Cyclops

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Cyclops Production information Manufacturer UNSC Model Powered Armored Exoskeleton Technical specifications Armament Anti-building Jackhammer/Piledriver; can use it's manipulators in close range combat Crew 1 driver Usage Year introduced 2531 Role(s) Logistical Support Melee Combat Exoskeleton Building Killer Era(s) Human-Covenant War Affiliation UNSC
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The Cyclops is a bipedal exoskeleton used by the UNSC Marine Corps during the early years of the Human-Covenant War. While it was originally intended for construction and other noncombat purposes, it was repurposed for combat against the Covenant for deconstruction proficiency on Covenant building structures.^[1] The modification for combat included additional armor plating around the operator and joints, and specialized equipment for demolishing enemy fortifications. The Cyclops is available only if Sgt. John Forge is the leader.

Contents 1 Development 2 Combat 3 Trivia 4 Gallery 5 Sources

[edit] Development

Originally, Ensemble had designed the unit as a canon-accurate MJOLNIR Mark I suit, but deemed it too similar to the Spartans to easily distinguish. The Cyclops was therefore rebuilt from the ground-up as a unique unit, both larger and bulkier than the MJOLNIR Mark IV the Spartans wear. During at least one point in development the Cyclops lacked the reflective visor, instead having only a bare crash cage over the wearer.^[1]

Initially, fan reaction to the unit was poor, regarding it as an unrealistic "mech" addition. Over time, acceptance of the unit has not changed, and the fanbase is still polarized as to the legitimacy of the Cyclops.^[2]

The Halo Wars Cyclops is based on the Cyclops unit from Ensemble Studios game Age of Mythology, an actual Cyclops, which was similarly a large unit that dealt heavy melee damage.^[3] Even their alternate attacks are similar - when its bar has charged, the AoM Cyclops will lift a nearby infantry unit and hurl it at the enemy forces for additional damage. Pressing Y on the Halo Wars Cyclops will allow it to tear a vehicle apart, and hurl the chunks at enemy forces in a similar manner.^[4]

[edit] Combat

In combat, the Cyclops deals heavy melee damage, using its powerful arms, once used to carry heavy machinery and equipment, to deal devastating blows against enemy units and structures. It also possesses the ability to tear apart a destroyed vehicle and throw the pieces further at any other unit, including air units which they have no other offensive option on. If upgraded, the Cyclops can repair nearby vehicles and buildings.^[1][5] Has two upgrades:

• "Repair Kit", which allows the Cyclops to repair buildings and mechanized units.
• "High-Torque Joint" which improves its movement speed^[6].

Although the Cyclops has heavy melee damage when faced against multiple infantry squads it is weak, so it is advised that you back up the Cyclops with Warthogs and/or Marines. Furthermore it is completely useless against air units, like Banshees. Also note that the Cyclops does heal buildings and vehicles, but it cannot heal infantry and airborne units. It also plays a big role in level 12 of Halo Wars because they are the only units that can repair the power core of the UNSC Spirit of Fire.

[edit] Trivia

• To date, the Cyclops is, along with the Gremlin, the only UNSC ground vehicle named after a mythological creature, unlike other vehicles which are usually named after real animals and creatures.
• When used against infantry, Cyclops will do "finishing moves" against weakened squads, such as breaking their necks or throwing them.
• Using the "Y" ability on an infantry squad usually yields no results as it is an extra attack, but if enough damage is done to kill an enemy member of the unit, the Cyclops will pick that enemy member and use it as a projectile, just like when used on a vehicle.
• The Cyclops design changed drastically during the game's development: its helmet was once similar to that of the MJOLNIR EVA and SPI armor and its body was bulkier and shorter.
• A Cyclops can repair both UNSC and Covenant vehicles, as long as they are on its side.
• It is a well equipped multipurpose vehicle, repairing buildings and units similar to an Engineer and destroying buildings comparable to the Locust.
• The driver of the Cyclops seems to have more of an Australian accent like Chips Dubbo.
• UNSC soldiers who wore the Cyclops into battle nicknamed them "coffins".
• If you look closely in the back of the Cyclops you can spot a glitch where you can see right through it.
• The Cyclops was a one-eyed giant in Greek Mythology.
• Early versions may have had ranged weapons, but the final version of the Cyclops uses melee attacks.

[edit] Gallery

A development image of the Cyclops.

The final in-game model Cyclops

[edit] Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=0&cId=3172311&p=
2. ↑ http://www.halowars.com/news/articles/archive/2008/06/20/Halo-Wars-Monthly-Update-06.20.08.aspx
3. ↑ http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=0&cId=3172311&p=
4. ↑ List of units in the Age of Mythology series
5. ↑ http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/viewer.aspx?productId=1898&assetTypeId=2&shotId=5
6. ↑ http://www.xbox.com/NR/rdonlyres/31804095-7B32-4CE2-A17E-3CB54A3692EF/0/HaloWars_MNL_EN.PDF

UNSC Armored Ground Vehicles

Reconnaissance vehicles: M274 Mongoose Ultra-Light All-Terrain Vehicle | M12 Warthog Light Reconnaissance Vehicle

Light Armored Vehicles: M12A1 Warthog Light Anti-Armor Vehicle | M12G1 Warthog Light Anti-Armor Vehicle | Missile Warthog

Armored Personnel Carriers: M831 Warthog Troop Transport | M312 Elephant HRV

Tanks: M808B Scorpion Main Battle Tank | M-145D Rhino | Grizzly

Self-propelled artillery: M-145D Rhino | SP42 Cobra

Combat Support Vehicles: MAAT-9 Wolverine | Cyclops | Gremlin Combat Support Vehicle

[SOURCE] - [EDIT]