Star Citizen: Chris Robert`s new space sim (the Wing Commander guy)

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Sabrewings

Golden Member
Jun 27, 2015
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I'm ok with being a StarEngine fanboy.

Not to derail the thread, but has anybody heard much about 'modding'?

I loved working in the Sandbox. It'd be neat if I could generate some content or something.. make my own Star System for people to visit.

Maybe for private servers, but I don't think modding will be allowed on public servers. The official channel for that (predominantly ships) will be to submit a user created ship to CIG and they will select certain ones that appear plausible to the universe and will fit with balance. So, no M50 size ships with uber power cores and 100 CF-227s.

On the private server side, I wouldn't put it past the community to figure it out, though the signed pak files will probably be a huge barrier. Also, private servers will be pretty dead as far as the universe simulation goes. CR has confirmed they still plan to offer the private server option, but their universe simulation will require a cloud style access to resources. They will have a cluster running the universe simulation of millions of NPCs while the official game servers will be able to correlate with it and access the NPCs in areas they're responsible for.
 

Stringjam

Golden Member
Jun 30, 2011
1,871
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I'm tempted to get one, but I also feel hesitant because of upcoming changes... but I know the clock is ticking to get a 'package' so I kinda want to just pull the trigger asap.


I bought the Freelancer DUR thinking it would be my primary mid-sized explorer.

After flying it I'm not sure I'll be doing that just because of the poor cockpit visibility. If I'm exploring, I want a much better view. ;)

It looks like the Reliant is going to have awesome visibility. I think the research version might end up being a good small / medium explorer. The only thing that worries me about the Reliant is that huge wingspan. It may make it tricky to fly in tight areas, and it generally makes the ship very easy to hit.
 

TechBoyJK

Lifer
Oct 17, 2002
16,699
60
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I bought the Freelancer DUR thinking it would be my primary mid-sized explorer.

After flying it I'm not sure I'll be doing that just because of the poor cockpit visibility. If I'm exploring, I want a much better view. ;)

It looks like the Reliant is going to have awesome visibility. I think the research version might end up being a good small / medium explorer. The only thing that worries me about the Reliant is that huge wingspan. It may make it tricky to fly in tight areas, and it generally makes the ship very easy to hit.

the reliant looks super weird to me!

Are there any 2 seaters I would really like? Even if I have to get it from grey market?

I'd like a 2/3 seater that is smaller (not a big boat) where the other passengers don't need to participate much.
 

Worthington

Golden Member
Apr 29, 2005
1,432
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Besides the reliant, perhaps a Cutlass. But it's a little more $ since it's not technically a starter ship.

They didn't release that 2 seater Avenger that was in the lore did they?
 

rivethead

Platinum Member
Jan 16, 2005
2,635
106
106
the reliant looks super weird to me!

Are there any 2 seaters I would really like? Even if I have to get it from grey market?

I'd like a 2/3 seater that is smaller (not a big boat) where the other passengers don't need to participate much.

It's supposed to look weird since it incorporates alien technology (X'ian). Your gf would probably eat that lore up if she's into the game lore and riding around in a Reliant would add a little extra something for her.

Basically MISC has a technology-sharing agreement with the X'ian. They're the only ship hull maker to do so. So their ships incorporate X'ian tech that's been modified for humans.
 

Stringjam

Golden Member
Jun 30, 2011
1,871
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They didn't release that 2 seater Avenger that was in the lore did they?


The last Q&A I remember reading on the Avenger I think Chris said they have the "trainer" cockpit ready, but were working on how to integrate the systems, since two different people cannot both have control of a component.
 

Stringjam

Golden Member
Jun 30, 2011
1,871
33
91
the reliant looks super weird to me!

Are there any 2 seaters I would really like? Even if I have to get it from grey market?

I'd like a 2/3 seater that is smaller (not a big boat) where the other passengers don't need to participate much.


I'll echo Worthington - you might give the Cutlass a look. It's in a bit of a funk right now as far as the handling, but CIG promised to give it a flight rework post 2.0.

I like the Cutlass design, but I'm bummed there's not an explorer variant. Maybe they'll offer some suitable equipment upgrades for it and do something with the interior to better set it up for that.
 

Jaepheth

Platinum Member
Apr 29, 2006
2,572
25
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I believe that the M50 is primarily designed for racing. It's essentially two huge engines with a cockpit strapped to them (and two laser repeaters....which makes no sense for racing but hey). ...

Straight racing, no...

Space Biathlon, yes :D

also, loved the Top Gear parody for the M50
 

TechBoyJK

Lifer
Oct 17, 2002
16,699
60
91
I'll echo Worthington - you might give the Cutlass a look. It's in a bit of a funk right now as far as the handling, but CIG promised to give it a flight rework post 2.0.

I like the Cutlass design, but I'm bummed there's not an explorer variant. Maybe they'll offer some suitable equipment upgrades for it and do something with the interior to better set it up for that.

what are some of the differences with explorers vs fighters?

are some faster than others? ie.. fighter variants has more weapons and armor so it weighs more, so it's slower?
 

Stringjam

Golden Member
Jun 30, 2011
1,871
33
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what are some of the differences with explorers vs fighters?

are some faster than others? ie.. fighter variants has more weapons and armor so it weighs more, so it's slower?


The mechanics aren't in place yet for exploration so there's a lot we don't know, but we do know that ships with exploration packages will have advanced scanners, long range fuel tanks, and in some cases scientific research equipment.

In a lot of cases you have a reduced loadout over the fighting variant to accommodate additional equipment. For example, the Connie Aquila gives up a weapons turret for a scanning turret, and the Origin 315p gives up the nose gun for a tractor beam mounted to the hardpoint.

There was a pretty cool thread over at the CIG forum that documents and summarizes what information has been released so far on exploration.

https://forums.robertsspaceindustri...ration-in-star-citizen-what-we-know-so-far/p1


I think, after playing in the mini PU, that having advanced scanners is going to be very important. Space is huge. If you're going to find anything that isn't already mapped, I think you're going to have some type of advanced scanning capabilities.

A ship doesn't have to be a variant to be used for exploration. A lot of the systems should be able to be swapped, and with CIG switching to the "modules" approach with the new ships, we should see quite a bit of versatility.

For example, you should be able to buy a base Origin 300i, and swap the components from the 315p. The exception is for actual ship design features, like the big rounded cockpit of the Aquila compared to the wedge design of the other Connies.
 
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Feb 4, 2009
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I'll echo Worthington - you might give the Cutlass a look. It's in a bit of a funk right now as far as the handling, but CIG promised to give it a flight rework post 2.0.

I like the Cutlass design, but I'm bummed there's not an explorer variant. Maybe they'll offer some suitable equipment upgrades for it and do something with the interior to better set it up for that.

Cutlass fits your description, my Cutlass looks real cool two seats, gun turret in the mid section someone can get into, small cargo area. However at the moment its not too useful but I'm sure the redesign will make it better. The other thing is its originally designed to be a boarding ship that means shooter aspect of the game my fiancee would not like that aspect. I'm not trying to be sexist, women tend not to like shooters but younger women may be different.
 

TechBoyJK

Lifer
Oct 17, 2002
16,699
60
91
Cutlass fits your description, my Cutlass looks real cool two seats, gun turret in the mid section someone can get into, small cargo area. However at the moment its not too useful but I'm sure the redesign will make it better. The other thing is its originally designed to be a boarding ship that means shooter aspect of the game my fiancee would not like that aspect. I'm not trying to be sexist, women tend not to like shooters but younger women may be different.

My gf doesn't want to have to shoot anything. She wants to see all the pretty sites and enjoy the lore. So it seems like I want a ship with scanners, etc.
 

Stringjam

Golden Member
Jun 30, 2011
1,871
33
91
My gf doesn't want to have to shoot anything. She wants to see all the pretty sites and enjoy the lore. So it seems like I want a ship with scanners, etc.

Really sounds like a Reliant Sen would be just about perfect. You should pull up the detail page and see if she digs it.

From the description:

Magellan, Pierce, Croshaw, names that echo through history thanks to their adventurous spirit, a curious nature and a reliable ship. The Reliant Sen is a versatile mobile science platform; outfitted with long range capabilities to take you further, longer, and an advanced sensor suite. Perfect for the aspiring explorer who wants to whisper their name into the halls of history.
And if you want beautiful views of space, it's going to be tough to beat that side-by-side giant glass canopy:

Researcher_UniqueFeatures_AdditionalScienceInstruments_Final_Hobbins.jpeg
 
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Stringjam

Golden Member
Jun 30, 2011
1,871
33
91
I've been toying with this idea myself. Currently I have the pedals slaved for roll, and nothing on the toe brake axis. Maybe setting up each toe for side strafe in that direction would be worthwhile? I need to try it out soon.

My up, down, left, and right strafes are all on a throttle hat at the moment with forward/back and up/down on rotaries to assist with decoupled landing.


I tried out both lateral and vertical strafe on the toe-brakes back when I had a hand-throttle. To me, it felt far more natural to put vertical strafe on the toe pedals (left toe/down, right toe/up).

I mapped lateral strafe to the slide-axis. I mapped roll to the mini-stick on my CH Throttle.

I was pretty happy with that setup. It took awhile to get my brain wired to strafe with the pedals, but after enough practice it felt really natural. The bad thing about having strafe on a hat is that you're only strafing in one direction at a time. With analog, you can combine input to strafe diagonally and everywhere in between.

I would definitely give it a try since you already have a good set of pedals!
 
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TechBoyJK

Lifer
Oct 17, 2002
16,699
60
91
Really sounds like a Reliant Sen would be just about perfect. You should pull up the detail page and see if she digs it.

From the description:

And if you want beautiful views of space, it's going to be tough to beat that side-by-side giant glass canopy:

Researcher_UniqueFeatures_AdditionalScienceInstruments_Final_Hobbins.jpeg

for sale soon?
 

rivethead

Platinum Member
Jan 16, 2005
2,635
106
106
Not sure. Maybe when it becomes hangar-ready.

I honestly think we'll see it hangar ready within the next few weeks. On last week's AtV Darien stated that they were really close and working on landing gear animation and damage states.

Why would you work on both of those things for something that wasn't even hangar ready yet?

My suspicion is that they are farther along with the Reliant than we think. Or at least I hope!
 

TechBoyJK

Lifer
Oct 17, 2002
16,699
60
91
I feel like the aurora is already too weak to do anything. I get shredded in dog fights.

Don't care about a 2 person ship at this point, because I'll likely be playing mostly by myself for a while, and if someone does join me, they can fly themselves lol

Since exploration isn't really the highlight of the playability of the current alpha, I just want a ship that can fight good enough and is a little more fun to fly than the aurora.

thoughts?

I'd like to keep my total pledge under $100 for now. Thinking I'll get the Reliant Sen once it's available as a 2nd ship.
 

Sabrewings

Golden Member
Jun 27, 2015
1,942
35
51
I tried out both lateral and vertical strafe on the toe-brakes back when I had a hand-throttle. To me, it felt far more natural to put vertical strafe on the toe pedals (left toe/down, right toe/up).

I mapped lateral strafe to the slide-axis. I mapped roll to the mini-stick on my CH Throttle.

I was pretty happy with that setup. It took awhile to get my brain wired to strafe with the pedals, but after enough practice it felt really natural. The bad thing about having strafe on a hat is that you're only strafing in one direction at a time. With analog, you can combine input to strafe diagonally and everywhere in between.

I would definitely give it a try since you already have a good set of pedals!

I might give it a go then. It took a little while to rewire my brain around pedals doing roll, but it works pretty well now. On my X45 I had the roll slaved to the rudder rocker and liked it. Not sure why Saitek ever went with twist roll on subsequent designs.

Any ETA on Sqn.42?

2016 is the estimated release date. Could slip, but the few tidbits we know is that it's much more complete than anything they've shown.

I feel like the aurora is already too weak to do anything. I get shredded in dog fights.

Don't care about a 2 person ship at this point, because I'll likely be playing mostly by myself for a while, and if someone does join me, they can fly themselves lol

Since exploration isn't really the highlight of the playability of the current alpha, I just want a ship that can fight good enough and is a little more fun to fly than the aurora.

thoughts?

I'd like to keep my total pledge under $100 for now. Thinking I'll get the Reliant Sen once it's available as a 2nd ship.

Avenger Titan would be my suggestion. All hail space penguins!

Edit: And yes you can QD in any direction until you hit the edge of the play area. You don't have to go to a particular destination, it just makes it easier.
 
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