In Harm's Way: Pigboats is a roleplaying game about being an American submariner during World War II. Pigboats is designed to emulate the feel of the historical fiction adventures of Run Silent Run Deep, Hellcats of the Navy, Torpedo Run, and many others rather than the actual history. As such, it's heavy on the adventure and romance, and light on the details.

In Harm's Way: Pigboats uses the StarCluster 3 System

Play officers on a single submarine, or each play wolfpack captains, as well as the men of the other subs in troupe play .

Honor/Practicality Mechanic: Adds to your successes due to your reputation.

Notice: You have to accumulate Notice - the approval of your superiors - to advance in rank. In order to get Notice, you have to burn with zeal and throw yourself headlong in harm's way.

Customize your submarines when you earn the dockyard workers' respect.

Competitive Play: There can be only one Leader. One hero. Is it going to be you, or the guy sitting next to you?