PHANTOM COVERT OPS: The Docks
The Docks
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The Docks of Voldat offered a contrast in architecture, a brutalist arena to explore. Verticality, exposure, and complex interiors where all traits pushed in order to distinguish the location and challenge stealth tactics.
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The docks offered hidden shelter of Zhurov's main operation, forcing you to go deeper into secret Laboratories and Armoury’s, to fend for yourself within more claustrophobic and precise encounters.
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In order to extract yourself and have a hope at stopping Zhurov, you'll need to clear a path through the devastating anti-air defines systems. NATO is completely vulnerable over Voldat air-space until all surface-to-air missile batteries are fully disabled.
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Although the docks offer little in the sense of natural cover, the tactical Kayak comes into its own when exploiting the navel Docks drainage and water management infrastructure.
Entrance to the docks can only be achieved via the main gates.
To gain access timing and observation skills need to be employed to remain hidden in the wake and shadows of a passing cargo ship.
The Docks thematically increases the verticality, danger and architectural infrastructure.
This new setting exposes you more, forcing you to rely on your observation, timing and kayaking skills.
Once inside the cover oppotunities are less and the enemy survailance is high.
With lots of verticality the enemies threat and oppotunity increases in their favour.
Ship construction yards have been repurposed to hide new structures for nefarious means.
The docks houses a secret chemical plant, evidence of operation Titan's existence.
The Laboratory itself requires the upmost stealth in order to navigate, document and eventually disable.
Production sketches exploring the Laboratory from a Kayak's POV.
The chemical processing pipeline overhead leads the way to the realisation of weaponisation.
"Critical evidence!"
The robotic arm furiously manufactures bio-weapons at an alarming rate, capable of stockpiling tons of bio-hazardous materials.
"Just what is Zhurov preparing for?"
"The Armoury"
The dots connect. The bio weapons delivery system becomes clear.
Operations retro fitting IBCM's for bio-warfare become both a reality and an immediate threat.
"The extent to Zhurov's plan!"
The mass stockpiling of internationally primed threat is finally realised.
"WMDs"
The threat is very real and imminent. You must evade and ensure your escape in order to let the world know.
"Air Superiority"
Zhurov ensured the past vulnerabilities to air attack were remedied.
The Docks is home to a battery of SAM Sites, all well-hidden and defended amongst the dock walls.
"The Sub Pens - the ICBM delivery system has surfaced."
Production sketches exploring and honing on the composition and design for the ICBM armed Submarine reveal.
"The Sub Pens - the extent to Zhurov's threat is unraveling"
The loading of the missile tubes commence. Time is running out, you must clear the air space and lase the target to enable an air-strike.
"The Sub Pens - our agent on the ground"
From afar you must lase the target with your SMG, hi-lighting the exact point of impact for the NATO air support.
"Discovering a tension that feels right."
To make tunnels that felt appropriately claustrophobic, dangerous, not too safe, but well hidden, and be able to navigate them in a kayak, was more of a journey than you might think.
"Hidden Network"
The Docks presents many open exposed spaces, where the kayak is less advantaged. Observation and timing is key to survival.
Refuge is often not too far away within the wide network of water tunnels, dry docks, and flood gates.
"Form, function and tone"
note:
- vertical distance to the enemy
- narrow vertical up high
- wider / paddle width low walls
- inverted "T" shape to the tunnel
All conscious decisions to ensure the best feeling in VR whilst enabling accessible traversal
"Looming Threat"
One of Zhurov's deadly SAM sites, no rescue or air cover can be afforded with these still in commission.
They can be disabled via manual sabotage, or the load way! Either way, they must be taken out.