The Origin M80 is a fast, heavily armed heavy fighter in Star Citizen that combines sleek design with strong combat capabilities, featuring impressive speed, solid shields, and practical luxury elements like a bed for logging out. While it offers excellent performance and versatility, its high price and limited cargo capacity suggest potential buyers consider upgrades and possible future price adjustments before investing.
The Origin M80 is the latest heavy fighter addition to Star Citizen, known for its speed, firepower, and polished design typical of the Origin manufacturer. This ship blends the characteristics of a heavy fighter and an interceptor, boasting competitive performance specs and a sleek aesthetic. The review follows a structured format covering a detailed ship tour, handling and visibility, combat performance, operating costs, and a final summary. The M80 features practical access points for cargo, fuel, shield generators, quantum drive, radar, and internal components, with a luxury feel uncommon for fighters, including a convenient bed for logging out.
In terms of handling, the M80 is notably fast, with a standard speed of 225 m/s and a boosted speed reaching 560 m/s, rivaling some light fighters. Its flight behavior is unique, with a tendency to drift during turns due to engine power distribution, and it handles better when piloted like an atmospheric jet using roll and pitch. The ship is also susceptible to G-forces, making a high G-limit flight suit beneficial. Impressively, the M80 can reach a top speed of up to 1,400 m/s at navigation speed, making it effective for quick pursuits or disengagements over long distances.
Combat-wise, the M80 is heavily armed with two size 5 Gdderine laser repeaters, two size 4 Rhino laser repeaters, and missile racks capable of holding a mix of size three and size one missiles. It carries two size two shield generators, providing solid defense comparable to larger fighters like the Vanguard. While the ship is resilient with shields up, it becomes vulnerable once shields are down, emphasizing the importance of speed and tactical maneuvering in combat. The M80 excels against a variety of targets, making it a versatile and enjoyable fighter to pilot.
Operating costs for the M80 are relatively low, with refueling, rearming, and repairs typically under 10,000 credits. The ship’s modest cargo capacity (2 SCU) limits its utility for trading or hauling but allows for some loot storage or small courier runs. Upgrading the quantum drive to a faster military-grade model is recommended to enhance travel efficiency. Additionally, upgrading size two components, particularly the cooler, and customizing weapons to suit combat preferences can significantly improve performance. The M80’s layout allows some repairs without exiting the ship, and its all size two components enable high power states, though the single cooler remains a weak point.
Aesthetically, the M80 stands out with a design inspired by a mix of Tomcat fighters and luxury sports cars, featuring clean interiors, unique lighting, and wheeled landing gear. Its compact size makes it suitable for tight spaces and trench runs. However, its high price tag of $275 to $300 makes it a significant investment compared to other fighters. While the M80 is among the strongest fighters currently available, potential buyers might consider waiting for an in-game price drop or updates before purchasing. Overall, the M80 offers excellent speed, firepower, and style for players seeking a high-performance heavy fighter.