Submarine Devlog Update: Polishing the Pilot Experience!

What’s New?

I have decided to shelf the torpedoes and missiles for a bit. The absolute priority right now is making the submarine movement feel completely seamless before adding combat mechanics! Here is what just went live:

• ** Dynamic Camera Sway:** Added procedural camera sway that reacts directly to the submarine’s velocity and turn angles, making the underwater physics feel incredibly weighty!
• ** Dual-Perspective Toggle:** Implemented a first-person cockpit view. Players can now seamlessly toggle between 3rd-person and 1st-person perspectives by tapping the V key!

Current Roadblocks & Design Hurdles

1. Overwhelming Cockpit Screens

I am starting to build out the internal monitors and pilot UI. However, in my opinion, the current setup of these screens covers the view a bit too much. The player can’t really see the outside environment!

2. Camera Clipping Through Walls

Also, something I am discovering is that despite using a standard SpringArm3D node for my third-person view, the camera is still clipping into the walls. I have been banging my head for so long trying to stop it from clipping!

What’s Next?

Over the next few days, my primary focus will be making the cockpit interior more lively:

• ** Adding Submarine UI:** Actively building and designing the interface systems for the dashboard.
• Filling Empty Screens: Populating those blank monitors with live text, data feeds, and telemetry.

Some questions I have been asking my friends regarding my issues.

• How should I handle the screen layout? What are your favorite tricks for keeping a cockpit UI highly functional without completely blocking the player’s view of the outside world?
• How can I fix the camera clipping? If you have experience with SpringArm3D or collision detection in this engine, what am I missing to keep the camera outside the cave walls?
• How can I make the screens look properly sci-fi? What kind of design elements, color palettes, or visual details should I add to give the terminal text that high-tech, futuristic submarine vibe?