The Hunt for Red October (1991-)

• Developer: Beam Software

• Publisher: Hi-Tech Expressions

• Genre: Side Scrolling

• Designer: Tania Smith, Gavan Anderson

• Composer: Andrew Davie

The Hunt for Red October for the NES was developed by Beam Software and published by Hi-Tech Expressions. It was released in North America in January 1991 and later reached Europe the same year. This version was part of a larger wave of adaptations tied to Tom Clancy’s popular franchise, with separate releases appearing on the Game Boy and the Super Nintendo. While Beam Software created both the NES and Game Boy versions, another studio handled the SNES adaptation. Like the film and novel before it, the NES game took inspiration from the Cold War setting and the suspenseful story of a Soviet submarine captain attempting to defect to the West.

In the NES game, players take control of the Soviet submarine Red October in a side-scrolling action format. The objective is to evade enemy detection, battle hostile forces, and navigate underwater obstacles while making use of the submarine’s caterpillar drive, which allows stealthy movement. What made this version stand out was its mix of gameplay styles. The final stage shifted away from underwater combat into a platforming sequence, where players controlled a crew member tasked with finding and disarming bombs hidden within the submarine, adding variety to the experience.

The soundtrack was composed by Tania Smith and Gavan Anderson, who crafted music that supported the tense and atmospheric gameplay. The tracks were designed to emphasize suspense, creating a sense of pressure as the submarine engaged in combat or stealth maneuvers. Though relatively simple by technical standards, the music helped to keep players engaged and added an extra layer of drama to the overall presentation.

There was no prequel to this game and no direct sequel for the NES. Promotion of the title leaned on the success of the 1990 film, presenting it as a chance to relive the submarine thriller in video game form. Reception, however, was mixed, with many critics praising the ambitious attempt to bring a complex narrative into an action game, while also pointing out shortcomings in control and level design. Despite this, the NES version has since been remembered as a curious adaptation, noteworthy for its mix of submarine combat and side-scrolling platform elements, as well as its ties to one of the era’s most popular military thrillers.

Images from MobyGames