Silent Steel is an unorthodox submarine simulator

Submarine simulator

A submarine simulator, or subsim for short, is usually a computer game in which the player commands a submarine. The usual form of the game is to go on a series of missions, each of which features a number of encounters where the goal is to sink surface ships and to survive counterattacks by...

 computer game by Tsunami Games

Tsunami Games

Tsunami Games was an American video game developer and publisher founded in 1991 by former employees of Sierra Entertainment . The company was based in Oakhurst, California, which at the time was also the home of Sierra...

. It was created during the influx of 'interactive movies' during the 1990s. The game is made entirely in FMV (Full Motion Video) with real actors and surroundings. The only real computer generated graphics are those filmed outside of the boat, during torpedo attacks and atmospheric fly-bys.

Gameplay

The gameplay consists of choosing from three options where the video pauses. The player then chooses one of these options, and the video resumes. The entire game is played in this way, and thus creates several possible plotlines and outcomes.

Plot

The player commands the USS Idaho, a fictional Ohio-class SSBN. On a routine nuclear deterrence patrol, an encoded message is received from US Navy Submarine Command, Atlantic Ocean - COMSUBLANT. The message says a stolen Libyan diesel sub has exited the Mediterranean Sea, possibly heading into the USS Idaho's area of operations. The Idaho must evade the potentially hostile submarine, a problem that is quickly complicated by the fact that the enemy submarine is equipped with sound-generating equipment that allows it to mimic other classes of submarine, including that of American design. The rogue Kilo uses this tactic to launch a torpedo attack on the Idaho by pretending to be an allied Los Angeles-class sub, the USS Biloxi.

After escaping the initial battle, a radio consultation with an American carrier battle group commander confirms that there are no other allied submarines operating in the area, and that a second hostile sub, a Russian Akula-class attack boat that has also gone rogue is approaching the area. In addition to this, the Idaho's sonar officer notices that the Idaho seems to be emitting a low-frequency sonar signal that he cannot account for.

After a conference with the Idaho's executive officer and master chief, further engagements commence, where the Idaho eventually triumphs through subterfuge and risk-taking. Taking advantage of the lull in combat before the Akula comes into torpedo range, a search of the Idaho's outer hull reveals an act of sabotage instigated by one of the crew working for the enemy.

Engaging the Akula in a torpedo battle, the Idaho gains the upper hand by the timely interference of an American ASW helicopter tracking the battle and manages to win the fight.

The film was Directed by Tony Marks, and the script was written by Chuck Pfarrer

Chuck Pfarrer

Charles Patrick "Chuck" Pfarrer, III is an American novelist, screenwriter, and former U.S. Navy SEAL from Biloxi, Mississippi.-Biography:...

.

Shooting Location

All sound stage studio filming was conducted in a modified warehouse on the former Charleston Naval Shipyard

Charleston Naval Shipyard

Charleston Naval Shipyard was a U.S. Navy ship building and repair facility located along the west bank of the Cooper River, in North Charleston, South Carolina and part of Naval Base Charleston...

 in North Charleston, South Carolina

North Charleston, South Carolina

North Charleston is the 3rd largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina with incorporated areas in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. On June 12, 1972 the city of North Charleston incorporated and was the 9th largest city in South Carolina. According to the 2010 Census, North...

. All Submarine and ship footage was shot aboard the USS Clamagore (SS-343)

USS Clamagore (SS-343)

USS Clamagore was a Balao-class submarine of the United States Navy, built in 1945 and still in training when World War II ended. It was named for the clamagore or blue parrotfish Scarus coeruleus found in the West Indies and along the Atlantic coast as far north as Maryland.Clamagore was built...

 submarine and the USS Laffey (DD-724)

USS Laffey (DD-724)

USS Laffey , an , was the 2nd ship of the United States Navy to be named for Bartlett Laffey. Seaman Laffey was awarded the Medal of Honor for his stand against Confederate forces on 5 March 1864...

 destroyer which are both museum ships at the Patriots Point Naval Museum in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.

Cast

The cast included Brian McNamara

Brian McNamara

Brian McNamara is an American actor, known for his portrayal of Dean Karny in the TV Movie Billionaire Boys Club for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a supporting role.-Biography:...

, Jim Metzler

Jim Metzler

Jim Metzler is an American television and film actor, best known for guest-appearances on popular TV series. In 1983, he received a Golden Globe nomination for his supporting role in the 1982 film Tex....

, Fredric Lehne

Fredric Lehne

Fredric Lehne is an actor who has appeared in over 200 films, mini-series, and television shows as well as many stage productions including works by Shakespeare, Molière and Ibsen on Broadway...

, John Short, Charlest Mclawhorn, Joy Parry, Wayne Caparas

Wayne Caparas

Wayne Caparas is an American performing artist, writer, and award-winning entrepreneur. Caparas is also a journalist and photojournalist, and has been involved in the creation and launch of several non-profit organizations and Christian ministries. He has been a member of the Screen Actors Guild...

, Kevin Sizemore, Frank Leslie, James Middleton, Keith Woulard, MIke Kirton, Don Soper, John Jarrett, Mark Lattanzio, Greg Elliott, and Todd Langerfeld.