The Gatac Sulin is a uniquely designed alien starter ship in Star Citizen that offers a fresh piloting experience with vertical takeoff and landing, decent PvE combat capabilities, and a richly detailed interior, though it suffers from some bugs and moderate performance limitations. Priced higher than typical starter ships, it balances its “alien tax” with good weaponry and features, earning an overall rating of 83/100 and anticipation for future additions to the alien ship lineup.
In this video, Even Lee provides an in-depth review of the Gatac Sulin, a starter ship in Star Citizen, highlighting its unique characteristics and gameplay experience. The Sulin stands out due to its alien Origin design, which affects its takeoff and landing mechanics—unlike most ships, it takes off and lands vertically by moving forward or backward rather than using traditional vertical controls. This can be disorienting for players familiar with other ships but offers a fresh piloting experience. Priced at $70 or 2,778,300 UEC in-game, the ship carries an “alien tax” but remains accessible for new players.
The ship is equipped with respectable weaponry, including three size three CF337 Panther laser repeaters and 12 size two Ignite 2 infrared missiles, though the reviewer suggests swapping the missiles for electromagnetic types and the lasers for ballistic weapons for better combat effectiveness. In terms of combat, the Sulin performs adequately in PvE scenarios, capable of handling smaller AI ships but is less suited for PvP due to its large frontal profile and moderate maneuverability, which places it awkwardly between heavy and light fighters. Its shield capacity improves from 3,960 in patch 4.6 to 5,400 in 4.7, but its armor is relatively weak, meaning it can be quickly damaged in prolonged fights.
The ship’s speed and maneuverability are decent, with a top SCM speed of 225 and a forward boost of 450, allowing for quick engagements and retreats. However, its pitch, yaw, and roll rates are average, making it less competitive in dogfights. Defensive countermeasures include 48 flares and 10 decoys, while fuel capacity is somewhat limited, especially its quantum fuel at only 1.1 SU, which is surprising given the ship’s interior space and alien design. Cargo capacity is modest, with up to 6 SCU carried externally in small boxes, limiting transport options and excluding ground vehicles.
Inside, the Gatac Sulin features a fully fleshed-out interior with a bed, seating area, bathroom with alien and human restrooms, and weapon racks for rifles, multi-tools, and handguns. The ship includes functional elements like shield generators, power components, and an elevator connecting different levels. However, the reviewer notes several bugs with interior buttons, such as difficulty closing doors and activating lights, which detract from the overall experience. The cockpit offers two multi-function displays and a radar, with the landing gear opening the ship’s front face during combat, exposing it further.
Overall, the Gatac Sulin is a solid starter ship with unique alien design features and decent combat capabilities, especially for PvE. Despite its higher price and some bugs, it offers a rich interior and good weapon options, making it a fun choice for new pilots. The reviewer rates it 83 out of 100, acknowledging its strengths and weaknesses while expressing excitement for the upcoming Gatac Rail, which promises to expand the alien ship lineup. The video closes with a shoutout to a PC builder sponsor and an invitation for viewers to share their thoughts on the ship.