Or if not ships ahoy, periscope spotted, as Ubisoft announces that Silent Hunter III, the World War II submarine combat sequel, has shipped in the U.S.:

SAN FRANCISCO – March 15, 2005 – Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that the WWII submarine simulation, Silent Hunter® III, on DVD for Windows, has surfaced today in stores nationwide at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $39.99. The game is rated “T” (Teen) for Mild Violence.

Submarine fans love to immerse themselves in the historical and compelling world of authentic WWII U-boat battles via books, movies and television programs. Silent Hunter III will blow this passive submarine experience out of the water with its all-new 3D engine, Dynamic Campaign system, detailed U-boat models and immersive battles thrusting players into the depths of intense stealth action.

"We’re really excited to finally let players man the torpedoes and completely immerse themselves in Silent Hunter III,” said Florin Boitor, producer, Ubisoft’s Romanian studio. "The team is very proud of the early feedback within the community and the press. We feel we’ve succeeded in creating an all-new U-boat experience that combines movie-like graphics and a realistic atmosphere, while making it challenging to both series fans and players new to naval simulations.”

The latest title in the Silent Hunter franchise will add new dimensions to the simulation experience, where players will assume the role of U-boat commander, become immersed in a dynamic ocean environment and experience the intensity of WWII submarine warfare. The a deep and rewarding Dynamic Campaign mode will challenge players to work with their crew to hone their submarine tactics as they stalk, outmaneuver, and embark on realistic naval missions, such as hunting merchant ships and sinking enemy tonnage.

The game features an event camera for focusing on the most crucial moments of battle, such as following your torpedo as it smashes into the hull of an Allied destroyer. In addition, the online feature allows up to four players to cooperatively take on AI opponents or eight players via LAN. Whether stalking convoys or hiding from depth charges, players will experience the game as their own personal war story.

Silent Hunter Background:
The critically acclaimed Silent Hunter series recreates the ferocious battles between the German U-boats and the Allied naval forces during WWII to gain domination over the oceans. Its impressive list of features, beautiful 3D graphics and unrivaled gameplay assure that this installment of the Silent Hunter series will reinvent underwater simulations.