Hello subROVers!
In this build we're adding a new creature to the game, a Bigfin Squid. Bigfin Squid are pretty famous among deep-sea creatures because of their alien-like appearance and their "mysterious nature", as the number of sightings to date is very low -the Magnapinna Archive lists 24 videos.
We started working on the bigfin at the beginning of the month using NOAA's footage for reference. Just a few days in, there was a fantastic sighting from Schmidt ocean, so we've incorporated it into the model -this is state-of-the-squid 😋
(sighting starts at 9: 33 :50)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsSUMHQPaHY&t=34429s
Even with these references, there's details that are not easy to see, such as the location of the tentacles, so we've consulted with several experts to make sure the model was anatomically correct. We've also given the squid several behaviors: it reacts to the presence of the ROV in different ways, changing color, turning around (sometimes) if the ROV has the lights on, and letting the ROV get close only if it approaches slowly (Hover engaged). If the ROV gets too close for comfort, the squid will retreat to a safe distance; it won't ink, though, which is something we consulted about -it does have a small ink sac, but doesn't use it.
(this is a capture from the central screen in the game)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYyKuYRTd78
The bigfin shows up in the deepest dives -Tokelau, Humbold, and DDT-, relatively close to the seafloor (some 15-20 m, considering it needs clearance for the long arms and tentacles).
Please note that presently it is VERY difficult to spot, if you dive with the express intention of finding it. If you want to try, use the sonar as you dive near the seafloor; relevant creatures, such as the bigfin, will display an ? icon on the map, and in the external camera view, their icon stays active for much longer than any regular finds.
This said, we'd still advise you to not go expressly on a magnapinna hunt until the next update (we were intially going to upload only one build, but we wanted to share this progress with you!). We are now revising every dive to bring them in line with certification03, adding (among other things) many more spots where creatures show up, which will increase the chances of finding the squid. This should take about 2 weeks -hopefully less as the work is straightforward, but we know how these things go 😂
Happy subROVving! 😁
PS. We'd like to thank our friends from the Livestream Oceanic Discord for their help, suggestions, and reference material. Which by the way, if you like this kind of thing, you should visit it ASAP -we'd dare say it's the hub if you want to be up to date with livestreams, plus everyone is really welcoming and nice!