In this review, Ean Lee praises the RSI Hermes as a versatile medium freighter with impressive cargo capacity, solid defenses, and effective weaponry, making it ideal for PvE and cargo running despite some maneuverability limitations. He highlights its user-friendly features like quick claim times, spacious cargo handling with tractor beams, and comfortable crew accommodations, ultimately rating it 94 out of 100.
In this Star Citizen ship review, Ean Lee takes an in-depth look at the RSI Hermes, a medium freighter priced at $200 to $220 on the pledge store, though not yet available for in-game purchase. He immediately expresses his enthusiasm for the ship, highlighting its quick claim times and solid combat capabilities. The Hermes is equipped with four size 4 CF447 Rhinos guns controlled by the pilot, delivering over 3,000 burst damage per second, or split between pilot and co-pilot if both seats are manned. It also features 16 size two infrared missiles, though Ean suggests swapping these for electromagnetic ones and recommends ballistics for the guns to maximize effectiveness.
The ship boasts a robust defensive setup with a 12,600 bubble shield from four size two generators, although only two seem to be effective currently. It has a strong armor rating with 21,000 HP and an overall health pool of 124,700 HP, providing good survivability. While its top speed is respectable, with 180 SCM and 1,200 NAS speeds, the Hermes suffers slightly in maneuverability, which is understandable given its size and cargo capacity. Ean points out that smaller vehicles like the ROC and Cyclone variants fit easily on board, but larger vehicles like the MTC or Ursa do not.
Cargo handling is one of the Hermes’ standout features. The ship offers a massive cargo space of 288 SCU in the back with 32 SCU containers and an easy-to-use tractor beam system that allows for efficient loading and unloading. Ean demonstrates how the tractor beam can be maneuvered to grab cargo from the rear ramp and pull it inside, making solo operation very manageable. The cargo area is spacious and well-designed, though it lacks some hoped-for features like drop-down floors or openable walls. The ship also includes ample fuel capacity and defensive countermeasures such as flares and decoys.
Inside, the Hermes is well-equipped for crew comfort and functionality. It features two exterior access points, a cockpit with component access, an engineering terminal, and multiple storage lockers. The layout is practical for solo or multi-crew operation, though Ean warns that the clustered component placement could be a vulnerability if targeted in combat. The ship also includes a kitchen, bathroom (with a humorous note about a broken toilet), beds that double as escape pods, and personal storage units, making it suitable for longer journeys.
Overall, Ean rates the RSI Hermes highly, giving it a 94 out of 100 for its combination of cargo capacity, decent speed, solid defenses, and ease of use. While it may not be ideal for PvP combat, it excels in PvE and cargo running, with a sleek design and practical features that make it a valuable addition to any player’s hangar. Ean encourages viewers to share their thoughts and concludes by recommending Longship Industries for PC builds, appreciating their quality and customer service.