The RSI Apollo Hospital Ship, introduced in Star Citizen patch 4.3.1, is a thoughtfully designed forward field hospital that builds on RSI’s evolving design language. Drawing inspiration from ships like the Meteor, Polaris, and Zeus Mark II, the Apollo features clean angular lines, improved ingress with a forward lift, and a striking canopy free of obstructive struts. Its exterior design balances polish and functionality, with details such as a skylight running along the top spine to bring natural light inside, emphasizing the ship’s purpose centered on health and well-being. Although equipped with some weaponry for defense, the ship’s armaments lack retractability, which is a minor inconsistency compared to other RSI vessels.
Upon entering the ship, the design reveals a few curious choices, particularly the small and compressed rear airlock and interior spaces relative to the large rear ramp. This creates a disconnect and suggests missed opportunities, such as better integration with the RSI Nursa medical ground vehicle or more efficient cargo handling. The interior echoes RSI’s signature style with improved materials and color contrasts that enhance visual interest and realism. However, some areas, especially the triage space, feel underutilized or awkwardly designed, with redundant doors and unclear functional zoning that detracts slightly from the overall flow.
The modular medical bays are the heart of the Apollo, offering tiered medical facilities from advanced Tier 1 beds capable of healing severe injuries to Tier 3 setups that treat more patients simultaneously but with limited capabilities. While the Tier 2 and 3 bays are somewhat better resolved with practical features like handwashing stations, the Tier 1 bay feels less complete and could benefit from additional functional elements such as an observation room or workspace. Despite some inefficiencies in space usage and circulation, the interior’s natural lighting and windowed atrium foster a realistic, comforting atmosphere aligned with modern medical design principles.
The ship’s bridge and crew living quarters are compact but well-appointed, borrowing heavily from previous RSI designs like the Mantis. The cockpit features a clever forward ramp access with a deployable glass canopy and retractable handrails, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The lighting and color scheme balance utility with warmth, creating a cozy environment for the two-person crew. However, a notable omission is the lack of dedicated crew quarters or rest areas for medical staff, which seems like a missed opportunity given the ship’s intended long-duration medical missions.
Overall, the RSI Apollo is a strong addition to Star Citizen’s lineup, excelling in materiality, lighting, and exterior form, but with some design inconsistencies and missed functional opportunities inside. While not designed for combat or speed, it fulfills its role as a medevac and triage ship effectively and offers promising potential for future medical gameplay. The reviewer appreciates the ship’s thoughtful design and encourages players interested in medical roles to consider it, while also inviting community feedback on the ship’s performance and expectations.
