The video presents a detailed buyers guide and review of the Drake Ironclad and Ironclad Assault ships in Star Citizen, hosted by Excute and Alid. They begin by acknowledging the ships’ current buggy state, with issues such as modules stuck at awkward angles and ships becoming unusable, emphasizing that these bugs are more prevalent in the live game than in test environments. Despite these problems, they proceed to explore the ships’ features, starting with the standard Ironclad. This ship boasts a large cargo capacity of 2,200 SCU, multiple turrets, and a unique tractor beam system, although the single tractor beam on the assault variant is seen as a downgrade from the original concept of having two, which would have improved cargo loading efficiency.
The hosts highlight the Ironclad’s cargo storage design, pointing out its spacious lockbox room with five storage boxes but criticize the limited door size that forces manual cargo handling, which they find impractical given the ship’s large cargo capacity. They also appreciate small quality-of-life features such as dual gangplank buttons for easier access and the unique mechanical feel of the ship’s weapon racks. The Ironclad Assault, while having a reduced cargo capacity of 1,440 SCU, compensates with increased firepower, including remote quad turrets and manned turrets replacing one of the tractor beams, positioning it more as a combat-oriented vessel. The assault variant also features a fabricator and jump seats, making it suitable for extended missions and crew operations.
The video delves into the operational aspects of the Ironclad Assault, such as its angled storage room designed to accommodate large tanks, and its sizable crew area with amenities like bathrooms, a dining area, and a captain’s quarters featuring a rotating weapon rack. They note the ship’s large hangar bay capable of holding ground vehicles and smaller ships, which is a significant tactical advantage for piracy and salvage operations. However, they also discuss practical challenges, such as the long time required to repressurize the cargo hold after opening its large doors, emphasizing the need for strategic door management during missions.
Flight performance and handling are discussed, with the hosts describing the Ironclad as feeling like a large ship that is maneuverable but clunky, which adds to its unique character. They mention bugs affecting docking and quantum travel, which currently detract from the experience but are expected to be resolved in future patches. The camera perspective, centered on the command module rather than the ship’s center of mass, is noted as a point of contention among players, affecting ease of flying and docking. Despite its flaws, the Ironclad is praised for its large hangar and cargo capacity, making it a convenient and versatile ship for certain gameplay roles.
In conclusion, the hosts express mixed feelings about the Ironclad line. They acknowledge its potential, especially for piracy and salvage, but criticize its similarity to the existing Caterpillar ship and question its uniqueness in the Drake lineup. They anticipate competition from upcoming ships like the Liberator, which may overshadow the Ironclad Assault. The video ends with a call for viewer opinions and a reminder of the ship’s current buggy state, emphasizing that while the Ironclad has interesting features, it is still a work in progress within the evolving Star Citizen universe.
