Cyclops
General Info
| Item Name | Cyclops |
|---|
Overview
The lower deck houses a rechargeable power cell that supplies power to the ship. On the mid-level deck is a helm station where you can control the vessel and monitor critical details such as hull integrity, power level and depth. The steering wheel is also connected to an integrated artificial intelligence system that warns of danger. The upper deck, or observation deck, has a large glass dome that offers panoramic views of the deep sea and ocean floor, perfect for sightseeing or just watching the marine life.
In addition, the Cyclops also has a dedicated dock for micro-submarines, a repair room and plenty of storage space for emergency supplies and equipment. The vehicle is designed to withstand high pressure environments and can withstand aggressive deep sea wildlife. It also has a silent operation mode to avoid detection by predatory creatures. Going on adventures in the deep sea or in dark caves becomes much safer and saves time with Cyclops. It is a testament to human ingenuity and desire to explore, survive and conquer the unknown of alien planets.
Creation and Development
The game developers started their CYCLOPS journey with a simple sketch showing the gigantic size compared to the game character. The original concept involved a vertical submarine, but this evolved into the now iconic horizontal orientation of the Cyclops.
Creating the interior of the Cyclops was more complicated. The interior should feel spacious, but not empty. This resulted in several facilities including a control room, engine room and a dock for the smaller Seamoth and Prawn Suit. The result was a sense of grandeur combined with practicality.
Cyclops' different functions caused problems with Subnautica's core mechanics. Since the player could essentially inhabit the cyclops and travel the depths of the ocean without fear of external dangers, the development team had to introduce difficulty variables. Therefore, the durability of the case was introduced. Additionally, the aggressive wildlife in Subnautica can now destroy a submarine, requiring constant care and attention.
Cyclops sums up Subnautica's approach to gameplay: freedom combined with survival. As players explore a vast and terrifying ocean full of wonder and danger, Cyclops are a safe haven, a home, and an essential tool for survival. The challenges faced by the game mirror those experienced by the players while navigating the dangerous underwater universe of the game.
Cultural Impact
Players have adapted the use of Cyclops beyond exploration, creating compelling stories, sharing tales of heroic battles, or witnessing the death of a beloved submarine to hostile sea creatures. This has sparked debate on gaming forums about the real-world viability of such a submarine and the physics involved in deep-sea exploration.
Cyclops has also inspired fan art, intricate drawings and 3D models, expanding its impact beyond the digital world. The sheer complexity of making and using Cyclops extends beyond gameplay, introducing players to the challenges and thrills of engineering, encouraging curiosity and learning outside of play.