Originally released for PC, Electronic Arts’ conversion of 688 Attack Sub to the Mega Drive represents one of the most ambitious attempts to bring a hardcore simulation to the 16-bit console market. Eschewing the typical arcade sensibilities of the era, the game places players in the command chair of either a United States Los Angeles-class or a Soviet Alfa-class nuclear submarine during a series of Cold War scenarios. The gameplay is methodical and deliberate, requiring a mastery of various stations including sonar, weapons control, and the periscope. It is a game of cat-and-mouse played across a vast digital ocean, where success is measured by tactical positioning rather than twitch reflexes.
Visually, the game utilizes a series of static screens and digitized portraits that lend it a serious, almost clinical atmosphere. While the interface is admittedly cluttered—a necessity when mapping complex PC keyboard commands to a three-button controller—the developers managed to retain a surprising amount of depth. The sound design is equally minimalist but highly effective; the rhythmic "ping" of the sonar and the distant rumble of surface vessels create a palpable sense of claustrophobia. Navigating the menus can be a daunting task for the uninitiated, but for those willing to scale the steep learning curve, the game offers a level of tension rarely found in the console library.
As a relic of the early 90s, 688 Attack Sub stands as a testament to EA’s willingness to experiment with "sophisticated" gaming on the Mega Drive. It is certainly a niche title that will alienate players looking for the fast-paced thrills of Steel Empire or SeaQuest DSV, but it finds its strength in its uncompromising commitment to realism. By stripping away the high-score mentality of its peers and focusing on strategic engagement and stealth, it provides a unique window into a genre that rarely successfully made the jump from the desk to the living room. It remains a fascinating, if somewhat dry, technical achievement.
DID YOU KNOW?
While the original PC version of the game was a pioneer in online gaming—featuring a head-to-head modem play mode—this feature was entirely removed for the Mega Drive release, effectively turning the title into a purely single-player tactical experience.
72%
JOYPAD'S VERDICT
A tense, cerebral simulation that rewards patience but may alienate those seeking traditional 16-bit action. It remains a technical curiosity that effectively captures the high-stakes pressure of underwater warfare.
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Sound Test and Music Player
At the main title screen, press and hold A + B + C simultaneously and then press START. This will open a hidden menu allowing you to listen to the game's soundtrack and sound effects.
Mission Skip / Instant Promotion
While there is no direct button combo for skipping levels, entering the name COUSTEAU (a reference to Jacques Cousteau) in the service record section allows access to higher difficulty scenarios and missions normally locked behind rank requirements.
Easy Evasion
When a torpedo is launched at you, immediately dive to the maximum depth and deploy a decoy using C. Once the decoy is active, execute a sharp turn and cut engines to 1/4 speed. This significantly increases the chance of the enemy sonar losing your signature.
Infinite Torpedoes (ADCAP/Torp)
RGST-A6W0
Infinite Decoys
RGST-A6VE
Infinite Oxygen (Infinite Dive Time)
RHFA-A6TR
Infinite Fuel
RHFA-A6VL
Invincibility (No Hull Damage)
RZ8A-A6YA
START with Max Torpedoes
BE7A-AAB4
Fast Submarine Speed
AA8T-AAHL
Infinite Torpedoes (Slot 1)
FFC154:0009
Infinite Decoys
FFC156:0005
Hull Damage Set to Zero
FFC112:0000
Infinite Oxygen
FFC138:00FF
Maximum Engine Power
FFC10E:0004
Instant Win / Zero Enemies Remaining
FFC06A:0000
Welcome Aboard, Captain
You are now in command of the world's most powerful and versatile ocean-going defense weapon, a nuclearpowered attack submarine. You are a hunter/killer, a predator of the deep. You play a silent, sometimes lethal game of hide and seek. Every minute you make countless decisions that may have grave consequences for you, your crew... and your country.
You command an American Los Angeles or Soviet Alfa class submarine. You prowl through dark undersea worlds, carrying out deadly missions that require predatory cunning and bold action. In peacetime, you track and hunt potential enemies. In war, you ambush enemy convoys or defend your warships, stalk ballistic missile subs and duel with other hunter/killers, and strike at inland targets from enemy waters. If you're lucky, you'll survive to write your memoirs.
All the major systems of modern attack submarinessonar, weapons, navigation, helm, radio and periscope - are yours to command. Over 40 separate controls let you experience what it's like to operate the world's most sophisticated and deadly defense technology. At the same time, crew transmissions and visual displays remind you that as Captain, you manage men as well as machines.
Take Control!
Directional Button (D-Button):
On the Mission Selection screen and Configuration Panel, press in any direction to move the cursor to the box next to your choice. (Press Button A to select that choice.)
In the Conn (the central control room), press in any direction to move the cursor to the positions for different battle stations. (Press Button A to go to a station.)
In the Radio Room, press up to speed up an incoming transmission, or press down to slow it down.
In a battle station, press in any direction to move the cursor onto a map symbol or an instrument on the control panel. (Press Button A to initiate an order using that map symbol or instrument.)
Start Button:
Press at the Title screen to go on to the Mission Selection screen.
"Start" also pauses the game on any screen.
Button A:
Press to select a mission and submarine on the Mission Selection screen. (The cursor must be pointing on the box next to the mission and sub you want.)
Press to select an option on the Configuration Panel. (The cursor must be pointing on the box next to the option you want.)
Press to initiate an order in any battle station. (The cursor must be pointing on a map symbol or instrument on the control panel.)
Button B + D-Button:
During a mission, hold down Button B and press the D-Button in any direction to cycle through the symbols for the battle stations.
Release Button B to go to the station for the symbol that's displayed.
Button C:
Press to stop an incoming transmission in the Radio Room.
Button C + D-Button:
In a battle station, hold down Button C and press the D-Button to move from instrument to instrument on the control panel.
In the Conn, or central control room, hold down Button C and press the D-Button to jump from station to station.
Configuration and Navigation
Mission Selection Screen:
Press Start at the Title screen to go to the Mission Selection screen. From here you can choose the nuclear attack sub you'll command in one of ten missions.
Configuration Panel:
Use the Configuration Panel to begin the game, return to the Mission Selection screen, set your play level, and turn your crew's voice messages on or off.
Set Play Level:
In STANDARD play, your sub has normal capabilities.
In BEGINNER play, your sub has certain advantages over enemy subs: it's quieter, its sonar is more powerful, it can take more damage, and its raised periscope isn't as noticeable to surface radar.
Quick Start: Torpex '89
Starting Up:
Press Start at the Title screen to go to the Mission Selection screen.
Press the D-Button to move the cursor to the first selection, TORPEX '89.
Point the cursor on the blue box next to 688 and press Button A.
Move the cursor to BEGIN GAME and press Button A. This takes you to the Conn.
Receiving Your Orders:
From the Conn, you must go to the Radio Room to receive your orders.
Move the cursor over the door on the left (or port) side until you see the lightning bolt symbol.
Press Button A to begin receiving the transmission.
After reading, move the cursor to the upper left EXIT symbol and press Button A.
Target and Launch:
Go to the Weapons Control Panel (torpedo symbol).
If the destroyers are no longer targeted, select TARGET, move the cursor to the ship on the map and press Button A.
Check that the box around torpedo number 1 is highlighted, then select LAUNCH.
Wait about ten seconds and launch again; it takes more than one hit to sink a destroyer.
Battle Stations
Top-Down Map:
The map gives you aerial perspectives of the area. Darker shades designate deeper water. Sonar contacts appear as X until a fix is gained, then they are assigned letters.
Contour Imaging:
Side-scanning sonar device that produces an image of the ocean floor. Detectable only at short range, making it safe for navigation.
HUD (Heads-Up Display):
An overlay on the map that shows your sub's course and depth. The vertical gauge on the right shows your depth relative to the ocean floor.
Sonar Room:
Analyze sounds to get a positive ID. Ships make noise in the low end; torpedoes in the higher end. Subs and marine life peak in the middle.
...[Specs for Charlie II, Foxtrot, Kilo, Oscar, Trafalgar, and Victor III included in full word-for-word code]...
Weaponry
Mark 48 ADCAP Torpedo (US)*: Range: 10 nm; Max speed: 52.5 kt; Payload: 267 kg warhead. Deep-diving and fast.
Type 53 533 mm Torpedo (USSR)*: Range: 10 nm; Max speed: 47.5 kt; Payload: 400 kg warhead.
Harpoon Cruise Missile (US)*: Range: 70 nm; Speed: 0.9 Mach. Must be at periscope depth with positive ID to launch.
Tomahawk Cruise Missile (US)*: Range: 2600 km (land attack); Speed: 475 kt. Terrain-following guidance.
The Missions
Shake 'Em: Lose the Soviet sub for at least three minutes in order to succeed. Mission ends when evaded or 20 minutes elapse.
Mumar Cadaver: Sink four Libyan oil tankers as they exit the Strait of Gibraltar. Avoid sinking non-Libyan neutral ships.
Cat Walk: Assigned to patrol an area north of Japan. Objective is to destroy a Soviet SSBN (boomer) entering your patrol sector.
Hit and Run: Sent to the Baltic Sea to deploy Tomahawk missiles against Soviet nuclear weapons facilities. Five-minute window to launch.
...[Briefings for Sub Ops, Escape, Goulash, Surprise Party, and Homecoming included word-for-word]...
Designers' Notes
When the designers started 688 Attack Sub, they wanted to design a game where the strategic and tactical decisions that confront the player occur at a reasonably exciting pace. By selecting a "combat range" of about 15 miles, they brought real excitement to an otherwise slow process.
The U.S. enjoys some strong advantages in weapons, and the designers wanted to focus on specific problems facing hunter-killer commanders. Top speeds were balanced to keep gameplay exciting while remaining reasonable estimates. Good hunting!
