In this Star Citizen 4.6 review, Even Lee examines the Crusader Ares Starfighter Ion and Inferno variants, highlighting their effectiveness against large ships due to heavy firepower, respectable defenses, and cargo capacity, while noting their limitations in speed and maneuverability. He rates both ships 86/100, recommending them for coordinated fleet attacks and anticipating future updates to further differentiate their roles.
In this Star Citizen 4.6 ship review, Even Lee presents an in-depth look at the Crusader Ares Starfighter Ion and Inferno variants. Both ships are designed primarily for attacking large vessels such as the Constellation, 600i, Carrack, or Idris. They share identical stats except for their main weapons: the Ion is equipped with a size 7 laser cannon delivering high burst damage, while the Inferno features a size 7 ballistic Gatling gun. Both weapons have relatively slow round speeds, making it challenging to hit smaller or distant targets, emphasizing their role in taking down bigger ships rather than engaging in dogfights with lighter fighters.
The ships come with a respectable shield and armor setup, including upgraded bubble shields and decent armor health that improve survivability. However, their maneuverability and speed are limited compared to other fighters in the same class, making them less effective in close-range combat or against nimble opponents. The Ion and Inferno excel in PvE scenarios, where their heavy firepower can quickly eliminate large targets. In PvP, they are best used in coordinated group attacks where their strengths can be maximized against capital ships, rather than solo engagements against smaller fighters.
Even Lee highlights the ships’ storage and weapon racks, noting the convenience of having 860,000 micro SCU of cargo space and multiple weapon slots for rifles and handguns. The cockpit offers excellent visibility and features four multifunction displays, although the power management system is somewhat inefficient with three coolers included by default. He recommends removing two coolers to optimize power usage and suggests potential upgrades to power plants and shields for enhanced performance or stealth capabilities.
A notable improvement in the Ion variant is the removal of the charge mechanic on its laser cannon, allowing for continuous damage output against large ships. Despite the similarities between the Ion and Inferno, the reviewer expresses some disappointment that the ships do not have more distinct differences beyond their primary weapons. He anticipates future updates will further differentiate their roles and capabilities. Currently, both ships are priced at $250 in the pledge store or 4.7 million AUEC in-game, with moderate claim times.
Overall, Even Lee rates both the Ion and Inferno highly, scoring them 86 out of 100, reflecting their growing identity and effectiveness in their intended roles. He encourages players to consider these ships for fleet engagements targeting large vessels and appreciates their recent upgrades. The review concludes with a shoutout to sponsors and a recommendation for Longship Industries for PC builds, underscoring the immersive and enjoyable experience these ships bring to Star Citizen gameplay.