688 Attack Sub

688 Attack Sub is a nuclear submarine simulation game designed by John W. Ratcliff and Paul Grace, published by Electronic Arts in 1989. You take command of either a U.S. Navy Los Angeles-class or a Soviet Alfa-class nuclear-powered attack submarine across ten missions ranging from peacetime training to full-scale Cold War conflict. The American sub features more sophisticated electronics and weaponry, while the Soviet boat offers higher sustained speeds. Gameplay allows you to manage multiple stations including sonar, weapons, navigation, helm, and periscope, though most duties can be delegated to crew members. Key tactical elements include thermal layers, false biological targets, and non-combatant vessels. One of the earliest games to support two-player head-to-head combat via modem.

DOS

Released in 1989 by Electronic Arts for IBM PC compatibles, this DOS version is the original platform. Computer Gaming World called it a personal candidate for "Game of the Year." Compute! described it as "swift and exciting as any Mach 2 flight simulator." The game features VGA graphics with detailed control panels and digitized images. The DOS version includes full modem support for two-player competitive play. A notable feature is the inclusion of a sew-on "688 Hunter/Killer" patch in the first release. Copy protection required looking up codes scattered throughout the comprehensive manual. For naval warfare enthusiasts, 688 Attack Sub delivered an exciting balance of tactical depth and arcade accessibility.