Is the M80 worth THIS MUCH? | Star Citizen Ship Review

The Origin M80 is a stylish heavy fighter that combines luxury design with powerful armament and strong shields but suffers from lower armor, average agility, and a less inviting interior. While it excels in delivering heavy bursts of damage and speed, the reviewer suggests trying it first and warns against spending real money on fighters like the M80, recommending more versatile ships such as the Starlancer or Constellation for better value.

The Origin M80 marks Origin Jumpworks’ first dedicated combat ship, blending their signature luxury with formidable firepower. Known primarily for high-end touring ships, Origin has crafted the M80 as a sleek, aesthetically pleasing heavy fighter that stands out in the gritty combat environment. The ship maintains a refined and artistic design, with smooth curves and elegant lines that make it look more like a luxury item than a weapon. Despite being a fighter, it also offers practical features like two standard units of storage, allowing pilots to carry extra ammo or materials.

Inside, the M80’s interior reflects some typical Origin elements but lacks the coziness and spaciousness found in other models like the 100, 300, or 400 series. The layout includes a bed, components such as power plants, coolers, and a quantum drive, along with weapons storage and personal storage. However, the interior design doesn’t quite match the ship’s striking exterior, feeling somewhat less inviting and not as airy or transparent as some other Origin ships.

In terms of combat capabilities, the M80 is heavily armed with two size 5 and two size 4 weapons, making it unique among heavy fighters for its alpha damage potential. It also carries a substantial missile loadout, including 16 size one missiles and additional racks that can be configured for larger missile sizes. The ship’s combat style seems focused on delivering heavy bursts of damage quickly before repositioning, rather than prolonged engagements.

Durability-wise, the M80 favors shielding over armor, featuring two size two shields that provide double the shield HP compared to similar heavy fighters. However, it compensates for this with the lowest armor and hull HP in its class, making it somewhat fragile if shields are breached. The ship is classified as an interceptor and excels in speed and maneuverability, boasting the second highest SCM and quantum speeds in its class and the highest roll rate, though its pitch agility is average. Its aerodynamic design should also improve performance in atmospheric flight once control surfaces are fully integrated.

Ultimately, the M80 is suited for pilots who want to combine heavy firepower with style, though its lower agility and fragility mean it may not appeal to everyone. The reviewer advises trying the ship before purchasing and cautions against spending real money on fighters, as they tend to be overpriced compared to more versatile ships like the Starlancer, Constellation, or Mustang Star Runner. These alternatives offer better protection, versatility, and value, making them a smarter investment for most players.