Silent Service (video game)

Silent Service is a submarine simulator video game created by Sid Meier and published by MicroProse in 1985. The game allows players to command a Gato-class submarine in the Pacific Theater of World War II against Japanese forces.

Gameplay revolves around realistic simulation of submarine warfare tactics, including navigation, sonar operation, torpedo fire control, and damage control. Players must manage their crew, conserve resources such as torpedoes and battery power, and avoid detection by enemy ships and aircraft. Success depends on careful planning, skillful execution of maneuvers, and a degree of luck.

The game features a campaign mode where players progress through the war, earning promotions and encountering increasingly challenging scenarios. Individual patrol scenarios are also available, allowing players to focus on specific engagements. Various difficulty levels can be selected, affecting factors such as enemy aggressiveness and the accuracy of historical intelligence.

Silent Service was critically acclaimed for its detailed simulation, engaging gameplay, and strategic depth. It is considered a classic in the genre of submarine simulations and is credited with popularizing the genre. The game spawned a sequel, Silent Service II, in 1990, which further enhanced the graphics and gameplay. Silent Service is available on various platforms, including Apple II, Atari, Commodore 64, and MS-DOS.