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.
A newly developed browser-based game, titled "Bearings Only," offers players a unique and challenging submarine combat experience. This simulation eschews elaborate 3D graphics in favor of a minimalist, top-down 2D interface reminiscent of classic submarine warfare simulations. Players are placed in command of a submarine and tasked with navigating the ocean depths, detecting, tracking, and engaging enemy vessels. Information is limited, forcing players to rely primarily on sonar bearings to deduce the location, speed, and heading of their adversaries. This reliance on indirect information introduces a layer of strategic complexity, demanding careful interpretation of auditory cues and shrewd tactical maneuvering. The game emphasizes strategic thinking over twitch reflexes, requiring players to anticipate enemy movements and plan their attacks meticulously. Success hinges on effective sonar management, accurate target localization, and skillful deployment of torpedo weaponry. The stripped-down visual presentation, while simple, effectively conveys the tension and uncertainty inherent in submarine warfare, focusing the player's attention on the crucial auditory information provided by the sonar system. The game offers a compelling blend of simulation and strategy, providing a cerebral and engaging experience directly within a web browser, without the need for downloads or installations.
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.