SaltEMike reviews the new Constellation Mark V ship in Star Citizen, praising its updated design, multi-crew focus, and improved features while critiquing the pricing strategy and its suitability for solo play compared to the Mark IV. He also discusses the broader ship legacy approach by the developers, highlighting the modernized variants and encouraging viewers to experience the ship during the RSI Discovery Month event.
In this video, SaltEMike discusses the pricing and features of the new Constellation Mark V ship in Star Citizen, comparing it to the previous Mark IV model. The Mark V is priced at $300 standalone or $275 with warbond discounts, which is considered an upgrade cost of about $60 for existing owners—a point of contention among players who dislike paying extra for what they see as an updated version of a ship they already own. Despite this, the price is lower than many expected. The Mark V is described as a medium freight ship with a large cargo hold and a new snub fighter called the Skylark. The ship emphasizes multi-crew gameplay with improved turrets and firepower but is less suited for solo play compared to the Mark IV, which remains relevant for solo PvE content.
SaltEMike highlights the ship’s interior design as a major selling point, praising the updated RSI-style cockpit and the spacious, well-thought-out living and cargo areas. He notes the addition of windows throughout the ship to reduce claustrophobia and the inclusion of practical features like suit lockers, weapon racks, and a sizable mess hall. The Mark V is larger and more complex than the Mark IV, which makes it feel less like a “daily driver” ship for solo players, a sentiment shared by many in the community. The Skylark snub fighter is durable and well-armed but lacks the speed and firepower of other snubs, focusing instead on survivability.
The video also covers the developers’ rationale behind maintaining multiple generations of ships, emphasizing vehicle legacies to enrich the game universe and offer players choice. They argue that newer doesn’t always mean better, and different ships serve different roles. SaltEMike is skeptical of some of the marketing language used to justify this approach, but he acknowledges that the implementation in the Constellation series is one of the better examples so far. He also expresses frustration with the concept of retiring ships from the pledge store, though reassures viewers that retired ships will remain accessible through gameplay.
Additionally, SaltEMike reviews the behind-the-scenes (BTS) segment explaining the updates to the entire Constellation Mark V series, which includes four variants: Taurus (cargo), Aquila (exploration), Phoenix (luxury VIP transport), and Andromeda (multi-role gunship and cargo). Each variant has been modernized with improved interiors, updated materials, and enhanced gameplay features while retaining their distinctive roles. The Phoenix, for example, includes luxury amenities like a hot tub and private suites. The developers stress that these ships are iconic and central to the Star Citizen experience, appealing to both solo players and groups.
In conclusion, SaltEMike appreciates the quality and thoughtfulness behind the new Constellation Mark V but remains critical of the pricing model and the broader strategy of releasing multiple ship generations. He acknowledges the ship’s appeal, especially for multi-crew players, but feels it may be too large to serve as a versatile daily driver. He encourages viewers to try the ship during the RSI Discovery Month event and to stay tuned for upcoming variants and gameplay updates. The video ends with an invitation to join his Twitch stream for live gameplay and further discussion.