The video is an enthusiastic endorsement of the RSI Hermes for the upcoming 2956 Ship Showdown in Star Citizen. Forrester, the presenter, highlights the Hermes as a vital part of his fleet, emphasizing its suitability for cargo hauling both before and after the game wipe. Central to his praise is the ship’s cargo capacity, boasting 288 Standard Cargo Units (SCUs) of on-grid storage, which is ideal for handling multiple small to medium contracts or even some larger ones. The cargo grid layout, featuring a central walkway with evenly distributed storage on either side, facilitates easy organization and efficient loading.
A standout feature of the Hermes is its onboard tractor beam, which significantly improves the cargo handling experience. While performance can vary depending on game and server conditions, Forrester has found the tractor beam to operate smoothly, making loading and unloading more fluid and less tedious. The tractor beam can also be operated from the co-pilot seat, allowing for secure entry and exit via the elevator without opening internal doors—an important safety feature when hauling in risky areas. Additionally, both the tractor beam station and co-pilot have access to power management controls, enabling the deactivation of radar to reduce UI clutter during cargo operations.
The Hermes also benefits from a large hangar designed for sideways parking, allowing it to reverse onto freight elevators efficiently and position its rear ramp for quick tractor beam access. This design provides flexibility for using both internal and external freight elevators and offers a safer environment for cargo handling. The ship is noted for its respectable top speed, enabling it to cover distances quickly after quantum travel, and it handles well in flight, feeling less cumbersome than some larger haulers. These performance traits make it a practical and nimble choice for cargo missions.
Aesthetically, the Hermes stands out with a sleek, modern design reminiscent of a high-end Star Trek starship. It balances functional interiors—such as a bed, engineering terminal, and component access—without sacrificing cargo space. Its streamlined external profile contrasts with bulkier ships in the hauling category, adding to its appeal. Forrester appreciates the ship’s look and feel, which complements its practical advantages in cargo hauling.
Despite its many strengths, the Hermes is not without flaws. The ramp’s mouth is intentionally small, limiting the types of vehicles that can drive aboard, and there is some unused off-grid space that could potentially be converted into additional storage. The ship also lacks panoramic windows found on other models like the Apollo 2. Nonetheless, Forrester considers the Hermes a hero of his fleet since its release and encourages viewers to support it in the Ship Showdown. He invites comments on the ship’s pros and cons, recommends purchasing it for 7.1 million credits from Teach’s at Levski, and thanks viewers for their support.
