The reviewer offers mixed impressions of the Constellation Mark 5, praising its powerful combat capabilities and cargo capacity but expressing a preference for the older models’ warm, exploration-focused design and “homey” feel. They also raise concerns about the shift in ship identity and suggest preserving classic ships to respect player attachments while acknowledging the Mark 5 as a solid, if different, addition to the Star Citizen lineup.
In this first impressions video of the Constellation Mark 5, also known as the Centurus, the creator shares mixed feelings about the ship’s new design and functionality. While the ship is undeniably powerful and well-equipped, the reviewer expresses a preference for the older Constellation models, especially in terms of aesthetics and the “homey” feel. The Mark 5 comes with a large cargo bay capable of fitting sizable vehicles like a tonk, and it features an impressive missile loadout, making it feel more like a battle bus or military vessel compared to the previous exploration-focused designs.
The reviewer explores the ship’s combat capabilities, noting that the stock weaponry, particularly the size five gimbaled lasers, feel underwhelming for a ship this size. They suggest swapping these out for ballistic weapons to increase effectiveness. The handling in combat is described as somewhat sluggish and “drifty,” requiring careful maneuvering to stay on target. Despite these challenges, the ship performs well enough in missions, especially when paired with a small crew, and the reviewer enjoys the experience of undocking and flying the snub fighter, which adds a dynamic element to combat engagements.
A significant point of contention for the reviewer is the visual and thematic shift from the older Constellation models to the Mark 5. The new design, with its aggressive fins and military styling, lacks the warmth and exploratory vibe that made the original Constellations feel like a “home away from home.” They recall fondly the 2016 demo where the Constellation was portrayed as an exploration ship with a ground vehicle, emphasizing the contrast in feel between the two versions. The reviewer hopes that future variants, such as the Aquila, will retain the lighter, more inviting interior and atmosphere of the older ships.
The reviewer also touches on the broader issue of “sunsetting” older ships in Star Citizen, expressing concern that removing beloved ships or drastically changing their identity can alienate players who have grown attached to them. They argue that while the Mark 5 is a solid ship in its own right, it should perhaps be marketed differently rather than replacing the classic Constellation line. The suggestion is made for an “antique shop” or similar feature to preserve older ships for players who prefer them, ensuring that the community’s diverse tastes are respected as the game evolves.
In conclusion, the reviewer acknowledges the Constellation Mark 5 as a good and capable ship but not one that fully captures the essence of what made the original Constellations special. They appreciate the new features and combat potential but remain nostalgic for the exploration-focused, homely feel of the older models. The video ends with an invitation to viewers to subscribe and like, indicating a desire to continue sharing their evolving experiences with Star Citizen ships and gameplay.