Aces of the Deep (1994) DOS Sub Sim

[corsair91]

Aces of the Deep (1994) DOS Sub Sim

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aces_of_the_Deep
https://www.mobygames.com/game/aces-of-the-deep
https://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/aces-of-the-deep/screenshots
https://archive.org/details/Aces_of_the_Deep_-_Manual

http://www.sierrahelp.com/
http://www.sierrahelp.com/Documents/Manuals/Aces_of_the_Deep_-_Manual.pdf
http://www.sierrahelp.com/Games/Aces/AcesOfTheDeepCDAndXP.html

https://www.mobygames.com/game/command-aces-of-the-deep
https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/command-aces-of-the-deep/screenshots
https://archive.org/details/Command_Aces_Of_The_Deep_-_Manual


Game is probably abandonware now,
no indication the Game is currently either on GOG or Steam

DOSbox emulator required for the DOS Game on a modern OS
https://www.dosbox.com/
(For Command: Aces of the Deep Win9x see further below).


Aces of the Deep is a World War II submarine simulator game developed by Dynamix for MS-DOS in 1994.
The game was re-released by Sierra On-Line for Windows in 1995 as Command: Aces of the Deep.
Aces of the Deep simulates a Kriegsmarine U-boat during World War II.


A unique feature was that Aces of the Deep came with a realistic Kriegsmarine War Grid map in which the player used in reference to finding their patrol zones. There is also an extensive in-game manual that covers the development of the U-boat, time-line based maps that show kill-to-loss ratios, and, on the CD-ROM version, video interviews with former German U-boat captains.

The game includes single mission mode, where the player can choose to attack a convoy, a taskforce of warships (consisting of cruisers and/or battleships), or a carrier task-force in a variety of conditions. There are also several historical missions where the player can replay the role of some of Germany's greatest U-boat captains.

Alongside the single missions, Aces of the Deep includes a single player Career Mode where the player can choose which year of the war he wants to start his career, up until the end of the war. Career features the "Nightclub" for war news, scuttlebutt, and viewing the tonnage board. Within the Career Mode the player can receive promotions, medals, and opportunities to take command of newer U-boats. There are three models of U-boats in several variations for the player to choose from, each of which becomes available during its historical period.

The game includes a rich variety of ships, ranging from oil tankers and merchant ships to large troop ships, several different escorts such as corvettes, frigates and destroyers, and warships such as cruisers, battleships and carriers. It also includes a variety of aircraft on anti-submarine patrols. All these vessels are historically based, and their appearance in the game coincides with their historical appearance on the battlefield. The tactics and weapons used by the ships within the game are also historically based.

Command: Aces of the Deep updated the graphics to a higher resolution. This re-release also integrated an expansion (also available separately) that brought in the Type XXI and Type XXIII U-boats.


An expansion package for either the floppy or CD versions of Aces of the Deep adds brand new missions, areas and a special prototype XXI U-boat submarine.

Some of the more interesting features are the six new historical missions as well as the ability to enter (but possibly not leave due to currents) the Mediterranean Sea. Also included are buoyancy gauges which allows a quicker reading of your depth in the ocean. Most amazing is the prototype Type XXI U-boat, which includes sonar and radar abilities as well as two kinds of torpedo types for its exclusive use.

In 1995, there also was an updated Windows version released on CD-ROM called Command: Aces of the Deep.
While the gameplay is unchanged it adds new textures, voice acting and video interviews with German submariners. It also added the option, with a compatible sound card & microphone, to use voice control for certain submarine actions, like dive and fire, which is why the game received the expanded title.
An on-line manual gives detailed information about the historical background and submarine tactics. It also features historical maps, movies, photos and articles.


Instant Reload Hint

Instant Reload This code will allow you to reload your torpedoes instantly.
In order for this to work you can't have "limited ammo."
When you want to fire a torpedo, first go to the torpedo screen (f6), then use the mouse to click on the torpedo from the tube that you want to fire.
The tube should now just be an empty green box, exit that screen (without putting the torpedo in another tube) go to the screen where you want to fire from, fire from the tube that you earlier selected. After you fire, put that torpedo back, and repeat.

[corsair91]

Advertising Blurbs
Back of Jewel Case - DOS (United States):

FEATURES
Exclusive interviews with six leading German U-boat Aces including Otto Kretschmer, Erich Topp and Reinhardt Hardegen.
Digitized Speech available in English or German--a simple toggle allows you to move between languages.
Extensively detailed on-line manual complete with historical overview, WWII video library, submarine capabilities and tactics, U-boat tour, convoy tactics, historical battle maps and authentic articles and photography.
Authentic special effects, including depth charge explosions, burning ships, dramatic sinkings, and the sounds of twisting metal and creaking hulls.
Single Mission Training and Campaign modes of play available with adjustable realism settings.
Highly sophisticated artificial intelligence provides realistic enemy behaviour, such as creeping attacks and plaster attacks.
Single Mission, Training and Campaign modes of play with adjustable realism settings for players of every skill.
Multi-language text included: Install the game in English, German and French.


Back of Box - DOS (United States):

THE MOST DESPERATE BATTLE OF W.W.II IS ABOUT TO BEGIN
Between September 1939 and May 1945 Germany launched over 1,000 U-boats into combat against the Allies. These submersible war machines prowled the stormy seas, striking without warning as deadly phantoms of the deep.

As the commander of a U-boat you stalk the enemy in the icy waves of the North Atlantic in a battle where the hunter quickly becomes the hunted. Attempt to strangle shipping lines and outmaneuver convoy escorts. React as technological advances, such as sonar and radar, wreak havoc with the mission of your submersible torpedo boat. Dive deep to avoid attacks from the sky. Measure your success in tonnage sunk. As the sounds of depth charges and twisting metal explode in your ears you will discover why the creators of Red Baron® and Aces Over Europe® consider this their best simulation ever.

FEATURES
Gouraud shaded subs and ships in a fantastic 3D environment with rolling waves, whitecaps, fog, clouds and weather effects.
Special effects including explosions, burning ships and dramatic sinkings
Evolving technology and tactics used by each side, such as new weapons, detection systems and counter measures
Highly sophisticated artificial intelligence provides realistic enemy behaviour, such as creeping attacks and plaster attacks
Single Mission, Training and Campaign modes of play with adjustable realism setting for players of every skill
Authentic sound effects, including digitized crew speech, creaking hulls, depth charge explosions and the twisting metal of sinking ships
An arsenal of torpedoes including pattern running and acoustic homing
Extensively detailed manual, complete with historical overview, U-boat capabilities and tactics, convoy tactics and an exquisite color map.


Sierra Winter Catalog 94/95:

Between September 1939 and May 1945, as mankind continued to push the boundaries of war beneath the surface of the great oceans, Germany launched over 1,000 U-boats into combat against the Allies. These submersible war machines prowled the stormy seas, striking without warning as deadly phantoms of the deep. As the commander of a U-boat you stalk the enemy in a battle where the hunter quickly becomes the hunted. Attempt to strangle shipping lanes and outmaneuver convoy escorts. React as technological advances, such as sonar and radar, wreak havoc with your mission.

"Aces of the Deep sets the standard for submarine simulations, perhaps even simulations in general." -Computer Gaming World

Features
Gouraud-shaded subs and ships in a fantastic 3D environment with rolling waves, whitecaps, fog, clouds and weather effects.
Amazing special effects including explosions, burning ships and dramatic sinkings.
Evolving technology and tactics used by each side, such as new weapons, detection systems and counter measures.
An arsenal of six torpedo types, including pattern running and acoustic homing.

[corsair91]

Command: Aces of the Deep

The Windows version of Aces of the Deep adds new textures as well as the Expansion Disk.
(Type XXI and Type XXIII U-boats.)

Voice Recognition

Command: Aces of the Deep was supposed to be the first in a series of "Command" games from Sierra/Dynamix that used voice recognition as a control type. Due to lackluster sales, the idea was scrapped.
The voice recognition hilariously didn't work properly back in the day
and often didn't perform the correct voice command.


Windows 3.1

The minimum requirements on the game box (or some of them) state that the game will run in Windows 3.1, however a printed correction was found inside the box from Sierra claiming that due to the game's advanced features, it is only designed for and will run on Windows 95.
Later game boxes stated Windows 95 required.


Advertising Blurbs
Back of Box - Windows (United States):

“Strikes a near-perfect balance of historical accuracy and playability.”--Computer Gaming World
COMMAND YOUR CREW IN DESPERATE BATTLES OF STEALTH AND SKILL.
As a U-boat commander, stalk the occupied quadrants of the North Atlantic within the cramped confines of the “grey wolf.” Slice through icy-cold waters, quietly pursuing the enemy, waiting for the precise moment to strike. Crash-dive to avoid retaliatory attacks by enemy escort ships and anti-submarine aircraft fire. Operate under silent running, eluding detection by underwater sound-pulse devices in a tense game of cat-and-mouse. Your success merits promotions, commendations and a hero's welcome. Your failure risks possible capture . . . or a watery grave.

Upgrade to the “ Simulation Game of the Year.”--Computer Gaming World

VOICE COMMAND ACTION
You really COMMAND your crew in the first voice-activated simulation game ever!*

SPECTACULAR HI-RES GRAPHICS
Enjoy texture-mapped ships and subs that are rich with authentic detail!

RAPID-FIRE DECK GUN
NEW two-mode deck gun provides exciting arcade action!

*IBM Voicetype™ Application Factory available with Windows® 95 only. Voice Command Option not neccessary for game play.

[corsair91]

Aces Of The Deep (PC/DOS) 1994, Dynamix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpOcUn4vo1I

Major Thriftwood
Sep 11, 2015
runtime 1:18:46



Aces of the Deep gameplay (PC Game, 1994)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQJx-TrFP5M

Squakenet
Jun 24, 2014
runtime 13:25

Introduction and gameplay for Aces of the Deep, Dos PC game produced by Sierra in 1994 -
Watching the intro and playing through the first tutorial mission.
Played through Dosbox emulation platform.
Recorded with original sound.



Aces of the Deep Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa5AOd-z-QFD1asnUDue-pg

[corsair91]

Aces of the Deep Game stream (play in Browser)
https://classicreload.com/aces-of-the-deep.html
https://archive.org/details/msdos_Aces_of_the_Deep_1994


Aces of the Deep Description

Aces Of The Deep is a World War II U-boat combat simulation game developed and published by Dynamix for MS-DOS in 1994.

Though is suffers from obsolete graphics, it is still considered by many to be the best subsim to date, for it revolved around the highly randomized and replayable single player "Career Mode", also found in SSI's Silent Hunter. The player can choose which year of the war he wants to start his career, up to the end of the war. Career features the "Nightclub" for war news and scuttlebutt for viewing the tonnage board.

Another unique feature was that Aces of the deep came with a realistic Kriegsmarine War Grid map in which the player used in reference to finding their patrol zones.

The game was re-released by Sierra On-Line for Windows in 1995 under the title Command Aces of the deep. It updated the graphics to a higher resolution.



Command Aces of the Deep
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUUnhrhnqXM

Swizzley
Jul 9, 2013
runtime 1:07


This is a re-release of the 1994 DOS game Aces of the Deep now for Windows. While the gameplay is unchanged it adds new textures, voice acting and video interviews with German submariners. An on-line manual gives detailed information about the historical background and submarine tactics. It also features historical maps, movies, photos and articles.

Aces of the Deep was developed by Dynamix and published by Sierra On-Line.

[corsair91]

https://www.subsim.com/subsim_files/patches2005.html#aces_wav

Includes Aces of the Deep 1.2 Patch

Upgrade to Version 1.2:
This patch includes fixes and upgrades for both the original Aces of the Deep as well as the Expansion Disk. If you have the Command version, you don't need this upgrade. Read the readme file if you're not sure.

What it does:
When saving a game, the number of deck gun rounds remaining will be correctly saved.
A gauge has been added showing amount of compressed air and water in the boat.
Torpedoes were vanishing from the torpedo loading screen; this was fixed.
The music for "Ride of the Valkyres" and "Tipperary" have been added.
Crash on reporting contact bug fixed.

https://www.subsim.com/subsim_files/patches05/aod1_2.zip


Alternate link

Aces of the Deep 1.2 Patch
https://archive.org/details/AOD12_ZIP


This patch is for both the CD and diskette versions of the game and addresses the following issues:

Random lockups or locking during sound or music segments while in a mission
Running on the surface on electric motors
Teleporting after running aground
Bobbing to the surface uncontrollably
Time compression can be used even if the sim reduces time compression first.
You will now be informed when out of compressed air (and you better not be stuck on the bottom!)

When you get the patch, take a look at the README file for complete details on how to install the patch.

Apparently the 1.2 patch is installed after the Expansion pack

-----------------------

Expansion Disk

the popular Expansion Disk to Aces of the Deep. If you have the Command version, you don't need this upgrade. Click on the "readme first" file and print it, then download aodexp1.zip, aodexp.bat, and pkunzip.exe to a temporary directory.

What it does:
Adds the Mediterranean Sea patrol zones. Six new Mediterranean Historical Missions available.
Gives the player manual control of the deck gun
Offers the Type XXI U-boat in the latter stages of the war. This boat did not see much service before the war finished, but it would have changed the Battle of the Atlantic. Six missions featuring the Type XXI U-boat.
At high levels of difficulty AOD will no longer display the tracks of torpedoes that have been fired.
The radar screen available on the Type XXI U-boat.
Two new torpedoes type for use with the Type XXI.


READ the AOD Expansion Disk Readme First text file
https://www.subsim.com/subsim_files/patches05/aod_readme_first.txt

DOWNLOAD Aces of the Deep Expansion Disk (1.32MB)
https://www.subsim.com/subsim_files/patches05/aodexp1.zip

DOWNLOAD Aces of the Deep Bat File (29 bytes)
https://www.subsim.com/subsim_files/patches05/aodexp.bat

DOWNLOAD PKUNZIP for this installation (28 kb).
https://www.subsim.com/subsim_files/patches05/pkunzip.exe

Apparently, the Expansion pack is installed before the 1.2 Patch
----------------

Aces of the Deep Quick Reference card:

All the commands for the AOD U-boat.


View/Print the AOD Quick Reference card side 1
https://www.subsim.com/subsim_files/patches05/aod1.gif

View/Print the AOD Quick Reference card side 2
https://www.subsim.com/subsim_files/patches05/aod2.gif

---------------


http://sierrahelp.com/Patches-Updates/Patches-Updates.html

http://sierrahelp.com/Patches-Updates/Patches-Updates-Games/AcesSeriesUpdates.html

Aces of the Deep Updates

[corsair91]

Aces of the Deep TACTICS
https://www.subsim.com/tips/tipaod.php

Recommended reading and has further links
Game play Tips & troubleshooting Info


Further reference links


Command Aces of the Deep on Windows 10
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=228498

see thread for full info

May suggest Compatability options:

windows 95 compatibility mode
265 colors
Ignore game install setup check (can crash on modern systems)
don't use the voice recognition while you are playing the game, as
makes the game crash.

Dxwnd if gameplay speed is too fast
https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxwnd/


Command Aces of the Deep install probs on XP
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=131699


Command Aces of the Deep and Win 7
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=168641


AODCD (DOS) - Correct install
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=219027


Command Aces of the Deep (Win95) - HexEdit questions
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=240392

[corsair91]

Abandonware review
(So no link)


Aces of The Deep (1995 Simulation Game)


Take command of one of seven German U-Boats during WWII and hunt down and destroy allied convoys. This is never an easy task since their escorts and aircraft are waiting to ruin your day. The level of realism, and with it the difficulty, can be set by enabling or disabling ten options, e.g. unlimited ammo, clear sight or even invulnerability.

Campaigns can be started in one of several time slots, allowing you to play for the entire war if you wish. During these campaigns you gain medals and promotions which includes the command of better submarines. You can also choose to play a single mission where you can set certain variables, e.g. number of ships or weather conditions. Specific missions aren't required because the engine "rolls up" convoys and targets, meaning every time you play the missions will change. The type and location of these missions depend on the historical time and the used submarine.

The submarine consists of several rooms where you can access the functions and instruments you'll need, e.g. the logbook in the captain's room or the fuel and battery prompt in the engine room. However, the most important functions can be brought up at any time, this includes the sea map where you set waypoints. The crew can take over certain tasks, e.g. identifying ships.

The later released CD-version adds additional multimedia features.

Following classic Aces over Europe, Dynamix moved from the heights above the ground into the depths of the ocean. Aces of the Deep is WWII U-boat simulation, putting you into the command of a German submarine. As with all other games in the Aces series, the game has been created with a lot of attention to historical detail. Offers you the choice of a challenging long-lasting career mode or short single and historical missions. Technically the game is excellent and able to create the atmosphere you would expect from such a simulation with good sound effects and great graphics, especially the wobbling sea-motion.

Overall, Aces of The Deep is another classy Aces sim that requires a fair amount of strategic thinking while successfully capturing the feel of the era. Great fun! BTW: You can still find your patrol area without the map. On the global chart, when you plot your course, the IDs are shown at the bottom of the screen. So with a little searching you can find your patrol area. This is the floppy-disk DOS version. There also was an updated Windows version released on CD-ROM in 1995 called Command Aces of the Deep, which you can download from this site.

Aces of the Deep was originally released for the DOS in 1993. Two years later, an upgrade was released and titled Command: Aces of the Deep. It is a single player game developed by Dynamix and published by Sierra On-Line. It was designed to be a historically accurate World War II German Navy U-boat simulation. It is the final instalment in a series of "Aces" titles, including flight simulations such as the Red Baron, Aces of the Pacific, and Aces Over Europe.

The beauty of Aces of the Deep is its historical accuracy. There are numerous historically based missions that put the user in charge of a German U Boat and charge him with replaying actual battles from the war. These are very realistic, and interviews with real German U Boat captains were even included in the original game.

The user can also choose single, random missions, and can choose from variations of three U Boats to command. Several more models were introduced in this Command version of the game. In the third mode, Career Mode, the user begins with a budding U Boat captain at the onset of his career. He will start with easy assignments, such as simple patrols and advance through successful commands. The captain will be promoted in rank, acquire medals and will be given the opportunity to command newer and better boats as he advances in experience.

Aces of the Deep also features a wide array of other ships, both enemy and allied. There is a ship or boat to represent nearly every function, ranging from oil tankers to powerful destroyers and battleships, and even aircraft carriers. There are also anti-submarine patrols and a variety of air support. All of the mech, aerial or naval, are historically based, feature accurate payloads and abilities, and appear in a historically accurate manner on the screen.

Because of its singular realism and historical accuracy, Command: Aces of the Deep is often considered one of the best submarine simulation games of all times, even surpassing Strategic Simulations, Inc.'s (SSI) Silent Hunter. With the re-release, the game featured much-improved graphics, which added nicely to the realistic effort. The sea motion and boat renderings are especially improved. In short, this is a must-have strategy simulation for sim fans, World War II buffs, and submarine enthusiasts. It is highly recommended for download.

[corsair91]

FYI, Stumbled over these,
Not sure how legal these are and are expensive


apparently an eBay seller

ACES OF THE DEEP +1Clk Windows 10 8 7 Vista XP Install
https://www.allvideoclassicgames.com/products/aces-of-the-deep-1clk-windows-10-8-7-vista-xp-install-1

1-Click Install Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP $ 19.95


COMMAND ACES OF THE DEEP +1Clk Windows 10 8 7 Vista XP Install

https://www.allvideoclassicgames.com/products/command-aces-of-the-deep-1clk-windows-10-8-7-vista-xp-install

1-Click Install Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP $ 29.95

[corsair91]

New Installers for Sierra Games

http://www.sierrahelp.com/Patches-Updates/NewSierraInstallers.html

http://www.sierrahelp.com/Patches-Updates/NewSierraInstallers.html#A

Aces Series Installers

Aces of the Deep for DOSBox - Works with both CD and floppy versions. If installing the CD version, it will install the entire CD game to the hard drive for CD-less play. If installing the floppy version, just copy the files from your floppy disks into a temporary folder on your hard drive and run this installer from that folder.

http://www.sierrahelp.com/Files/NewInstallers/AcesDeepForDOSBox.zip