Silent Service NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Simulation

Silent Service

Deep cut

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1989 (originally 1985)
GenreSimulation
DeveloperRareware
PublisherKonami
Players1 player
CommitmentWeekend project (Roughly 6–20 hours)
SeriesSilent Service
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 3

Developed by Rareware and published by Konami, Silent Service arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989 as a simulation game. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1985.

It landed about 4 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1989 include Mother, Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse and DuckTales. Among the 13 NES simulation games in our database, it ranks #9 by legacy score.

It is part of the Silent Service series. The series also appears on other systems with Silent Service (C64). Rareware also made Battletoads, Battletoads & Double Dragon and Cobra Triangle for the NES.

This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.

Pick it if…

  • you want to think and plan
  • you have time for a weekend project (roughly 6–20 hours)
  • you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you want clear goals and a defined ending
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Silent Service is like

Simulation games model a system and let you play inside it, whether that means building a city, flying a plane, raising a pet or running a business.

Tip for newcomers: Simulations are often open-ended. Set yourself small goals and enjoy experimenting with the systems.

Silent Service gameplay screenshot on NES
In-game screenshot (NES)

Silent Service cheats & codes

22 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:

Start With 50 Deck Gun ShellsZLEPOIAI
Start With 99 Deck Gun ShellsLTEPOIAI
Infinite Deck Gun ShellsSZXVOPVG
Infinite Bow TorpedoesSZSVUPVG
Infinite Aft TorpedoesSXETUPVG
Increases Max Submerged Speed From 10 To 29YXVPUYGP

See all Silent Service cheats

Silent Service walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Silent Service.

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Playing NES games today

NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.

Silent Service FAQ

When did Silent Service come out on the NES?

Silent Service was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989; the original game dates back to 1985.

Who made Silent Service?

It was developed by Rareware and published by Konami.

Is Silent Service multiplayer?

No. Silent Service is a single-player game.

How long does Silent Service take to play?

As a simulation game, Silent Service typically falls into the "Weekend project" category: roughly 6–20 hours. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Silent Service on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you