Can't get more basic than this!
Under the very simple graphical interface lies a very neat strategy game featuring submersibles. I can't really compare it other games of its time, because most of them were in tune with the times, offering you so much more graphically, but, at any rate, the level of simulation, while simple graphically is deep enough in scope, just so you get an idea about your way to go about it. Search And Destroy is almost a game that uses the minimum amount of cues for maximum amount of gameplay enjoyment, which is always a refreshing premise. But, if that gets a bit old, try seeing how USS Ticonderoga rustles your U boat sim feathers, or alternatively, go for a session of Das Boot, just as classic but less stingy on the graphical side.