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The Hunt For Red October casts the player in the role of a Russian submarine commander defecting to the West. The submarine in question is the latest nuclear-driven craft, and is fitted with a revolutionary caterpillar drive which allows virtually silent running.

The mission is divided into two major parts: escape and rendezvous. Escaping the Soviet Union requires the player to negotiate underwater obstacles and avoid Russian submarines and mines. Rendezvous with the Americans is then made more or less difficult, depending on the player's performance during the first section.

The playing screen is divided into two areas: the top half contains the major display area and shows maps, sonar projections and a 3D periscope viewpoint, while the bottom half displays all the necessary icons, messages and gauges to control the ship.

The game is completely icon-driven with control being split between four main areas: sonar, engines, weapons, and periscope. Slecting any one of these accesses a further series of icons, gauges and readouts relevant to that area of the ship.

Several options are available before and during the game: a position can be saved to or loaded from tape or disk and a recognition chart called up detailing enemy craft. These selections are accessed by pressing F1, which also doubles as a pause mode.

If the sub is destroyed by another, or hits an underwater obstacle, a newspaper-style report on your performance is given, which acts as a rating.

I found this very difficult to get into, because of the bewildering speed at which the initial action takes place. However, once you've worked out a strategy for the first few minutes, the action becomes slightly easier and much more attractive. The presentation is particularly impressive, with the poster, recognition charts and informative manual complementing excellent in-game display.

The graphics are brilliant at recreating a suitably technical and sombrely threatening atmosphere, and the icons are very clearly drawn and easy to use. Once you've got past the initial confusion, the scenario's action and realism make successive plays very compelling.

At first I had this down as one of those games that's just too complicated to be playable. After several run-ins with mines I began to get to grips with the controls and displays, and my perseverance was rewarded with a severe case of captivation.

Everything that makes a good simulation is here in fine style - ease of use, excellent graphics, comprehensive documentation plus a feeling of realism and depth all add to the enjoyment. Some might complain about the lack of sound, but silence with the occasional sonar blip is all I'd expect to hear in a submarine in the middle of the Atlantic.

So, even if it does sound cliched, I'd say that if you're a simulation buff, The Hunt For Red October is definitely worth looking at.

Following the disappointment of Epyx's Sub Battle Simulator, The Hunt For Red October comes as something of a reprieve for sub simulation fans.

It's very hard to get into - and the 40 page instruction manual doesn't help matters - but once familiarity with the controls is gained, the real lure of the mission becomes clear (even though death arrives quite frequently at first). The icons are simple in both concept and use, and it doesn't take long before everything becomes second nature.

Graphically, The Hunt For Red October is very good, especially the sonar screens and exterior views (note must also go to the brilliant loading screen). An unusual theme cleverly and effectively brought to life.

Presentation 93%
Comprehensive instruction manual, pull-out poster, free badge, ship recognition chart and very clear on-screen display, plus an ever-useful save option.

Graphics 80%
More than simply functional, they contribute fully to the atmosphere.

Sound 51%
Minimal, but very effective.

Hookability 68%
Difficult to get into, but perseverance is swiftly rewarded with compulsive action.

Lastability 75%
Defecting is a tough and enjoyable task but the appeal may wane once the mission is completed.

Overall 81%
A realistic, well-presented and playable simulation which could well appeal to arcade players in need of some substance.