In Ray’s latest “Ship of the Day” episode, he analyzes the Crusader Intrepid, emphasizing its role as a space camper rather than a combat ship, while critiquing its inefficient design and limited cargo capacity. He suggests that players seeking better value might prefer alternatives like the Drake Cutter and presents a concept for a more practical design of the Intrepid, concluding with updates on channel giveaways and community engagement.
In the latest episode of Ray’s “Ship of the Day” series, the focus is on the Crusader Intrepid, a ship that has garnered some misunderstanding among players. Ray emphasizes that the Intrepid should not be seen as a smaller version of the Crusader Starfighter but rather as a space camper, akin to the Aegis Cutter or the 100i. The Intrepid features significant living space, making it suitable for players who want a versatile ship to travel and rest, rather than just engage in combat. Despite its cargo capacity of 8 SCU, Ray notes that this is insufficient for serious cargo missions, and the design of the cargo holds complicates loading and unloading.
Ray discusses the design philosophy behind Crusader’s ships, which can be categorized into two styles: long and symmetrical, like the Hercules, and wide and low with an asymmetrical cockpit, as seen in the Intrepid. This design choice has led to inefficiencies in the Intrepid’s layout, which includes a narrow cockpit and a convoluted interior space. The ship’s living area is equipped with various amenities, but the overall design does not maximize the available space, resulting in a footprint similar to the Nomad, which offers three times the cargo capacity.
In terms of pricing, the Intrepid is being sold for $60 with Lifetime Insurance, and it serves as an entry-level ship for new players. Ray notes that during the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo (IAE), there are various starter packages available, including options that provide better value than the Intrepid. He suggests that players who prioritize cargo space and accessibility might find the Drake Cutter more appealing than the Intrepid, which has a more complicated cargo setup.
Ray also takes a moment to speculate on how the Intrepid might have looked if it had adhered to the alternative design philosophy of Crusader’s ships. He presents a quick concept design that resembles a more traditional space camper van, which is shorter and narrower than the Intrepid while still maintaining the same cargo capacity. This design emphasizes efficiency and practicality, contrasting with the Intrepid’s more novel and less efficient layout, leading Ray to question why the developers chose the latter approach.
Finally, the video wraps up with updates on giveaways for Ray’s channel, including a chance for viewers to win space combat joysticks and other prizes. Viewers are encouraged to engage with the channel by subscribing and commenting, with a secret word revealed for entry into the giveaways. Ray concludes the video with a reminder to “fly safe” and expresses his excitement for future interactions with the community.