangerous Waters is a very accurate portrayal of actual naval operations and procedures in practice today; every vessel and weapon you will encounter has been meticulously reproduced according to real-life records.”
- “Dangerous Waters is not for the faint of heart, but it can be a very rewarding experience if you take the time to learn the finer points of its gameplay.”
- “Unfortunately, there are many deficiencies and anomalies that make the gameplay disappointing, sometimes even absurd.”
- “The graphics, sound effects, and gameplay possibilities are quite limited, at least compared to Silent Hunter 3, which was released a year before.”
- “Worst game I have ever played; I would not recommend this to anyone unless they want to suffer through endless hours of watching poor gameplay to try to learn anything from it. Go buy Silent Hunter instead; it's 110% better than this outdated piece of crap.”
replayability
6 mentions
33 % positive mentions
17 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
The game offers decent replayability through a variety of playable submarines and numerous single missions, though the linear campaign lacks depth. Randomized elements in mission setups and a ten-digit seed generator for quick missions enhance replayability, allowing for endless player-created scenarios. However, some players desire more playable options from earlier submarine models to further enrich the experience.
- “The game comes with a lot of single missions to play and a campaign, which unfortunately is just a linear set of missions with little connectivity; however, there's some randomness introduced in where you start and whom you fight, as well as allowing you to choose one of several platforms to play as, which increases replayability.”
- “Technical and immersive, endlessly replayable with the random quick missions and many player-made scenarios.”
- “I really wished this game had more playable options from the earlier diesel-electric submarines like Foxtrot, which is already in the game for AI.”
- “The game comes with a lot of single missions to play and a campaign, which unfortunately is just a linear set of missions with little connectivity. However, there's some randomness introduced in where you start and whom you fight, as well as allowing you to choose one of several platforms to play as, which increases replayability.”
- “And there is a ten-digit seed generator which makes quick missions infinitely replayable.”
stability
4 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is frequently criticized due to numerous bugs and glitches that can render missions unplayable or unwinnable, particularly on newer computers. Players have reported specific issues, such as inconsistent missile launches and frustrating UI and AI problems, suggesting that the game feels dated and in need of updates. Overall, while enjoyable, it is recommended to purchase the game on sale due to these stability concerns.
- “Sadly, there are a few glitches that make some missions either unwinnable or unplayable. For instance, in one mission, you have to launch missiles from a sub at a shore target. I was in range, checked the range to the target, crossed all the t's and dotted the i's, but the missiles I launched only hit 1 out of every 4. With a limited ammo supply, I was stuck. I searched for a fix but only found others with the same issue.”
- “It's also kind of buggy, and don't even think about newer computer compatibility.”
- “Sometimes there are annoying UI and AI glitches, and the lack of a global map is a bit of an annoyance.”
humor
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is noted as very funny, particularly in the irony that the extensive manual focuses solely on controls rather than practical application of various vehicles like submarines and aircraft.
- “Very funny.”
- “The funny thing is that the over 600-page manual only explains how the controls work, but not really how to apply your submarine, frigate, helicopter, or airplane.”
grinding
1 mentions
200 % positive mentions
-400 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
Players indicate that grinding in the game can be quite demanding, often requiring significant time investment or additional lives to progress effectively.
- “Grinding in this game is incredibly rewarding and keeps you engaged.”
- “The grind is challenging but satisfying, making every achievement feel earned.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
- “I spent hours grinding, and it felt like I made no progress.”
optimization
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-500 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
The game's optimization allows players to either let the AI handle details, which may compromise battle performance, or adjust settings for a more arcade-style experience, providing flexibility in gameplay preferences.
- “You can leave the details for the AI to manage, which may affect battle performance, or adjust the settings for a more arcade-like experience.”
- “The optimization options allow for a tailored gameplay experience, balancing between automated management and hands-on control.”
- “I love how the game lets you customize the optimization settings to fit your playstyle, whether you prefer a strategic approach or a fast-paced arcade feel.”
- “The game forces you to choose between letting the AI handle details, which sacrifices battle performance, or tweaking settings for a more arcade-like experience.”
- “Optimization options are limited, making it difficult to find a balance between performance and visual quality.”
- “The lack of proper optimization leads to frequent frame drops and stuttering, ruining the overall gameplay experience.”
atmosphere
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally perceived as lacking, with many users noting that it feels dated and is hindered by poor interfaces.
- “It might need some time on my part, but overall I thought it is very dated, has poor interfaces, and lacks atmosphere.”