Broderbund Software, Incorporated published Wolfpack, a World War II submarine simulation game, in the nineteen nineties, initially for use with Apple computers. It quickly expanded to other formats. Its game play simulates combat settings against the German wolfpack U boats, and Allied destroyers and merchant boats.
The user can choose to play from the perspective of either side, and can choose to play against the computer’s artificial intelligence or another human combatant in hotseat mode. During the battles, the player can take command of any unit in his faction, from destroyers to the single gunned tankers and freighters.
The player issues orders to each ship, which can range from remaining on the current course or setting, to resting or following AI directions. The user can create patrol paths in certain areas using the mouse to map out the exact course desired.
The game is played in a modified real-time setting. It can be set to a true real time setting, or can be modified to make the game play faster and more interesting. On this option, the computer will automatically set the game to real time during clutch moments, such as battles or the firing of a shot. In this manner, the user is able to exact control over important situations, and effectively skip boring sequences, such as travel time between two locations.
Wolfpack
contains quite a number of predefined missions, and also offers the user the ability to create his own, using a mission editor. Regardless of the mission and the side it is chosen to be played from, game play is primarily the same. The user jumps from ship to ship, issuing orders as he moves between vessels in an effort to complete the mission. The AI captains the user hires for each of his ships all have different personalities and character traits, such as excellent tactical abilities or overly aggressive. For this reason, the user must be familiar with his supporting crew in each mission he undertakes.
In summary, Wolfpack is a very light weight submarine simulation and battle strategy game. It does not have nearly the historical depth as other games in the genre, such as Aces of the Deep or SSN-21 Seawolf. Still, the game has merit as it is, and offers decent game play for gamers not looking to truly tax the brain or spend days configuring a single battle. It comes recommended for download by those users who fit those qualifications. They should find a satisfying play.
