Those who play the returning submarines will find that they function as they have in Sub Command along with the additional auto-crew, damage control, and navigation map improvements. There is also a new Active-Intercept and ESM auto-crew to add to the mix. Experienced sub drivers will be able to play through the majority of the game using only submarines if they want to take their time learning the new platforms. With the extensive manual and video tutorials, old Sub Commanders shouldn’t take long to adjust to the new units.

For more on the Sub Command subs:
Los Angeles 688(I) class
Seawolf class
Russian Akula class attack sub

Artificial Intelligence

The AI performs well in most situations. Throughout the campaign entire surface actions groups would go into evasive maneuvers when I fired torpedoes at them and not once did their evasion patterns cause them to run into each other. Submarines and surface ships have effective evasion logic. They will always choose a logical escape route away from incoming weapons and will do more than just run in a straight line.

Surface units are also a lot smarter than they were in Sub Command. They will no longer be running around with their radar on 24/7. They will actually keep their radar off so you won’t be able to easily classify and make precise solutions simply by sticking out your ESM mast. Combine this with the fact that they may choose to move slowly and quietly, they may be real close by the time you detect them.

The only AI quirk I noticed involves their use of anti-ship missiles. I once surfaced a Kilo near some civilian shipping and a Frigate began firing Harpoons in my direction. Most of the missiles hit the poor fishermen but what was really amusing was when a Ticonderoga missile cruiser decided to add more missiles to the fray. The frigate was between myself and the Ticonderoga and unfortunately the Tico’s missiles obliterated the poor frigate. This missile quirk only occurred twice throughout my entire campaign experience so it did not really hamper my gameplay experience. Overall, I found the AI to be worthy opponents.

Currents and Sea States

Currents and sea states have improvements in modeling as well. If you order a specific course and speed in heavy seas you may notice that the crew is constantly moving the rudder to the left and right to maintain a straight course. At periscope depth, large waves may continuously obscure your view. If you set your submarine to hover you may find that the current will cause some drift or slightly alter your depth. These are welcome advancements, as the weather in the previous game seemed to only affect sound conditions.

Final Thoughts

Sonalysts has kept in touch with the community throughout the years and they will do the same with Dangerous Waters. They will listen to player comments to further improve the game. Even better, they have stated that expansions to Dangerous Waters are possible if the game proves to be successful.

Multiplayer shows awesome promise due to the varied units available for play. Dangerous Waters is the first simulation to include multi-station functionality. Multi-station enables players to be assigned to different stations on a single platform, in effect, crewing the ship. Through www.subsim.com forums, players should have no trouble finding online fleets or other players to test their skills against. Those who are new to the game and wish to chat about tactics will find a community that has been here since Sonalysts first game, 688(I). As of this writing, Dangerous Waters missions are being released by those who are using the packaged mission editor.

Dangerous Waters is the Gold Standard of naval games, by far the most advanced tactical modern naval sim ever created. Sonalysts have delivered a product modeling air, surface, and subsurface units with meticulous detail. With the re-playable campaign, player created missions, and a new “quick mission” generator, Dangerous Waters has enough features to keep us busy for years to come.