The video reviews the Drake Cutter Scout in Star Citizen Alpha 4.1, highlighting its design, combat performance, handling, and operating costs, while noting its suitability for basic scanning gameplay. Although it offers some unique features, the review suggests players may prefer the base Cutter model or the Rambler variant for better value and functionality.
The video reviews the Drake Cutter Scout, a starship in Star Citizen designed to introduce players to scanning gameplay. The Cutter Scout is categorized as a reconnaissance/intelligence ship and is currently flyable in Star Citizen Alpha 4.1. The review is structured into five sections: an exterior tour, combat performance assessment, handling and visibility evaluation, operating costs and profitability analysis, and a final summary. The host, Farister, encourages viewers to subscribe for future Star Citizen content and provides timestamps for easy navigation of the video.
The exterior tour begins with a walk-around of the Cutter Scout, showcasing its design features, including a rear ramp for cargo access and visible engine modules. The interior includes a rear cargo bay with a capacity of two SCUs, a habitation room with a bed and storage, and a cockpit with a pilot seat that elevates into the control area. The ship’s layout is functional, although some components, such as the engineer station and bathroom, have minor usability issues.
In terms of combat performance, the Cutter Scout is equipped with two size two gimbal-mounted weapons and two size two missiles, making it suitable for basic combat missions but less effective against larger ships or dedicated fighters. The ship’s defensive capabilities are limited by a single size one shield generator, which makes it vulnerable to sustained fire. Overall, while it can handle simple combat tasks, players seeking a more robust combat experience may need to consider more powerful alternatives.
The handling of the Cutter Scout is described as somewhat sluggish but manageable, with a maximum speed of 180 m/s in SCM mode. The ship features VTOL thruster modules for vertical lift, although their utility is limited in the current game version. The quantum drive is adequate for traversing most of Stanton, but players should plan for refueling in Pyro. Running costs are relatively low, making it an affordable option for players, with the most significant expense being missile restocking.
The review concludes with a discussion of the Cutter Scout’s unique features, including its large ray dome for scanning, which currently lacks significant gameplay functionality. Priced at around $700,000 UEC in-game and $45 to $50 in the store, the Cutter Scout is one of the cheaper options available. However, the base Cutter model offers similar functionality at a lower price, while the Rambler variant presents a more appealing choice for players seeking extended range. The final verdict suggests that unless the specific scanning features of the Cutter Scout are particularly appealing, players may want to opt for the base model or the Rambler instead.