Take control of a Gato-class submarine as you navigate the South Pacific, hunting for enemy ships to sink. The game offers a mixture of stealth and combat, allowing you to choose how to approach your missions—whether sneaking past enemy destroyers or engaging in direct combat with torpedoes and deck guns. The thrill of underwater warfare is enhanced by the option to surface and duel surface vessels or avoid detection altogether.
During your patrols, you'll need to be prepared for air attacks, as enemy planes may appear to strafe your submarine. Manning your anti-aircraft guns becomes crucial in defending against these aerial threats. Evading enemy escorts that are intent on hunting you down with depth charges adds an additional layer of tension, requiring skillful maneuvering and strategic thinking to avoid being destroyed.
The game features a seamless blend of realistic submarine simulation with arcade-style action, giving players a variety of gameplay options. You have the choice to focus on stealth and tactical planning or to adopt an aggressive stance, initiating combat whenever advantageous. Dynamic elements such as a full day/night cycle and a wide spectrum of weather conditions influence visibility and weapon effectiveness, adding realism and challenge to each mission.
Additional gameplay depth is provided through options like managing crew health and damage control, or opting for automation where the game handles these tasks. Players can also upgrade their submarine with a tech tree or leave it to the AI. The game offers a lengthy campaign as well as a random mission generator, ensuring high replayability. Real-world locations alongside procedurally generated maps keep each playthrough unique, and a built-in modding editor allows players to customize virtually every aspect of the game.