Silent Hunter III

Title: Silent Hunter III
Platform Played On: PC
Release Date: March 15, 2005
Date Played: April-May 2005
Time Played: 10 hours
Completed (Y/N): No
Score: 4/5



Opinion:
I really enjoy simulators, and unfortunately there are very few good ones out there.  Silent Hunter is a shining example of a great submarine simulator.

Set in World War 2, you are a captain of a German U-Boat.  You embark on missions to disrupt Allied shipping lanes and destroy their battleships. You have full control of your submarine, from crew to loadouts. And let me tell you.  This is not an easy game. It is extremely complicated to navigate in an ocean ensuring the safety of your sub and at the same time taking out targets. This simulator is so detailed its incredible. You can walk between the compartments giving orders to your crew (an important part of the game) in order to ensure proper operation. You can even set the fuse on the torpedo like you would in real life. And as expected you have to account for current, time and relative motion.

One of the most intriguing parts of the Silent Hunter 3 is the ability to go anywhere in the world. You could sail to New York or anywhere in Europe.  It gives you a incredible sense of freedom. You feel like you can embark on your own adventure exploring the Atlantic waters and perhaps running into an Allied fleet that is trying to sneak by the German subs.

In addition to the campaign and the free roam modes there are also scenarios, one of which is the battle of Bismarck. One word can describe that scenario. Epic.  I remember firing it up the first time and ordering to surface. I popped up encircled by the British fleet unloading on Bismarck, a ginormous ship. My goal is to destroy the British war ships and save Bismarck.  Water tech in this game is amazing (or was amazing in 2005 when I played it) and so the whole battle scene was mesmerizing. Fire, crackle and explosions all around, hitting water and Bismarck, and me trying to navigate in this hell and sink the British. An incredible experience.

Silent Hunter 3 is a great submarine simulator full of epic battles and exciting moments, keep in mind though that this (like most other simulators) is no short game. Prepare to sink in dozens of hours as you embark on your death march (swim? :P )