In the livestream “Is Star Citizen even FUN?”, the host tests the game’s flight mechanics and AI combat in Arena Commander while humorously critiquing the game’s user interface and performance. Despite frustrations with the mechanics and industry trends regarding microtransactions, the host finds enjoyment in the gameplay, particularly during PvP encounters, and shares their thoughts on the challenges of mastering the game.
In the livestream titled “Is Star Citizen even FUN?”, the host engages in a candid exploration of the popular space simulation game, Star Citizen. The stream begins with technical difficulties, including audio issues and a CPU swap, which set a casual tone. The host expresses skepticism about the game’s AI difficulty, claiming it is too easy. The focus of the stream is primarily on testing the flight mechanics and AI combat in Arena Commander, a mode dedicated to dogfighting and combat scenarios. The host aims to determine whether their previous criticisms of the AI were justified by engaging in combat against it.
As the gameplay progresses, the host utilizes the Mustang Alpha ship, humorously describing it as a “pile of garbage” but also expressing a certain fondness for it. They discuss the differences in ship components, such as shield generators and power plants, while grappling with the game’s user interface, which they find frustrating. The host attempts various combat scenarios, including the Pirate Swarm and engaging with AI enemies, while commenting on the performance and behavior of the AI during these encounters. They note that their own mistakes, such as crashing into asteroids, often lead to their demise rather than the AI’s actions.
Throughout the stream, the host reflects on the nature of space sims versus space simulators, arguing that Star Citizen falls into the category of a space sim. They discuss the limitations of the game’s physics engine, expressing a preference for more realistic Newtonian physics in space combat. The host also shares their thoughts on the challenges and frustrations of engaging with the game’s mechanics, highlighting the learning curve involved in mastering the flight system and combat dynamics. Despite the challenges, they find enjoyment in the gameplay, particularly when engaging in PvP scenarios.
As the stream continues, the host shifts to discussing recent changes in the gaming industry, particularly regarding regulations around microtransactions and in-game currencies in Europe. They express skepticism about the effectiveness of these new guidelines and speculate on how companies might circumvent them. The conversation touches on the broader implications of pay-to-win mechanics in games, reflecting a frustration with the industry’s trend toward monetization at the expense of player experience. The host emphasizes the need for transparency in pricing and the impact of microtransactions on gameplay.
In the final moments of the stream, the host engages in PvP combat, striving to secure kills and improve their performance. They humorously recount their struggles and successes, ultimately achieving a couple of kills but acknowledging their shortcomings. The stream concludes with the host expressing a desire to stream more frequently while also reiterating their disdain for microtransactions in gaming. Overall, the livestream captures a mix of gameplay, critical analysis, and personal reflections on the gaming experience, blending humor with serious commentary on the state of the gaming industry.