The video reviews Star Citizen’s alien Gatac Railen and Toui ships, highlighting their unique insect-like design, impressive interiors, and specialized roles as a cargo hauler and pocket carrier, respectively, while noting practical challenges and combat vulnerabilities. It concludes that these ships prioritize aesthetic experience and immersive alien atmosphere over utility or combat efficiency, making them standout artistic achievements best appreciated in VR.
The video reviews two of Star Citizen’s largest alien ships, the Shian-manufactured Gatac Railen and its variant, the Toui. Both ships feature a distinctive alien X-shaped silhouette with four massive engine clusters and a smaller body. The Railen is focused on cargo transport, equipped with an exterior cargo grid and advanced gravitational shields for protection, making it a stylish and efficient hauler. The Toui, on the other hand, serves as a pocket carrier for up to four snub fighters, featuring articulating rear doors that open to a hangar bay. However, the Toui’s design has practical challenges, such as a small opening and confined space that make launching and landing fighters difficult and potentially hazardous.
Both variants are well-armed, with multiple size-four weapons and turrets, missile complements, and decent shields and power plants. Despite this, their large size, slow turn rate, and slow top speed make them vulnerable in combat, as they can be easily outmaneuvered and targeted by more agile opponents. Therefore, while they pose a credible threat to attackers, they are not ideal frontline combat ships and are better suited for support roles. The Railen’s exterior design is particularly praised for its organic, insect-like aesthetic and the unique blue lumafiber accents on its engine columns, which add to its visual appeal.
The interior design of both ships is equally impressive, showcasing an alien architectural style that combines stone-like materials with smooth metal accents and subdued lighting. The entry sequence, while visually striking, has some practical drawbacks such as poor visibility of the floating entry pad at night. Inside, the Toui’s hangar bay stands out with its zero-gravity, no-up-or-down configuration, allowing snub fighters to land on walls or ceilings, enhancing the alien feel. The living quarters are spacious and luxurious, featuring communal cavelike sleeping areas, terrariums, aquariums, and elegant dining spaces that reflect the Shiion race’s subterranean lifestyle.
Functionality and component access are cleverly integrated into the ship’s design, with maintenance panels disguised as decorative elements and well-placed engineering spaces. The Railen has additional utility with more suit and weapon lockers compared to the Toui, which seems like a design oversight given the Toui’s larger crew requirements. The bridge is a highlight, featuring a cathedral-like space with a massive triangular canopy glass offering panoramic views, unique flight spheres instead of sticks, and fully 3D holographic HUD elements that provide an immersive experience, especially in VR.
Ultimately, the review concludes that these ships are less about utility or combat efficiency and more about the unique experience and aesthetic they offer. Flying one of these alien vessels feels like an event, providing a sense of wonder and exoticism that human ships lack. Despite some design flaws, the Gatac Railen and Toui stand as works of art and milestones in Star Citizen’s ship design. The reviewer plans to showcase the ships in VR at an upcoming event, emphasizing how exceptional the experience is and recommending the Pimax VR headset for those interested in exploring these ships in immersive detail.