Complete Naval Combat Pack

Complete Naval Combat Pack is a compilation of four naval simulation games, including ‘Jane’s Combat Simulations: 688(I) Hunter/Killer’, ‘Jane’s Combat Simulations: Fleet Command’, ‘Sub Command: Akula Seawolf 688(I)’, and ‘Dangerous Waters’. Released in 2006 for Windows, this pack offers a comprehensive collection of realistic naval combat experiences, ranging from submarine warfare to fleet management.

Complete Naval Combat Pack: Review

Introduction

Prepare to dive deep into the world of naval combat with the Complete Naval Combat Pack, a 2006 compilation from Strategy First that gathers four acclaimed naval simulation games: 688(I) Hunter/Killer, Fleet Command, Sub Command, and Dangerous Waters. Developed by defense contractor Sonalysts, this collection offers varied gameplay experiences blending realistic simulation with strategic depth, all backed by authentic visual and auditory details. Whether you’re a hardened simulation enthusiast or a casual player looking for engaging naval action, this pack delivers an immersive and historically rooted experience.

Development History & Context

Strategy First released the Complete Naval Combat Pack in 2006, bundling four titles from developer Sonalysts that had previously made waves individually. Each game in the pack represents a milestone in naval simulation:

1. 688(I) Hunter/Killer (1997): Renowned for its authentic submarine simulation, leveraging Sonalysts’ defense industry expertise to create a realistic undersea warfare experience with detailed systems management.

2. Fleet Command (1999): An RTS innovation that brings real-time strategy to the high seas, allowing players to command entire fleets across dynamic 3D environments with stunning visual effects.

3. Sub Command (2001): Expands upon the submarine genre with multiple submarine classes and campaigns, adding advanced sensor and weapon systems along with Tomahawk missile capabilities.

4. Dangerous Waters (2005): Combines real-time strategy with first-person simulation, letting players control multiple air, surface, and submarine platforms from both strategic and tactical perspectives.

Developed during an era of rapid technological advancement in PC gaming, these titles pushed the envelope with 3D graphics, complex simulation systems, and networked multiplayer options, all while maintaining a commitment to realism and historical accuracy.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Each game in the Complete Naval Combat Pack offers rich narrative and thematic explorations of modern naval warfare:

1. 688(I) Hunter/Killer:

   • Narrative: Follows a US Navy submarine through tours of duty based on real-world political analysis, facing scenarios inspired by actual global tensions.
   • Themes: Explores the isolation and tension inherent in submarine warfare, the precision required in undersea combat, and the psychological toll of long patrols.

2. Fleet Command:

   • Narrative: Places players in command of vast fleets navigating international crises, with campaign scenarios based on current events.
   • Themes: Highlights the strategic importance of controlling international waterways, the complexities of multi-branch military operations, and the high stakes of modern naval engagements.

3. Sub Command:

   • Narrative: Takes players through challenging campaigns with three distinct submarines (Seawolf, 688(I), Akula), each with unique capabilities and missions.
   • Themes: Focuses on the stealth and patience required for successful submarine operations, as well as the moral implications of weapons like Tomahawk missiles.

4. Dangerous Waters:

   • Narrative: Combines real-time strategy with individual crew station control, allowing players to experience combined arms naval scenarios from both a strategic and personal perspective.
   • Themes: Showcases the integration of air, surface, and sub-surface assets in modern warfare, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts across different platforms.

The compilation as a whole underscores the evolution of naval combat simulation, blending the best elements from each title to offer a comprehensive look at modern maritime warfare.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

The Complete Naval Combat Pack showcases a wide array of gameplay mechanics, each tailored to their respective naval domains:

1. 688(I) Hunter/Killer:

   • Gameplay: Manage over 12 sub-stations including sonar, fire control, helm, and target analysis. Plan patrols, execute missions, and engage in multiplayer combat.
   • Innovations: Real-world terrain data, detailed training, and weapons loadout customization set new standards for submarine sims.

2. Fleet Command:

   • Gameplay: Deploy and manage various vessels in real-time strategic operations. Use point-and-click controls to plan and execute tactics with intuitive interfaces.
   • Innovations: Complete 3D environments, time-of-day effects, weather systems, and player-designed task forces revolutionized RTS gameplay.

3. Sub Command:

   • Gameplay: Command three distinct subs across two campaigns. Utilize advanced sensors and weapons, manage crew training, and execute complex missions.
   • Innovations: Simplified controls with automated crew, enhanced 3D graphics, and Tomahawk missile capabilities expanded the submarine genre.

4. Dangerous Waters:

   • Gameplay: Seamless transition between first-person station control and top-down strategic planning. Coordinate multiple units in dynamic naval engagements.
   • Innovations: Combined arms approach integrating air, surface, and sub platforms created a new hybrid gameplay experience.

Each title offers distinct yet complementary gameplay experiences, providing players with a comprehensive toolkit for exploring different aspects of naval combat.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Visually and aurally, the Complete Naval Combat Pack immerses players in detailed and authentic naval environments:

1. 688(I) Hunter/Killer:

   • Art: Accurate 3D models of 20+ naval platforms, realistic ocean environments with accurate depth and density data.
   • Sound: Advanced sonar and underwater acoustics simulate the claustrophobic and tense atmosphere of undersea combat.

2. Fleet Command:

   • Art: Stunning 3D effects including dynamic weather, realistic ship wakes, and pyrotechnics. Rotating and zoomable 3D environments enhance combat intensity.
   • Sound: Immersive audio with engine noises, weapon fire, and communication chatter recreate the chaos of surface warfare.

3. Sub Command:

   • Art: Over 250 detailed 3D objects including ships, aircraft, and underwater terrain. Dynamic lighting and visual effects bring the deep sea to life.
   • Sound: Exacting audio modes ensure players not only hear but feel the power of torpedoes and other undersea threats.

4. Dangerous Waters:

   • Art: Modern-day naval environments are rendered with precision, combining surface and undersea visuals in seamless transitions.
   • Sound: Realistic audio for each platform and weapon system heightens the sense of tension and immersion.

Additionally, the inclusion of the “A Century of Silent Service” documentary (in other Naval Combat Pack versions) provides historical context and enhanced world-building through interviews and archival footage.

Reception & Legacy

While individual review scores are limited, the compilation’s legacy is built on the individual accolades of its component games. Each title in the Complete Naval Combat Pack has been recognized with awards:

• 688(I) Hunter/Killer: “Best Combat Sim of the Year” (multiple sources)
• Fleet Command: “Best Maritime Sim of 2001” among other honors
• Sub Command: “Best Naval Sim of 2001” (GameSpy)
• Dangerous Waters: Acclaimed for innovation in combining simulation and strategy

These titles have influenced subsequent naval games with their emphasis on realism, detailed simulation, and the integration of multiple naval branches. Though the Complete Naval Combat Pack itself may not have received extensive critical coverage, the enduring popularity of its titles in the simulation community speaks to their legacy.

Conclusion

The Complete Naval Combat Pack stands as a landmark collection in naval simulation gaming. By bundling four highly regarded titles, it offers an unmatched breadth of gameplay experiences that cater to both hardcore simulation enthusiasts and casual players seeking engaging naval action. The attention to detail in simulation mechanics, world-building, and historical authenticity make this compilation an essential part of any naval gaming enthusiast’s library. As Technology First aimed to provide a cross-section of modern naval gaming, this pack delivers on that promise, offering a time capsule of naval simulation’s golden era.