The player, as Ramius, must find and disable bombs Soviet-loyal crewmembers have set in the weapons bay of the Red October.

The Game Boy version offers the option to play as Ramius or the convoy commander of the Soviet Navy.

The fifth stage shows Greek architecture, an Easter egg where the lost city of Atlantis has been unknowingly discovered.

As the convoy commander, the player's mission is to sink the Red October, sparing no expense.

If Ramius successfully evaded all assaults, a scene would be shown of the Red October firing a torpedo and saying "Game over; Convoy Commander".