In this review, Even Lee evaluates the Anvil Gladiator as a sturdy torpedo bomber best suited for PvE and support roles in group PvP, highlighting its strong armament and defensive capabilities but limited maneuverability and solo PvP effectiveness. He rates the ship 74 out of 100, noting it needs improvements like better components and a paint job to reach its full potential.
In this Star Citizen ship review, Even Lee takes an in-depth look at the Anvil Gladiator, a torpedo bomber priced at $165 on the pledge store or 4,365.9 AUC in-game. The Gladiator is currently competing for recognition but lacks a dedicated paint job and gold standard pass components, which may impact its appeal. The ship boasts a claim time of 7 minutes and 35 seconds, with an expedited option of 2 minutes and 31 seconds. Its primary armament includes two size 4 CF447 Rhino guns, four size 3 Artor 3 missiles, eight size 2 Ignite 2 missiles, and four size 5 Stalker 5 torpedoes, capable of dealing nearly 100,000 damage if all hits connect.
The Gladiator is best suited as a support ship rather than a front-line heavy fighter. While it has a sturdy frame and decent damage output, it struggles in one-on-one PvP combat against more agile or heavily armed fighters like the F8, Hornet, or the new L21 Wolf. It features a manned turret with two size 3 CF337 Panthers, allowing for a co-pilot to add significant additional firepower. However, Even Lee suggests that players looking for a two-seat combat ship might prefer the Hurricane or Scorpius over the Gladiator due to better overall performance.
Defensively, the Gladiator comes with a size 2 shield generator providing a 4,740 bubble shield, which can be upgraded to around 6,500 with modifications. Its hull health has been improved from 25,370 to 34,800, making it tougher to destroy than before. The ship’s speed and maneuverability are moderate, with a top speed of 210 SCM and a 480 forward boost, but its pitch, yaw, and roll rates are relatively low, limiting its effectiveness in dogfights. This makes the Gladiator vulnerable in PvP scenarios unless the pilot is highly skilled or fighting larger, less nimble ships.
In PvE, the Gladiator shines as a versatile and fun ship capable of handling most missions with its torpedo and missile loadout. It can operate effectively solo, though having a turret gunner improves combat effectiveness and survivability. The ship also comes equipped with 96 flares and 5 decoys for missile defense, along with a respectable fuel capacity for hydrogen and quantum travel. However, it lacks amenities like a bed or extensive interior space, indicating it’s designed primarily for short combat sorties rather than long hauls.
Overall, Even Lee rates the Anvil Gladiator a 74 out of 100. While it is a capable and enjoyable ship for PvE and group PvP engagements, it requires more polish, including texture fixes, component upgrades, and a paint job, to truly shine. Solo PvP pilots should be cautious with the Gladiator due to its limited maneuverability and firepower compared to other fighters. The review concludes with a reminder to enter a giveaway and invites viewers to share their opinions on whether the Gladiator or the 85X should win the best in show.