Silent Service (Nintendo Entertainment System) Home Page
Release Data
Developer: Rare
Publisher: Ultra
Release Date: December 1989
System: Nintendo Entertainment System
Genre: Military Simulation
Players: 1
Description
Originally developed by Sid Meier and released for the Apple II as well as several other home computers in 1985, Silent Service was later ported to the NES by Rare in 1989. Silent Service takes place during World War II and is set in the Pacific theater. Players must hunt down Japanese convoys in a variety of scenarios using an American diesel submarine from the WW2 era. Torpedoes and the submarine’s deck gun are used to damage enemy ships. While tanker and supply ships are defenseless, the Japanese destroyers that escort them are armed with cannons and depth charges. Destroyers and the more powerful Kai Bokan warship will actively hunt the player once his or her sub has been detected.
Players can submerge their submarine to avoid detection and try to escape from enemy pursuit. Diving renders the deck gun inactive until the sub resurfaces. The periscope can be used to visually spot ships up to a depth of about forty, but can not be used at greater depths. Players must take care when diving, because the sub can be damaged and possibly crushed at depths greater than four hundred. Being submerged also reduces the submarine’s speed.
The sub has a limited number of torpedoes in its bow and aft tubes. It also has a finite amount of deck gun shells. Fuel is inexhaustible in most game modes, but the player is only given about sixty days worth of fuel in War Patrol mode. Damage to the sub is repaired over time, but players can set this value so repairs can only be made in ports during the beginning of the scenario.
A built-in map allows players to view the tactical area of operations. The map can be zoomed in and out depending on the player’s needs. An Engine Order Telegraph (E.O.T.) allows players to adjust the sub’s speed. The sub’s depth and heading is adjusted using a four pointed arrow near the E.O.T. In-game time can be speed up using a gauge on the right side of the screen. Time can be set to Normal, 2x, 4x, or 8x by clicking N or F respectively.
Gallery
Further Reading
Want to learn more about Silent Service for NES? Check out these resources.
Guide:
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/nes/587616-silent-service/faqs/47966
Share your thoughts on Silent Service in the comments below!