Review

If you had to order all the possible assignments during World War 2 according to comfort and survivability, submariners would be right at the bottom of the list. With all due respect for the deprivation and danger inherent in being a ball turret gunner or an OSS agent, the life of the submariner wasn't likely to inspire envy. But that doesn't mean that the life of the submariner doesn't make for a thrilling simulation. The new game Silent Hunter III recreates that world in as exciting and exacting a way as any submarine sim before it.

Developed by Ubisoft Romania , Silent Hunter III wonderfully simulates these battles for control of the Atlantic . You play as the commander of one of these U-boats in careers that span the whole length of submarine warfare. You can opt to begin in 1939 when the U-boats first began to attack Allied shipping or start later in 1943 once the tide of war had turned against the submariners.

Playable U-boats include type II, VII , IX and XXI submarines. Take aim against Allied convoys and warships. In recreating the great submarine battles of WWII players will hide in silence just below threatening escort ships, fire deadly torpedoes or surface and pound enemy with the deck gun.

Your crew will take orders and evolve based on the results of each patrol. Commanders must consider morale and fatigue in decision making. A reward system will advance rank, elevate skills and bestow medals for achievement. As the commander of the submarine, you'll be responsible for a variety of tasks. First, you'll need to set a course, running fast along the surface at night and creeping below the waterline during the day when spotters are more likely to see you. When you spot an enemy, you'll have to determine the best way to engage them and the best way to escape if you're detected. But though those are the basics, there are a number of complex systems you'll have to learn to manage in order to make this all happen. While you can order your crew to take charge of some of these systems, you'll find you get more enjoyment out of the game if you take a more hands on approach. Join a wolfpack with other live players and take aim against intelligent AI-controlled opponents. Test your skills against other players to determine the ace commander.

Silent Hunter III provides spectacular 3D water modeling, day/night cycles, realistic weather, historically accurate subs, ships and aircraft, detailed U-boat interiors and engaging audio, represent the ultimate in WWII submarine warfare.  

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