Bearings Only is a browser-based submarine combat game focusing on sonar and deduction. Players listen for enemy submarines using a hydrophone, plotting their movements on a grid based on bearing and changes in sound. The game emphasizes strategic thinking and careful analysis over fast-paced action, challenging players to outwit their opponents through cunning and calculated positioning rather than direct confrontation. It features minimalist graphics and a focus on immersive audio.
The Byzantine-Sassanian War of 602-628 CE, often considered the final major conflict of antiquity, was a devastating struggle between the Byzantine Empire and the Sassanian Persian Empire. Triggered by a Persian revolt against the pro-Byzantine Persian emperor Maurice, the war escalated into a brutal back-and-forth campaign spanning decades and vast territories. The Persians achieved remarkable early successes, conquering large swaths of the Byzantine Levant, Egypt, and Anatolia. However, Emperor Heraclius rallied the Byzantines, launching a daring counteroffensive deep into Persian territory. This, coupled with internal strife within the Sassanian Empire, ultimately led to a Byzantine victory. The war drastically weakened both empires, leaving them vulnerable to the emerging Islamic caliphate, which would soon conquer much of the region. The conflict fundamentally reshaped the political and religious landscape of the Near East, marking a pivotal transition from the classical to the medieval world.
HN commenters discuss the brutal and exhausting nature of the Byzantine-Sassanian War, highlighting its devastating impact on both empires and paving the way for the Islamic conquests. Several commenters point out the cyclical nature of empires, with one suggesting the war was a Pyrrhic victory for Byzantium, leaving them vulnerable. The religious aspects of the conflict are also touched upon, with one commenter mentioning the persecution of Zoroastrians in the Roman Empire. Another commenter emphasizes the importance of primary sources like the Strategikon of Maurice for understanding Byzantine military thought. Finally, the relative lack of popular awareness of this historically significant war is noted, despite its profound consequences.
Summary of Comments ( 3 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42783545
HN commenters generally praised the game's simple yet engaging gameplay, clean UI, and overall polish. Several appreciated the strategic depth despite the minimalist presentation, with one noting it felt like a more accessible version of Cold Waters. Others suggested potential improvements, such as adding sound effects, varying submarine types, and incorporating a tutorial or clearer instructions. Some discussed the realism of certain mechanics, like the sonar detection model, while others simply enjoyed the nostalgic vibes reminiscent of classic browser games. A few users also encountered minor bugs, including difficulty selecting targets on certain browsers.
The Hacker News post "Show HN: A submarine combat game in the browser" linking to bearingsonly.net generated several comments, mostly positive and intrigued by the game's concept and execution.
Several commenters praised the game's simplicity and elegant design, appreciating the minimalist graphics and focus on the core gameplay mechanics. One user specifically lauded the "clean UI" and the intuitive nature of the controls. Another enjoyed the "old-school vector graphics," drawing a comparison to classic arcade games. The accessibility of the game being browser-based and not requiring any downloads or installations was also highlighted as a positive aspect.
The gameplay itself sparked discussion, with users sharing their initial experiences and strategies. Some found the learning curve to be a bit steep, requiring a grasp of the mechanics of sonar and underwater combat. One commenter mentioned the challenge of managing noise levels and avoiding detection, while another described the thrill of successfully targeting and destroying an enemy submarine. The strategic depth of the game, despite its simple presentation, was a recurring theme.
A few technical comments emerged as well. One user inquired about the technology used to develop the game, specifically mentioning WebAssembly. Another discussed the potential for adding features like multiplayer functionality or different game modes. The creator of the game, active in the comments section, responded to these inquiries and acknowledged the suggestions, expressing openness to future development and improvements.
Beyond the gameplay itself, some comments delved into the real-world parallels of submarine warfare, discussing the complexities and challenges involved in such operations. This added a layer of appreciation for the game's attempt to capture, albeit in a simplified form, the essence of submarine combat.
Overall, the comments reflect a positive reception to the game, with users praising its simplicity, strategic depth, and technical execution. The discussion also highlighted the potential for future development and the broader interest in the topic of submarine warfare.