Ghost in the machine?

[UKönig]

Originally Posted by goobledeygook

Is it fair to say that even though most people
consider themselves captain of their sub, the game
itself does not represent the player directly within the
game? By this I mean there exists no crewmen or icon that represent
"you" so you can't be wounded or killed outright. You can
only be killed indirectly by losing your sub. But, damage
that kills/wounds your crew, such as a strafing plane or
armed merchantman never kills you directly. Isn't this
a bit strange? Or maybe one of those officers really
"is" you and if he dies then your career ends too?
This was never clear to me.

The reason why the captain is not identified is to make it easier for the player to project himself (sorry ladies), into the game.
Your main focus is the welfare of your boat and crew, and when they fail, you do. Lost with all hands was a very common occurrence in the kriegsmarine...