
The Game Boy version allows players to take control of either Ramius or the Soviet Navy's convoy commander. The game features eight levels, starting in Greenland and concluding along the Western coast of the United States. The fifth level showcases Greek-style architecture, a hidden nod to the accidental discovery of the lost city of Atlantis. In the role of the convoy commander, the player's objective is to destroy the Red October at any cost.
It’s 1984. A Soviet Typhoon-Class submarine, the Red October, is commanded by Captain Marko Ramius, who is leading the vessel toward the United States to stop it from being used to ignite a war. The player steers the namesake submarine through a sequence of underwater levels, dodging collisions with walls and terrain, while eliminating naval and aerial threats using torpedoes, guided missiles, and the Caterpillar Drive for short-term invisibility. An in-game radar is available, displaying the surrounding area and nearby units.

| Audio | Subtitles | Interface | |
|---|---|---|---|
| English (US) | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 日本語 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Svenska | ✓ | ✓ |