Mind’s Eye was in charge of development for PT Boat Simulator, which was released by Silverbird Software Limited in the late eighties. It was released for several platforms, but was mostly popular on the Commodore 64 and the personal computer running the MS-DOS operating system. It is a naval arcade-style shooter, and features plenty of fun side scrolling action as opposed to offering an in-depth, cock-pit style submarine simulation. It is an improved version of the earlier game, PT-109. The game features five different difficulty settings, improved controls, better graphics and more missions.
Practice missions are also available.
The setting and premise of the game is exactly what one would figure in such a game. You are piloting a powerful boat deep in enemy waters, and you have to shoot your way out and get back to friendly territory in one piece. It is World War II, and the torpedo boat at your command is the most versatile and one of the most powerful boats on the seas. There are forty-five different missions, and they all take plays in the Pacific and Mediterranean theaters during the war. There are five distinct areas within these seas where missions will transpire. The missions are all historically based, which adds depth and realism to an already good
game.
You will have full control of the torpedo boat’s rather impressive arsenal as you silently glide along on your missions. There are torpedoes, depth charges, and guns. The boat has an auto-pilot function, and there are authentic smokescreens and flares used in the game, as well. One of the most interesting and fun tactics available in PT Boat Simulator is the Rapid Deploy feature, that allows you to really launch a barrage of deadly fire.
During your missions, you will encounter a host of different enemies. There are boats, submarines, and even aircraft that will fire on you. There are also allied craft in the area. In order to aid you in your overall goal of getting back home, allied aircraft will often fly overhead and drop pieces of a map into the ocean for you to collect and decipher. Once the map is completed, you are able to complete the level. The boat can be steered up and down on the screen and can accelerate in either direction, right or left, as it is a side scrolling shooter. This is a great arm-chair military simulation. It is not complicated or overdone, but it is a fun little shooter, nonetheless.
