688(I) Hunter/Killer
A 1997 submarine simulator from Sonalysts and Electronic Arts.
Jane's 688(I) Hunter/Killer, a submarine simulator released in 1997, was developed by Sonalysts Inc. and initially published by Electronic Arts, with a later re-release by Strategy First for Windows 95 systems. The game takes its name from the 688 (Improved) Los Angeles class of U.S. attack submarines and follows the earlier title 688 Attack Sub as part of the Jane's Combat Simulations lineup. It became available through Valve's Steam platform and DotEmu.
The developer, Sonalysts Inc., had prior experience creating submarine simulations and wargames for the U.S. Department of Defense. The scenarios in the game were based on plausible real-world projections from Jane's Information Group. Due to the use of authentic tactics and technology, the Pentagon reviewed the game to ensure no classified military information was included. Custom software tools were used for development, except for ship models, which were built with PowerAnimator.
In reviews, T. Liam McDonald of GameSpot gave the game an 8.8 out of 10, praising its depth, complexity, and realism, as well as the seamless integration of different systems and stations. Next Generation awarded it four out of five stars. The game sold over 200,000 copies.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Jane's 688(I) Hunter/Killer
- Developer
- Sonalysts, Inc.
- Publisher
- Electronic Arts
- Producer
- Ed Gwynn
- Programmer
- David Capizzano / Robert Costello / Mel Davey / Scott Martin / Tod Swain
- Composer
- Dave Frazer / Neil M. Goldberg / Curt Ramm
- Series
- Jane's Combat Simulations
- Platforms
- Microsoft Windows
- Released
- NA · June 27, 1997 · EU · 1997
- Genre
- Submarine simulator
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
688(I) Hunter/Killer was developed by Sonalysts Inc., which had previously developed submarine simulations and wargames for the United States Department of Defense. The developers limited themselves to plausible real world scenarios based on projections from Jane's Information Group. Because of the authentic tactics and technology being simulated, Sonalysts had the Pentagon review the game to ensure it did not contain any valuable military secrets. The game was developed using custom software tools, with the exception of the ship models, which were done using PowerAnimator.
Reader's Guide
The game sold more than 200,000 copies. T. Liam McDonald gave it an 8.8 out of 10 in GameSpot, lauding the depth, complexity, and realism of the simulation, and the way the different systems and stations are integrated such that the player can naturally switch between them. Next Generation rated the game four stars out of five. Reviews were published by Subsim (December 7, 1997), Gamezilla (1997), Game Revolution (September 1, 1997), and PC Jeux (September 1997). Its legacy includes being part of the Jane's Combat Simulations series and being made available on digital distribution platforms Steam and DotEmu.
Did You Know?
- The game was reviewed by the Pentagon to ensure it contained no valuable military secrets.
- Ship models were created using PowerAnimator, while other development used custom software tools.
- It is a successor to the earlier game 688 Attack Sub.
- The game was released on Valve's Steam and DotEmu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who developed and published 688(I) Hunter/Killer?
Sonalysts Inc. built the title, drawing on their earlier work creating submarine simulations and wargames for the U.S. Department of Defense. Electronic Acts handled the original 1997 release, and Strategy First later issued a re-release for Windows 95 machines.
What type of game is 688(I) Hunter/Killer?
It is a submarine simulator in which the player commands a 688 (Improved) Los Angeles-class U.S. attack submarine through various missions. The game sits in the Jane's Combat Simulations lineup as the direct follow-up to 688 Attack Sub.
What platform was 688(I) Hunter/Killer released on, and where can it be found today?
The original build targeted Windows 95-compatible operating systems. More recently, the title has been made available through Valve's Steam store and DotEmu, letting modern players pick it up without hunting for a CD.
How does 688(I) Hunter/Killer relate to 688 Attack Sub?
It is the spiritual successor to 688 Attack Sub, both belonging to the Jane's Combat Simulations series. The "(I)" in the name stands for "Improved," reflecting the upgraded Los Angeles-class boats the player pilots.
How commercially successful was 688(I) Hunter/Killer?
The game sold more than 200,000 copies over its lifetime, a solid figure for a niche submarine-sim title. Its dedicated fan base has kept it circulating on digital storefronts well past its 1997 launch window.
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