• Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: Mar 15, 2005
Metascore
90 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 23 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. "Dangerous Waters" is a superb modern naval combat simulator but Silent Hunter III is destined to be a Sim Hall of Fam all-time classic. [June 2005, p.94]
  2. 100
    This is a classic game that deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as "F-19," "Longbow 2," and "European Air War."
  3. As it is, Silent Hunter III is easily the best submarine simulation ever made.
  4. Might as well be called "Das Boot - the game". Not only does it simulate the hardware realistically, the atmosphere is so thick you can almost slice it. This is exactly how simulators should be made to attract the casual crowd as well as the hardcore sim nuts. [May 05]
  5. Without a doubt this game is a must have for any Naval Simulation fan, the flexibility in complexity has so much to offer that allows for beginner all the way through to expert.
  6. The best simulation we've played in years. It retains accessibility while offering remarkable levels of detail and realism... It is visually attractive, aurally satisfying and quite simply a breathtaking experience.
  7. Quite simply the best submarine game ever, and it will provide months of entertainment.
  8. A final word about the dynamic campaign: it's incredible... This mode could keep some people going for years. [June 2005, p.64]
  9. A gem of a simulation game; for that matter it's easily one of the top war games of ALL TIME.
  10. The settings enable you to play either a relatively easy game war, or, for the hardcore submarine fan, enjoy a situation in which you are responsible for literally every aspect of the submarine's function.
  11. Invest some time in Silent Hunter III, learn how to play it properly, find out what all of the dials do and memorise all of the keyboard shortcuts and it will pay you back with countless hours of cinematic, realistic, and brilliant gameplay. But remember, this ain't for the casual gamer.
  12. There's plenty of visceral thrill in wading into the middle of a convoy at night and letting loose with your deck gun. [July 2005, p.64]
  13. Silent Hunter III is the "Das Boot" of gaming. An undeniable classic. [May 2005, p 86]
  14. It lets you feel like you are a submarine captain in charge of a powerful but fragile U-boat, it provides a sobering history lesson, and the campaign makes you feel like you are a small but important part of a much larger conflict. Those are the hallmarks of a truly great simulation.
  15. 88
    Definitely worth the wait. The campaign is fantastic and the overall presentation is a sim fan's dream.
  16. From the ridiculous to the sublime: one for fans of undersea combat. [June 2005, p.98]
  17. Silent Hunter 3 is without a doubt a step forward for the series, not just regarding graphics but through the introduction of new game options as well.
  18. Silent Hunter III is not really my sort of game but I was totally immersed in it. It is as complete a Submarine Sim as I would think it's possible to get.
  19. You will be able to control almost every single aspect of what went on during World War II campaigns to see if you have what it takes to be a good commander and stay alive.
  20. The AI puts up a good fight at the higher realism settings, and should you wish to throw caution to the wind and try manual torpedo solutions, you'll either be in maths heaven, or find your brain oozing from your ears (or both). Don't worry - it's a lot more fun than it sounds.
  21. Peerless as a simulator, no doubt about it, but as a game it has its failings. Despite the efforts of the developers, it is doubtful that anyone who is not at least partly interested in the simulation aspects of the game will enjoy it at all.
  22. 80
    Strikes a careful balance between accessibility and the hideous complexity. And it looks good doing it.
  23. Unless you've harbored a fantasy all your life to be a Captain of your very own submarine, you probably won't derive too much enjoyment from this exceptionally hardcore simulation.
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 27
  2. Negative: 7 out of 27
  1. CharlesD
    8
    Is a really fun game, but the campaign mode could be more varying.
  2. DaddyCJ
    8
    Incredible sim. Awesome 3D graphics but remains an accurate and enjoyable simulation. I like the ability to increase realism in areas I want increased, without making it unbareably hard.. Possibly the best sim i've ever played. However, this game loses 2 points because it uses StarForce. Whoever thought adding StarForce was a good idea is an absolute idiot. :mad: Sure, it stops pirates but it also stops us people who buy the game!!! It is better to stick with v1.0 and tolerate the bugs than update to 1.4d and endure StarForce. thank you. Full Review »
  3. A.S.
    9
    First, a user NO-CD patch is a must for this one. It will remove al the issues with the StarForce an let you actualy spend time playing game instaed of debuging it. Wide range of realism alow the player to adjust the game playing to best fit its skill. Still this is not a game for a causual or arcade gamer. Patrol will take long time to complete and the game becomes too familiar after some time of playing. Good thing is that you can go anywhere or do virtualy anything while you on the patrol. SH 3 world is huge, so you never have to take the same path to you patrol point. Full Review »